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In the course of our daily reporting, we often uncover unusual projects, places, or connections that don't make the final cut. Instead of keeping it to ourselves, we're pleased to share our Architrivia.
A companion to the more modern low-rise across the road, the four-storey Birks Building at the northeast corner of 104 Street NW and Jasper Avenue possesses a similar curved front facade. Designed by Montreal architects Nobbs and Hyde with the local expertise of Cecil Burgess, the building is a paradigmatic example of early Modern classicism.
Birks Jewllery established numerous locations in major cities across Canada after its founding in Montreal in 1879. Built at a cost of $350,000, Henry Birks and Sons opened their Edmonton store in November 1929, and following the company's nationwide protocol, reserved much of the upper floor office space for medical and dental practices. The building was consequently designed in tandem with local medical professionals, and its owners maintained long-lasting leases with doctors and dentists.
Following the natural progression of the city, CJCA Radio would take over the fourth floor in 1934. Mounted atop the corner of the building and oriented towards the intersection was a large 'Flying Tiger' sign, sporting a mobile tail and glasses. The quirky decoration would become a neighbourhood icon until the station vacated the property in 1973.
Today, the retail frontage is occupied by Eye Care Group, while the top floors continue serving as office space. The building's white and beige bricks, green and white Tennessee marble, and cantilevered cornice all contribute towards the architectural significance of the structure and its place as a recognizable landmark in the historic Warehouse District. Edmonton and Montreal are the only two cities in Canada that have protected their original Birks buildings — Vancouver's was infamously demolished despite pleas from the community to save the ornate highrise.
Do you have building trivia to share? Join the conversation in the Architrivia Tipline thread in our Forum.
