The Victoria Tower Opens in Brussels’ Northern Quarter

After two years of construction, the Victoria Tower, formerly known as the IBM Tower, re-opened under its new name in Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, Belgium, The Brussels Times reports. Refurbishment efforts were led by Brussels-based architectural firm 51N4E, using locally sourced building materials. The building relies on solar power instead of fossil fuels and received BREEAM certification. Originally the Belgian headquarters (HQ) of IBM, the 22-story tower is now home to the new HQ of WPP media group, the country’s first branch of The Hoxton hotel chain, workspaces, two restaurants and a rooftop bar. Authorities hope the opening will usher in a new era for the Northern Quarter, and a campaign will soon be launched to improve the neighborhood’s reputation.