7-11, whisky bar, going into renovated Jasper Ave. building

A downtown building that is currently undergoing a facelift will soon be the home of a 7-11 convenience store and a whisky bar.

The Confederation Building, located at Jasper Avenue and 104th Street, is owned by Jaffer Developments.

Alim Somji, the company's general manager of real estate development, says the locally-owned bar will be low-key with an atmosphere similar to the Sugar Bowl Restaurant and Red Star Pub.

As for the 7-11, while it may differ from the trendy, independent businesses on 104th Street, Somji believes it will add value to downtown Edmonton.

"(The) 7-11 will bring traffic and I think the one thing for Edmonton to grow in the downtown core, as a whole, traffic is necessary," he said.

Somji says the prospect of the new downtown arena is making many people take a serious look at the area.

A number of businesses including a tavern, coffee bar and florists shop will open soon in the Mercer Warehouse, now under renovation two blocks north of the Jaffer building. 

The owners of those businesses are also hoping to take advantage of increased traffic from the arena.