The McLeod Block is a historic nine-storey landmark in the heart of downtown Edmonton, widely considered one of the city’s most significant architectural treasures. This iconic structure stands out for its unique design, storied past, and the pivotal role it played in the evolution of Edmonton’s business core. For over a century, the McLeod Block has remained a cornerstone of the city’s heritage, continuing to fascinate locals and tourists alike. Discover more about its history and architectural significance at edmonton-future.com.
Kenneth Archibald McLeod: From Lone Wanderer to Edmonton Powerhouse
In 1881, 23-year-old Kenneth Archibald McLeod arrived in Edmonton with a story for the ages. Having set out from Winnipeg, he didn’t arrive by horse or train; he walked the entire way. For 93 days, he trekked alone through the vast, sparsely populated North-West Territories, spurred by news that a transcontinental railway would soon cross the region. When he finally reached the frontier settlement—then home to just 400 people—he had exactly 35 cents in his pocket.
By 1912, McLeod had transformed into one of Edmonton’s most respected figures. He served two terms on City Council and built a thriving construction and real estate empire. On June 25, the ambitious entrepreneur announced his plan to build the tallest building in Edmonton. McLeod spared no expense, aiming for perfection. The Edmonton Bulletin reported that the structure would feature the latest in fireproof technology, utilizing a concrete-clad steel frame. To maximize safety and modernity, the design used minimal wood, opting for metal window frames and three state-of-the-art elevators. The building was also equipped with a high-pressure steam heating system.
The Chicago School Style and the Design of the McLeod Block
Before breaking ground, McLeod toured several major cities to consult with experts on modern construction. In Spokane, he was struck by the work of architect John Kennedy Dow. Impressed by Dow’s designs, McLeod commissioned him to create a nearly identical building in Edmonton, bringing on Olsen & Johnston Contractors for the project.
Dow’s design was rooted in the Chicago School style, echoing the influential work of Louis Sullivan. This aesthetic emerged from new commercial building techniques in urban centers like Chicago during the late 19th century. Its most striking feature is the grid-like arrangement of windows and wall surfaces. The facade was traditionally divided into three parts: a base for large storefronts, a central shaft of office floors, and an “attic” section topped with a massive cornice.
The McLeod Block opened to tenants in late 1914, though construction officially wrapped up in early 1915. Towering 35 metres above the sidewalk, it stood seven metres taller than its rival, the Tegler Building. The project cost McLeod roughly $600,000—a fortune at the time. Its prime location near the post office, courthouse, and City Hall made it a magnet for professionals, including doctors, lawyers, and insurance agents.
Notable interior and exterior features:
- Exquisite terrazzo flooring in the corridors.
- Marble wall panelling and an ornamental ceiling in the main lobby.
- Solid oak doors and window casings throughout.
Regarding the exterior:
- A prominent corner location facing City Hall and Edmonton’s main square.
- Impressive scale, massing, and Edwardian-era Chicago School styling.
- A classic tripartite facade division.
A Brush with the Wrecking Ball: Saving an Edmonton Icon
Kenneth McLeod sold the building and retired in 1929; he passed away on July 27, 1940. Over the years, the building’s prestige shifted. In 1953, it lost its title as Edmonton’s tallest building following the completion of the Hotel Macdonald addition. By the 1960s, a boom in modern office space diminished its status as a “premium” business address. After cycling through several owners, it was purchased by Oxford Development, which applied for a demolition permit in 1980 to clear the site for a new project.
Public outcry followed. The Edmonton Journal noted the building was being labelled “inefficient,” while the Planning Department struggled to find legal grounds to block the demolition based solely on heritage value. After months of heated debate and pressure from the Archives and Landmarks Society of Edmonton, a breakthrough occurred. The provincial government stepped in, purchasing the McLeod Block and the neighbouring Canadian Permanent Building for $4.8 million. For years, the building served various roles, including artist studios, until architect Gene Dub purchased the property in 1995. This purchase finally secured its designation as a Provincial Historic Resource.
Restoration and Rebirth: New Life for the McLeod Block
Dub’s vision was to transform the office building into an 88-unit residential complex. In 2001, as work began, the building was granted Municipal Historic Resource status, supported by a $548,000 city restoration grant. The restoration was meticulous: every oak door was individually refinished, and the original monogrammed “McL” brass doorknobs were polished to a shine. Crumbling exterior columns were recreated, terrazzo floors were revitalized, and damaged terra cotta tiles were sent abroad for custom replication.
The project was completed in 2004, marking a double victory for Edmonton: the preservation of a masterpiece and the revitalization of the downtown core. In Gene Dub, Kenneth McLeod found a successor capable of bringing his grand vision into the 21st century. It is a poetic irony that, nearly a century later, McLeod’s legacy helped restore the “heart and soul” of the city he once walked across the country to find. Today, the building continues to stand as a testament to Edmonton’s architectural beauty.