Sketching History: Strathcona Neighbourhood

The Old Strathcona Provincial Historic Area was designated in 2007 and covers approximately five city blocks from 85 Avenue south to 80 Avenue and from 102 Street west to 106 Street. Early construction was wood-frame such as with the Strathcona Hotel and the Orange Hall. Due to the devastation of many prairie communities by fire, in 1902 the Town Council passed a bylaw mandating the construction of non-wood buildings, many of which were then built of brick.

The heritage value of the Old Strathcona Provincial Historic Area lies in the pre-World War I commercial and social development of one of Alberta's most significant early communities. Its architectural richness and the integrity of its historic buildings is unlike most other areas of Edmonton.

Just south of the North Saskatchewan River, the Strathcona Train Station (also known as South Side CPR Station, Old C and E Station, and the South Edmonton Station) has remained a city landmark for over a century. It is just one of four remaining stations in early 20th century grand railway station design in Alberta, including Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and Red Deer.

Constructed between 1907 and 1908, the brick, sandstone and timber structure is a blend of the architectural styles of Queen Anne, Scottish and French-Chateau, and Classical and Renaissance Revival. The building includes an asymmetrical octagonal tower, a broad hipped, bell-cast roof and large, surrounding overhang to protect waiting passengers. 

Constructed between 1911 and 1913, the two storey brick South Edmonton Post Office also served as the Strathcona Public Building, housing the offices of the Customs and Inland Revenue Bureau. It is an example of the shift away from the Romanesque Revival style toward the Edwardian Classical Free style design and exterior decoration of federal public buildings. It was designed by David Ewart, the Chief Architect of the Canadian Department of Public Works.

Early settler and realtor Robert McKernan built the Dominion Hotel, also known as Dominion Apartments, in 1903. At the time it was the most ornate building on Whyte Avenue. The three-storey brick structure’s facade consists of three tiers of elaborate Chinoiserie style decorated wooden balconies supported by ornate wooden pillars, and topped by a distinctive Victorian styled green cupola.

Originally the hotel had 33 rooms, a spacious lobby, several public parlours, a beer parlour and dining facilities on the ground floor. It was during the prohibition years that the upper floors were converted into rental apartments and sleeping rooms, and the street level area was utilized by retail outlets.