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.