The Structures

Learn about some of Edmonton's iconic and historic buildings!

Buildings come in different sizes and shapes, and can be made from a variety of materials. Buildings are where we live, work and play. People have been erecting structures in the Edmonton area for thousands of years, starting with the indigenous people who have long called this area home. The earliest building remaining in Edmonton is the Peter Erasmus House, built in the 1860s and now located at Fort Edmonton Park.

Over the past 150 years residential, commercial and industrial structures have been erected, added to, torn down and rebuilt. As time passed methods and styles went in and out of fashion, and the primary function of some neighbourhoods changed, while new neighbourhoods were developed. The result is a many-layered built landscape composed of hundreds of thousands of buildings representing multiple architectural styles. This website provides the opportunity to explore the city's built heritage by profiling the history and architecture of well-known and lesser-known buildings in Edmonton.

Showing 1 - 12 of 185 Structures
Detail of Safeway store from 2005, showing specific architectural features.

97 Street Safeway

Built: 1929•Commercial

In 1929, a new cash-and-carry grocery chain from the western United States arrived in Edmonton, bringing with it this Spanish Revival storefront.

Exterior view of the Agency Building, circa 1972.

Agency Building

Built: 1912•Commercial•Demolished

This long, narrow building owed its shape to the high cost of land during Edmonton's first real estate boom.

Soldier in front of Alberta College South Veteran's Hospital, circa 1917.

Alberta College South Veteran's Hospital

Educational
Exterior view of the Alberta Hotel, taken circa 1907.

Alberta Hotel

Built: 1903•Residential•Demolished

The Alberta Hotel provided the last word in luxury in the early years of the twentieth century.

Exterior view of the Legislature Building, circa 1912.

Alberta Legislature Building

Built: 1913•Governmental

Among the most iconic buildings in Edmonton is the Legislature, which overlooks the river valley and is the seat of power for the provincial government.

Interior view of the Alberta Legislature Chamber showcasing architectural details, taken in 1948.

Alberta Legislature Chamber

Governmental
Interior view of the Allen Theatre, showing seating and stage area from 1919.

Allen Theatre

Commercial
Exterior view of Argyll Substation in Edmonton.

Argyll Substation (500)

Built: 1957•Industrial and Manufacturing

This electrical substation was built at a time of expansion in the city's residential and industrial areas, and expansion with city-owned utilities.

Exterior view of the entrance to Arlington Apartments.

Arlington Apartments

Built: 1909•Residential•Demolished

Edmonton's first luxury apartment building.

Armstrong Block, 1920

Armstrong Block

Built: 1912•Commercial

The Armstrong Block is the only remaining heritage building specifically constructed for mixed use in Edmonton's downtown.

Exterior view of the Ash Residence, circa 1920, showcasing its architecture.

Ash Residence

Built: 1912•Residential

The Ash Residence is a 1912 Foursquare home with Craftsman influences.

Pembina Hall, 2007, front entry detail. Photo by Lawrence Herzog. Courtesy of COE Sustainable Development.

Athabasca, Assiniboia and Pembina Halls

NaNNaNEducational

These three Collegiate Gothic buildings are an important fixture on the University of Alberta campus.