The iron and steel that the 107-year-old Edmonton Iron Works building provided once drove the economy, helping Edmonton grow.
Located on the east side of 96 Street and north of 104 Avenue, the turn-of-the-century building has an incredibly rich history.
It started back in 1903. A group of Edmonton businessmen organized the new Edmonton Iron Works company, led by James K. Cornwall. Cornwall played a major role in opening Edmonton and northern Alberta to development.
From 1903 to 1908, the new building expanded immensely. Worth about $35,000 in 1908, it employed 25 men to maintain the foundry operations. In May of 1908, Edmonton’s growth had placed such demand on the building that the new and larger facility was constructed at the corner of Kinistino Avenue (now 96 Street). The building permit for the new structure was issued in 1909, and the new foundry opened later that year.
Today, the building sits abandoned. After the owners went into receivership it was put into the care of financial trustees, who want to have it demolished.
City Council, however, has other ideas. They have issued a notice to give the building historic designation—against the will of the owners.
Councillor Scott McKeen told CTV Edmonton it comes down to changing attitudes towards historic buildings. McKeen offered a few ideas as to how to turn the building into something the public can use, such as a new restaurant or retail building.
“For some, it might seem like it’s unrecoverable,” said Erin McDonald from the Edmonton Historical Board. “In the instance of this particular site we do think it has enough structural and historic integrity that it’s worth preserving.”
The City told CTV, the ultimate decision–may lie in the hands of the court.
With files from Michel Boyer
