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One of Edmonton's most highly anticipated projects came online late last year when the Enbridge Centre opened its doors to tenants. Not only did the development install a glossy new office tower in the downtown core, but it faithfully restored the historic facades of the Kelly and Ramsey buildings that had previously occupied the site. The massive complex wasn't completely without its casualties though; the streetscape along 101 Street NW now looks markedly different, sans a deceptively inconspicuous building that had received a makeover of its own in past years.
In 1911, real estate speculators Almer Moser and Ernest Ryder built a four-storey brick and stone office and apartment block at 10169-101 Street, filling an acute demand for modern office and living space in the booming city. First floor retailers included Hardisty Drug Store and House of Hobberlin Tailors, while the upper storeys held 26 furnished suites and offices.
The symmetrical Edwardian structure designed by architect James Henderson featured numerous keystones, rusticated pilasters, a dentilled cornice, and a balustrade parapet. It was praised by the Edmonton Journal, who declared its "point of convenience, good taste in exterior design and the embodiment of every modern feature (made it) one of the most popular buildings in the city."
A group of Calgary investors acquired the property in 1929, coinciding with clothing store Walk-Rite's rental of the storefront. Walk-Rite would purchase the whole block following a stubborn fire in 1944, which largely ruined the facade of the building. Adopting the prevailing architectural trends, the structure was refaced with an Art Deco exterior of precast concrete and glass.
Renovations were then carried out by new owner 1st City Trust Co. in 1986, giving the building a streamlined Moderne look. Multi-storey glass windows within chrome frames were paired with a strong geometry of vertical lines, while the interior was outfitted with marble, brass, and chrome detailing.
The Moser and Ryder Block was demolished to make way for the construction of the Enbridge Centre. Today, a glass-enclosed pedway stretches from the site to Manulife Place across the street.
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