Boyle Street and Gibson Block, Edmonton

Boyle Street is a historic neighborhood, located immediately east of the downtown core. Named after lawyer John Robert Boyle, the area holds the distinction of being one of Edmonton's oldest parts. Originally, Boyle Street served as the city's downtown before the current downtown area developed on land sold by the Hudson's Bay Company. This neighborhood has a rich history, reflected in its dense concentration of old buildings and heritage sites.

During the 1970s, many buildings in Boyle Street were demolished as the city undertook efforts to remove derelict housing and redevelop the area. However, several structures survived this wave of destruction, largely due to their Edwardian architectural styles or heritage designations. Among these, the Gibson Block stands out as a distinctive municipal historic resource.

The Gibson Block is a rare example of a commercial building modeled after the 1902 prototype of a flatiron building, known for its triangular shape. This architectural style, originating in New York, was popular in North American cities before World War One as a practical solution for utilizing oddly-shaped parcels of real estate. Developed by William Gibson, it is also notable for its incorporation of Chicago-style architectural elements. This includes the vertical emphasis of pilasters and windows contrasted with horizontal motifs in continuous glass shop fronts and cornices.

Originally, the Gibson Block housed retail space on its first floor, offices on the upper floors, and even a Turkish Baths in the basement. However, in 1914, the upper floors were converted to apartments, reflecting the evolving needs and dynamics of the city's population.