A 696-unit student housing development has received development permit approval in downtown Edmonton, with the project located a short distance from MacEwan University’s downtown campus.
Faction Projects Inc. said its client’s student housing project has received approval for the full multi-phase development. The company said Phase 1 is now being advanced toward building permit submission, with construction anticipated to begin in summer 2026.
The project is planned for properties at 10609 104 Avenue NW and 10616 103 Avenue NW, on the block around 103 and 104 avenues and 106 Street.
Those addresses are also identified in the City of Edmonton’s zoning documents for the Massey-Harris-Ferguson site.
696 Units Across Four Buildings
The approved development calls for four residential buildings containing a total of 696 dwelling units.
The buildings are planned as six-storey structures, with a shared underground parkade. The project is being developed as purpose-built student housing, according to Faction’s announcement.
The development is planned in multiple phases rather than being built as a single stage.
Faction said its project team is currently advancing the first phase toward the building permit process. The company has said construction is anticipated to begin in summer 2026.
A completion date for the entire development has not been announced by Faction in the primary source reviewed for this article.
Historic Massey-Harris-Ferguson Building Included
The project site includes the historic Massey-Harris-Ferguson building.
City of Edmonton zoning documents identify the properties at 10616 103 Avenue NW and 10609 104 Avenue NW and include requirements concerning the incorporation and retention of historic elements of the Massey-Harris-Ferguson building.
The City's zoning provisions require retention of key character-defining elements of the historic south, east and west facades, including pressed red brick, historic window details, the flagpole, canopy and storefront glazing.
The approved development is therefore not simply a new residential project on a vacant site. Its design must incorporate the historic building elements under the site's existing development controls.
Close to MacEwan University
MacEwan University’s City Centre Campus is located at 10700 104 Avenue NW in downtown Edmonton. The university has been working with developers and property owners on housing options for students near campus.
MacEwan previously announced an off-campus housing pilot with Qualico Properties and Maclab Development Group, describing partnerships with developers as part of its approach to expanding housing options for students.
The university has also stated that its existing student residence has 846 beds and was at capacity when the university outlined its housing strategy in June 2025.
The newly approved 696-unit development is separate from that earlier pilot program.
What Happens Next
Development permit approval does not mean all construction has been completed or that the units are available to rent.
Faction said the first phase is being advanced toward building permit submission. The company also said construction is anticipated to begin in summer 2026.
The project remains a planned development at this stage, with the 696 units forming part of a multi-phase build.
The City’s existing zoning provisions for the site establish development requirements covering building form, parking, landscaping, pedestrian areas, heritage elements and other aspects of the project.
For students at MacEwan University and other nearby post-secondary institutions, the development represents a substantial planned addition to housing in the downtown area. The exact rental rates, leasing process and move-in date for the new units have not been announced in the primary sources reviewed.
What Is Confirmed
696 residential units are planned.
The project consists of four residential buildings.
A development permit has been approved for the full multi-phase project.
The development is being advanced as purpose-built student housing.
The project is located at 10609 104 Avenue NW and 10616 103 Avenue NW.
The development includes a shared underground parkade.
The project incorporates the historic Massey-Harris-Ferguson site and is subject to heritage-related requirements.
Phase 1 is being advanced toward building permit submission.
Faction says construction is anticipated to begin in summer 2026.
The project is not yet an operating student residence, and no rental rates or public move-in date have been announced in the primary sources reviewed.
Sources
City of Edmonton zoning document for 10616 103 Avenue NW and 10609 104 Avenue NW
https://webdocs.edmonton.ca/zoningbylaw/DC1/Downtown/Massey-Harris-Ferguson_Building/17377
Faction Projects Inc.
https://www.factionprojects.com/.well-known/sgcaptcha/
MacEwan University off-campus housing information
https://www.macewan.ca/campus-life/housing/off-campus-housing/
MacEwan University student housing pilot announcement
https://www.macewan.ca/campus-life/news/2025/06/announcement-student-housing-25/index.html
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