PARIS— Ivanhoé Cambridge's two-tower Tours DUOoffice project has gotten a construction permit from Paris CityHall. The Montreal-based real estate subsidiary of theCaisse de dépôt et placement du Québec isdeveloper and sole investor in the JeanNouvel-designed project; Hines isassociate developer.

“Both because they are the work of one of France's greatestliving architects and because they meet a well-thought-out andconcerted urban vision, the Tours DUO will add their mark to Paris'status, which makes us very proud,” saysIvanhoé Cambridge EVPMeka Brunel. “Through this achievement, the ToursDUO will become a top business real estate destination in thecapital.”
Located alongside railway tracks in Paris' 13th arrondissement,Tours DUO is part of the redevelopment of a former industrial areawithin the ZAC Paris Rive Gauche master plan. Ivanhoé likens it totwo other projects it has undertaken in partnership with Hines:River Point in Chicago and Bay Park Centre in Toronto, both alsobuilt over railway tracks.

The two towers, which measure 590 feet and 400 feet in height,are expected to be ready in 2020, says Ivanhoé. They arealready more than 50% pre-leased.