McLeod Building
Built: 1915
Location: 10134–100 St.
Architecture style: Chicago Commercial
Historic tidbit: Local politician and businessman Kenneth McLeod hired an American architect to design his new building. Chicago’s architecture was world famous, as it pioneered the new technologies of steel-frame construction now found in modern skyscrapers.
Fun fact: This was Edmonton’s first skyscraper and, at 35 m (115 ft), was the tallest building in the area for many years.
The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
Built: 1915
Location: 10065–100 St.
Architecture style: Scottish Baronial/French Château
Historic tidbit: Originally a railway hotel for the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, The Mac was almost demolished in 1983 when it fell into disrepair; however, it was then designated as a Municipal Historic Resource, forever protecting its historic materials and features.
Fun fact: The luxury hotel has housed many dignitaries and celebrities, including Queen Elizabeth II, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Oprah Winfrey, Paul McCartney, and the Rolling Stones.
McKay Avenue School
Built: 1905
Location: 10425–99 Ave.
Architecture style: Richardsonian Romanesque
Historic tidbit: This was the third schoolhouse in Edmonton, and held the first two sessions of the Alberta Legislature. It was here that Edmonton was declared the provincial capital and the University of Alberta was founded. The building now houses the Edmonton Public Schools Archives and Museum.
Fun fact: During an expansion in 1912, a construction worker died after falling from the roof. Odd, unexplained occurrences have led some to believe that his ghost now roams the building.
