Edmonton Federal Building

GBCA was part of a team retained by the Alberta government to redevelop the 1950s Edmonton Federal Building into a modern office space for provincial staff. The building is included on the Register of Historic Resources in Edmonton and GBCA provided strategies that would preserve the heritage features while successfully meeting the needs of the client.

This landmark building was designed by architect George Heath MacDonald—an architect credited for being one of the designers to introduce the Modern Movement to Edmonton. The stripped classical Tyndall limestone building, with its rectangular massing, flat roof and limited decorative motifs, also boasts a lavish Art Deco style lobby, complete with original light fixtures and marble finishes.

Beginning with a condition review, GBCA provided preservation and development strategies, based on the philosophy of minimum intervention. Restoration specifications for the Tyndall limestone veneer were prepared using the original Gilles Quarries shop drawings. A life-cycle analysis was prepared for the over 1000 existing double-hung wood windows and salvage schedules were designed for interior heritage features, such as original metal doors and terrazzo flooring.

Once complete, the renovated 10-storey, 33,000 square metre building will be integrated within the Alberta Legislative Precinct through means of a new landscaped plaza.

The announcement of the project can be found at:
http://www.canadianarchitect.com/issues/ISarticle.asp?aid=1000085466&PC=
and
http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/story.html?id=ca2e079d-f0b3-40b5-8e5e-f9d99b39411f