![McLeod Building, Edmonton](/img/gd_attr/46013.jpg)
McLeod Building, Edmonton
The McLeod Building, a historic office edifice in Downtown Edmonton, stands as a testament to early 20th-century architectural ambition and style. Recognized for its historical significance, it was designated a Provincial Historic Resource on January 3, 1995. The building was conceived by Kenneth McLeod, a former Edmonton alderman, contractor, and real estate speculator, who ambitiously announced in 1912 that his building would be the tallest in the city, surpassing the height of the then-prominent Tegler Building by 25 feet (7.6 meters).
Designed by architect John K. Dow, the McLeod Building was modeled after the Paulsen Building in Spokane, Washington, which Dow had also designed. Construction commenced in 1913 and concluded in 1915, during a period of rapid urban growth and architectural evolution in Edmonton. Despite McLeod's claims, by the time the building was completed, the Alberta Legislature Building had already surpassed its height, reducing the impact of McLeod's initial boast. Nonetheless, the McLeod Building became a notable addition to Edmonton's skyline.
Architecturally, the McLeod Building is celebrated as Alberta's best remaining example of the Chicago School style for commercial buildings. This architectural style, characterized by its use of steel-frame construction, large windows, and minimal exterior ornamentation, was a precursor to modern skyscraper design. The building's robust and functional aesthetic, coupled with its historical context, makes it an important landmark in Edmonton's architectural heritage.
Designed by architect John K. Dow, the McLeod Building was modeled after the Paulsen Building in Spokane, Washington, which Dow had also designed. Construction commenced in 1913 and concluded in 1915, during a period of rapid urban growth and architectural evolution in Edmonton. Despite McLeod's claims, by the time the building was completed, the Alberta Legislature Building had already surpassed its height, reducing the impact of McLeod's initial boast. Nonetheless, the McLeod Building became a notable addition to Edmonton's skyline.
Architecturally, the McLeod Building is celebrated as Alberta's best remaining example of the Chicago School style for commercial buildings. This architectural style, characterized by its use of steel-frame construction, large windows, and minimal exterior ornamentation, was a precursor to modern skyscraper design. The building's robust and functional aesthetic, coupled with its historical context, makes it an important landmark in Edmonton's architectural heritage.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Edmonton. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
McLeod Building on Map
Sight Name: McLeod Building
Sight Location: Edmonton, Canada (See walking tours in Edmonton)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Edmonton, Canada (See walking tours in Edmonton)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Edmonton, Alberta
Create Your Own Walk in Edmonton
Creating your own self-guided walk in Edmonton is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Old Strathcona Walking Tour
Old Strathcona, located in south-central Edmonton, Alberta, is a historic and vibrant district. Once the commercial core of the separate city of Strathcona, it is now a major arts and entertainment hub frequented by residents and students from the nearby University of Alberta, making it a unique and essential part of Edmonton's identity.
The Strathcona Public Building and the iconic... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
The Strathcona Public Building and the iconic... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Edmonton Introduction Walking Tour
Nicknamed "Canada's Festival City" for its year-round slate of festivals, Edmonton – the capital city of Alberta province – is a cultural, governmental, and educational hub. It is also known as the "City of Champions," the moniker coined by the mayor of the city who praised the community's resilient response to F4 tornado that struck Edmonton in July 1987.
Fort... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Fort... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles