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A perfect example of the International Style of architecture, the CN Tower in Edmonton is up for rezoning. The 26-storey tower on 100 Street NW at 104 Avenue NW was designed by Abugov and Sunderland Architects and provided office space for the Canadian National Railway Company. Though CN has since vacated the property, their branding still remains on the tower's crown.
When the tower was completed in 1966 at a height of 111 metres, it became the tallest building in Canada west of Toronto. Its white vertical precast strips and contrasting dark glazing combine to create an aesthetic fitting the rectilinear expression of International Style architecture. As CN was a Crown Corporation — regulated by the government — the site was required to operate under the 'Alternative Jurisdiction Zone' designation. Ownership of the site has since swapped to private interests, with Calgary-based Strategic Group hoping to rezone the property to the 'Core Commercial Arts Zone' classification. Doing so would bring the zoning in line with the rest of the neighbourhood, opening up a host of possible new uses for the site including retail, entertainment, and residential.
The application for the zoning amendment notes that the proposed rezoning aligns with the goals defined in the Commercial Cultural Core Neighbourhood of the Capital City Downtown Plan. The Plan encourages intensification, mixed-use development, and "the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings." The CN Tower is currently listed on the Inventory of Historic Resources, which opens the door for designation as a Municipal Historic Resource. If that designation is pursued and achieved, not only will the building be protected from demolition, it ensures "inappropriate changes cannot occur, and any alterations must be sympathetic or in character with the original structure."
Edmonton's Sustainable Development department has recommended approval of the rezoning in advance of a June 13th Council meeting, based on its ability to "provide additional re-development opportunities for an existing office building." The slight curve to the facade, its overhanging three-storey parking podium, and its impressive height instantly made the building an Edmonton landmark. It was one of the pioneering highrise developments in the city, paving the way for Edmonton's modern skyline of steel, concrete, and glass. Any proposed changes to the facade will likely trigger worry from heritage preservationists, especially at a time when Modernist buildings are increasingly being lost to new developments.
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