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Edwardian

The Edwardian style was popular in Edmonton in the first decades of the 20th century and was most commonly seen in commercial buildings.

Originating in England during the reign of King Edward VII from 1901 to 1910, this architectural style was popular in Edmonton before the First World War. Edwardian buildings are grand and robustly modeled and have rich surface decoration. Favorite motifs include: cupolas or towers, imposing domes whose supports may be decorated with large ornamental brackets, and open balustrades with round headed and broken pediments. As the style advanced, reaction against the extremely rich elements resulted in a taste for stripped classicism, which was less ornate. In Edmonton, the Edwardian style was used almost exclusively for public and commercial buildings.

Characteristics

Brick construction
Stone trims and accents
Exterior painted signs on non-residential buildings
Use of parapets and pediments
Pressed-metal cornices that extend the full width of the building

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