{"id":8050,"date":"2025-01-29T10:24:05","date_gmt":"2025-01-29T16:24:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edmonton-future.com\/?p=8050"},"modified":"2025-03-06T10:47:43","modified_gmt":"2025-03-06T16:47:43","slug":"architecture-of-the-fairmont-macdonald-hotel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edmonton-future.com\/en\/eternal-8050-architecture-of-the-fairmont-macdonald-hotel","title":{"rendered":"Architecture of the Fairmont Macdonald Hotel"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Edmonton is a large city with numerous hotels catering to every taste. This was also true in the 20th century. Some of the city&#8217;s hotels gained recognition for their exceptional architecture, hospitality, and style, attracting prominent guests from around the world. One such establishment was the <strong>Fairmont Macdonald<\/strong>, which we will explore in this article on <a href=\"https:\/\/edmonton-future.com\/\">edmonton-future<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_68_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a0d23f4042df\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a0d23f4042df\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/edmonton-future.com\/en\/eternal-8050-architecture-of-the-fairmont-macdonald-hotel\/#The_History_of_Its_Construction\" title=\"The History of Its Construction\">The History of Its Construction<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/edmonton-future.com\/en\/eternal-8050-architecture-of-the-fairmont-macdonald-hotel\/#More_About_the_Hotels_Architecture\" title=\"More About the Hotel\u2019s Architecture\">More About the Hotel\u2019s Architecture<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edmonton-future.com\/en\/eternal-8050-architecture-of-the-fairmont-macdonald-hotel\/#Guests_of_the_Fairmont_Macdonald\" title=\"Guests of the Fairmont Macdonald\">Guests of the Fairmont Macdonald<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edmonton-future.com\/en\/eternal-8050-architecture-of-the-fairmont-macdonald-hotel\/#Closure_and_Reopening_of_the_Hotel\" title=\"Closure and Reopening of the Hotel\">Closure and Reopening of the Hotel<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_History_of_Its_Construction\"><\/span><strong>The History of Its Construction<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-future.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/03\/ad_4nxcy_pbwqmgia_51tuxpw9skguhbwczqqbboq0g6_5rqmcaad1-9w2da16xty1h4ecgbj702z5mrooxp2r8ts6zqkq_yj-u1dtjtuxrs2ujb0ip1ddh_sryvhsmsu3ezj7hkx2_fkeymatpxdiyuvvdt_33reutn9rp.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Fairmont Macdonald<\/strong>, locally known as &#8220;The Mac,&#8221; has been a landmark since its grand opening in July 1915. This iconic hotel set a high standard for hospitality in Alberta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The idea for the hotel was conceived by the <strong>Grand Trunk Pacific Railway<\/strong>, which aimed to capitalize on the growing travel industry in Edmonton at the beginning of the 20th century. At the time, a series of railway hotels were being constructed across Canada, each becoming an important architectural landmark. To bring their vision to life, the company enlisted the renowned architectural firm <strong>Ross and MacFarlane<\/strong>, which oversaw the project from start to finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The seven-story hotel was designed in the <strong>Ch\u00e2teauesque<\/strong> style, built using <strong>local limestone and copper roofing<\/strong>. The construction took four years and cost <strong>$2.25 million CAD<\/strong>. Today, the building is valued at approximately <strong>$35 million CAD<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The hotel was named in honor of <strong>Sir John A. Macdonald<\/strong>, Canada\u2019s first Prime Minister. Upon opening, it quickly became Edmonton\u2019s premier hotel, attracting guests from around the world. Its immense popularity led to an expansion in 1953, when a <strong>16-story annex with 292 rooms<\/strong> was added. However, since the annex\u2019s design did not complement the original building, it was eventually demolished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"More_About_the_Hotels_Architecture\"><\/span><strong>More About the Hotel\u2019s Architecture<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-future.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/03\/ad_4nxe0yguh5bnckmp-ouwqug-a7ydo6qetn-8jv63udq1j9eghrtco4qwdkofthgh_aancjdy1b-kthymnedyxwlwoqyp_al8b_kujpbbouztqipexhslb0iv53_yl5gy8mmewg3b1kakeymatpxdiyuvvdt_33reutn9rp.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1911, <strong>Grand Trunk Pacific Railway<\/strong> announced plans to build the hotel. As mentioned earlier, they hired <strong>Ross and MacFarlane<\/strong>, a top architectural firm. Initially, architects <strong>George Ross<\/strong> and <strong>David MacFarlane<\/strong> led the project, but five years later, <strong>Robert Macdonald<\/strong> took over MacFarlane\u2019s role. The <strong>Ross and Macdonald<\/strong> duo was responsible for designing many of Canada\u2019s most beautiful railway hotels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The architectural vision for the <strong>Fairmont Macdonald<\/strong> was to embody the grandeur of <strong>French Renaissance ch\u00e2teaux<\/strong>, featuring <strong>diagonal entrances, turrets, and majestic arches<\/strong>. The L-shaped foundation is adorned with <strong>balustrades, balconies, brackets, and cornices<\/strong>. The main portico includes <strong>two pilasters, five arches, and four columns<\/strong>. Additionally, the facade displays <strong>the crests of four Western Canadian provinces<\/strong>. While the architecture is impressive, the hotel\u2019s most striking feature is its <strong>copper roof<\/strong>, which captures everyone\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmonton-future.