French REIT Icade has unveiled plans to invest some EUR 300 mln in the full redevelopment of the former Descartes tower at the La Défense business district in Paris.

The 140-metre high scheme, renamed EQHO, was initially built in 1988 as the European headquarters of US technology corporation IBM. It provides some 80,000 m2 of office space over 40 storeys as well as 1,100 parking spaces.

Caisse des Dépôts' property arm Icade said it is aiming for HQE Rénovation, Breeam Very Good and BBC Rénovation green certificates. Delivery of the project is planned for mid-2013.