Categories: Lifestyle

This historic Edwardian-era building was once the tallest in Edmonton

Photo via Shutterstock

Ready for a deep dive into some local history? The McLeod Building in downtown Edmonton happens to be a one-of-a-kind location in the city, and we’re here to dive into its fascinating origins.

One of Edmonton’s first skyscrapers

Once the tallest building in Edmonton and one of the city’s first skyscrapers, the nine-storey brick and terra-cotta building sits on the historic McLeod Block, dating back to 1913-1915. Its namesake, Kenneth McLeod, constructed the building after walking all the way from Winnipeg to Edmonton in 1881, becoming a public school trustee, and serving as a member of the first city council.

His financial success in building operations led him to seek to build Edmonton’s “greatest commercial structure,” according to the City of Edmonton. After seeing a Chicago-style building designed by John K. Dow in Spokane, Washington, he hired the architect to create a “virtual replica” of the building in Edmonton, according to Historical Walking Tours of Downtown Edmonton.

Today, he’s considered one of Edmonton’s early pioneers.

Photo via City of Edmonton

The heart of Edmonton’s commercial core

Built in the Chicago Commercial style, the building is valued for its landmark status, Edwardian-era architecture, and neo-classicism style. According to Canada’s Historic Places, the style was big in American cities in the early part of the 20th century.

“The McLeod Building is also significant because it represents the culmination of McLeod’s success as a construction contractor and real estate speculator.”

What’s more, it has been at the heart of Edmonton’s commercial core since the very beginning. Canada’s Historic Places explains that it used to be conveniently situated near the former downtown post office, courthouse, and city hall. During its early years, the building attracted doctors, lawyers, insurance and grain companies, and many other “prominent tenants.”

The City says the McLeod Building retained its prominence until the early 1960s when new office buildings began to attract the city’s elite.

So, while time has changed around the historic building, its story remains a testament to Edmonton’s hot start to the 20th century.

Stay tuned for more history deep dives to come!