Landmark Building
BIRKS BUILDING
10123 – 104 Street, Edmonton
Designed By: Nobbs and Hyde
Built in 1929
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The Birks Building was designed by Nobbs and Hyde, an architectural firm of national significance. Percy Nobbs, who collaborated with Cecil Burgess on the Birks Building, also designed the original master plan for the University of Alberta. Details such as the cornice indicate a link with past styles, but the streamlined appearance and curved corner places the Birks Building firmly on the road to the Moderne Style of architecture. “A distinct compliment to the structural and architectural dignity of this city” according to The Edmonton Journal, the Birks Building attracted 5,000 people to its grand opening in 1929. Costing about $350,000 to build, it was a marvel of rich materials and modern technology. Two storeys were originally planned, but when it became apparent that there was a demand for offices with such features as a built-in compressed air system (meant specifically for medical practices), another two were added on top. Only one other Birks Building of this type exists in Canada – in Montreal.
The Landmark Buildings and Places Database draws on the series of walking and/or driving tour booklets produced by Alberta Culture (now Alberta Culture and Community Spirit). The Heritage Community Foundation gratefully acknowledges the support of the Ministry through permission to reprint these materials online. Extracted from Historical Walking Tours of Downtown, 2004, Centennial edition of the brochure. Planning and Development Department, City of Edmonton, and Alberta Community Development., 2004, with permission from Alberta Culture and Community Spirit. Visit the Alberta Culture and Community Spirit for more information.