McLeod Building

Location: Edmonton, AB
Year: 2006
Status: Completed
Awards:
• Cornerstone Awards for Building Heritage Adaptive Re-Use & Rehabilitation (2013)
• Prairie Design Awards | Award of Merit - Heritage Restoration/Conservation (2006)

The McLeod Building — one of the most significant historic buildings in downtown Edmonton — is listed on the “A” list of the City Register of Historic Buildings. The former office building now houses 88 elegant condominium apartments and retail commercial space on the first floor.

The original architectural features were carefully restored. Exterior terra cotta was repaired, including the replication of missing columns, and metal storefront on the ground floor was installed in keeping with the original designs. Original window frames were retained with sealed units replacing the original glass.

Years of damage from well-meaning but misguided efforts at modernizing the building interior have been removed to uncover the authentic architectural beauty, most notably in the lobby and the corridors. All original doors were dismantled and reconstructed, using the original oak, to meet modern building codes. Original door hardware with the distinctive initials, MCL, was re-installed.

This building is the most outstanding example of Chicago School architecture in Edmonton.