Edmonton is home to a wealth of structures defined by their unique character and deep historical roots. One such standout is the Gibbard Block—a landmark with a vibrant past and a distinctive silhouette that remains a cornerstone of the city’s architectural heritage. This building continues to capture the imagination of locals and tourists alike. For a closer look at the history and unique features of the Gibbard Block, visit edmonton-future.com.
Building a Legend: The History of the Gibbard Block in Highlands
The Gibbard Block is a three-storey, multi-use building designed in the Edwardian style with subtle Neoclassical flourishes. Nestled in the heart of the Highlands neighbourhood, its story began in 1912 when the Magrath-Holgate development company broke ground. While the area was originally intended for exclusive luxury estates, the arrival of the streetcar line along Knox Avenue (now 112th Avenue) opened the door for more diverse and profitable ventures.
Magrath-Holgate envisioned a business and residential hub that would draw middle- and working-class residents to what was then an affluent suburb. The goal was to strengthen the neighbourhood’s sustainability without compromising its residential charm. This strategy was well-founded; as historian Ken Tingley notes, the pre-war boom created a massive demand for housing, making apartment living a vital part of Edmonton’s real estate landscape, as proven by the success of the Westminster and Arlington Apartments.
The developers found their primary investor in William Thomas Gibbard, a furniture merchant from Greater Napanee, Ontario. Gibbard was a colourful character but a cautious investor—hardly a typical land speculator. He agreed to provide one-third of the estimated $30,000 construction cost under one condition: he would own the naming rights. Magrath-Holgate agreed, despite shouldering the bulk of the expenses. Notably, Gibbard’s investment was motivated by family; his daughter lived in the area, and he wanted only the best for her.
Construction officially launched in October 1912. At the time, the Edmonton Journal remarked that the city’s north end was finally catching the eyes of the business community. The new block on the Bellevue Addition was expected to spark rapid growth, thanks to the tram line passing right by the site and its proximity to the Swift Canadian meatpacking plant, which promised to drive development in this part of the city.
Edwardian Elegance Meets Neoclassical Charm
Architecturally, the Gibbard Block is a textbook example of Edmonton’s pre-war Edwardian commercial style. It was brought to life by Ernest Morehouse, a renowned local architect who also designed the prestigious Magrath Mansion and Holgate Residence. Built using high-quality pressed brick from Redcliff, Alberta, the building stood out for its refined exterior and luxurious interior finishes. It featured 11 apartments (ranging from one to five rooms) and three storefronts, all outfitted with modern luxuries like electric lighting and telephones—a rarity for the era. The ground floor housed community staples like the Belleview Meat Market and Highlands Cash Grocery. Its early tenants included professionals such as:
- James Allardyce of F.S. Lawrence & Co.
- Gillespie G. Dunlop of Gariepy.
- James Fulton, an accountant with Jasper Brokers Ltd.
Over time, the block became a popular home for local workers, particularly those in the meatpacking trade. However, as author Jacques Macdonald noted, the project was financially troubled. Some records suggest construction costs ballooned to $90,000, likely due to the 1912 inflationary boom and the high cost of importing materials and skilled labour to what was then the city’s rural fringe.
When the market eventually crashed, Highlands failed to become the exclusive enclave the developers had hoped for. Many lots remained unsold, and properties were foreclosed upon. After William Gibbard passed away in 1920, his interest in the property was seized. Following a complex legal battle in 1926, Queen’s University in Kingston gained ownership, holding the property until 1945.
From Decay to Renaissance: A Second Act for a Historic Gem
By the early 1970s, the Gibbard Block had transitioned into a modest rooming house for transients. Despite its neglected facade, its charm caught the eye of Ernest Ender, an Austrian immigrant with a vision. In 1979, he opened La Bohème, a traditional French restaurant, on the ground floor. Ender poured every cent he earned back into the building. Six years later, he finally realized his dream of buying the entire property, subsequently spending $80,000 on restoration. This marked the building’s turning point, as it once again became a profitable and cherished community hub. For 40 years, the restaurant and its upstairs bed-and-breakfast were synonymous with the Highlands experience.
Like many historic buildings, the Gibbard Block has its share of ghost stories, though most are more fiction than fact. The most persistent urban legend involves a Great Depression-era murder. As the story goes, a jealous caretaker murdered his wife in a third-floor bedroom, dragged her to the basement, and burned the remains in the coal boiler. While the tale claims bone fragments were later found, leading to a conviction, there is no historical evidence to support this dark folklore.
Modern Revitalization: The Gibbard Block’s New Chapter
Major changes arrived in 2018 when La Bohème and its boutique hotel closed their doors. Owners Mike and Connie Como sold the historic site to Sparrow Capital and Black Box Hospitality. Together with the City of Edmonton, the new owners invested over $4 million into a comprehensive restoration. This was funded in part by a highly successful Kickstarter campaign and municipal heritage grants. Today, the Gibbard Block is buzzing once again, housing new local favourites like Fox Burger, a craft beer and burger joint, and June’s Delicatessen, a European-style deli famous for its bagels and pastrami.
For the Highlands and Beverly Heights communities, the Gibbard Block is far more than a relic; it is living proof that the past can thrive alongside the present. Through changing hands and decades of evolution, this architectural treasure remains a vital piece of Edmonton’s identity, continuing to enchant all who walk through its doors.