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/03\/ad_4nxftgnkyxddrg_9thtji5j5ej9_gyoquprujn98o-w7syng-fanzdbq-lekzucalgqp_o4y000magvpmyi4_vmz6pxuvyf0ymdw2rst1u34tmhgthm6bfddngsznxiat32b0szmkuwkeymatpxdiyuvvdt_33reutn9rp.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Inside, the hotel boasts several stunning elements. The <strong>Imperial Ballroom<\/strong>, a grand space available for events, features magnificent <strong>bas-reliefs<\/strong>. These artworks had been hidden beneath a suspended ceiling and were rediscovered during renovations in the 1980s. The ceiling of the <strong>Imperial Ballroom<\/strong> stands <strong>approximately 6.4 meters (21 feet) high<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Guests_of_the_Fairmont_Macdonald\"><\/span><strong>Guests of the Fairmont Macdonald<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In <strong>1939<\/strong>, Edmonton witnessed its first major traffic jam as <strong>200,000 residents<\/strong> gathered to catch a glimpse of <strong>King George VI and Queen Elizabeth<\/strong>, who were visiting the city. The royal couple stayed at the <strong>Fairmont Macdonald<\/strong>. In honor of the Queen Mother, the hotel named its most luxurious suite after her. The <strong>Queen Elizabeth Suite<\/strong> includes a <strong>foyer, dining room, pantry, two bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and a spacious living room<\/strong>. The suite is accessible only via a <strong>private elevator<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other distinguished guests include <strong>Queen Elizabeth II, 42nd U.S. President Bill Clinton<\/strong>, and many more prominent figures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Closure_and_Reopening_of_the_Hotel\"><\/span><strong>Closure and Reopening of the Hotel<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, in <strong>1983<\/strong>, the hotel was forced to close due to neglect. However, in <strong>1985<\/strong>, the <strong>City of Edmonton<\/strong> intervened to save it from demolition, designating the <strong>Fairmont Macdonald<\/strong> as a <strong>municipal heritage site<\/strong>. This marked the first time a building in the city received such recognition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In <strong>1988<\/strong>, the hotel was acquired by <strong>Canadian Pacific Hotels<\/strong>, which invested millions in its restoration and revival. The <strong>Fairmont Macdonald<\/strong> reopened in <strong>1991<\/strong>, featuring a blend of <strong>modern amenities and historic elegance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The restoration transformed <strong>former attic spaces<\/strong> into <strong>luxury suites<\/strong>, offering breathtaking views of the <strong>river valley and Edmonton skyline<\/strong>. Today, the hotel boasts <strong>198 rooms<\/strong> spread throughout the building. In addition to the <strong>Queen Elizabeth Suite<\/strong> and the <strong>George VI Suite<\/strong>, the hotel also features a <strong>Winston Churchill Suite<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Guests can enjoy various amenities, including <strong>squash courts, aerobics studios, an advanced security system, and the renowned restaurant &#8220;The Harvest Room&#8221;<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since <strong>2017<\/strong>, the <strong>Fairmont Macdonald<\/strong> has been a proud member of <strong>Historic Hotels Worldwide<\/strong>.The <strong>Fairmont Macdonald<\/strong> is a grand historic hotel in the heart of Edmonton and is regarded as one of Canada\u2019s finest railway hotels. Its stunning <strong>architecture, luxurious interiors, and rich history<\/strong> allow visitors to experience the grandeur of the <strong>French Renaissance<\/strong> right in Alberta.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Edmonton is a large city with numerous hotels catering to every taste. This was also true in the 20th century. Some of the city&#8217;s hotels gained recognition for their exceptional architecture, hospitality, and style, attracting prominent guests from around the world. One such establishment was the Fairmont Macdonald, which we will explore in this article [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":510,"featured_media":7758,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1118],"tags":[2788,2798,3819,3821,3822,3818,3817,3823],"motype":[1121],"moformat":[],"moimportance":[3061,30,33],"class_list":{"0":"post-8050","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-architecture","8":"tag-edmonton-architecture","9":"tag-edmonton-history","10":"tag-fairmont-macdonald-3","11":"tag-hospitality","12":"tag-hotel-macdonald","13":"tag-hotels","14":"tag-railway-hotels-canada","15":"tag-revival-style","16":"motype-eternal","17":"moimportance-vichni","18":"moimportance-golovna-novyna","19":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatory"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8050","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/510"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8050"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8050\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8060,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8050\/revisions\/8060"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7758"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8050"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8050"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8050"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=8050"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=8050"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=8050"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}