At long last, after years of speculation, the grand reveal for The MacLaren's recreated heritage facade has been completed, the 1912 Buena Vista Building reborn for life in the 21st century. Faithfully reconstructed using a mix of traditional and traditional-adjacent materials and methods, the heritage facsimile is truly a triumph, a sign of what can be done with the help of a little imagination and consideration for the past. 

The MacLaren, heritage facade unveiled, image by Forum contributor chrisvazquez7

Unveiled earlier this month, the facsimile heritage facade is by all appearances as faithful a recreation as could be hoped for save - of course - for either a full restoration or rebuilding effort. Most recently known as the Glenora Bed & Breakfast Inn, and the Buena Vista Apartments/Building long before that, the redbrick Edwardian facade has been recreated with an exceptional level of attention to detail, right down to every brick, lentil, and cornice. 

The MacLaren, "Buena Vista Building (1912)," image by Forum contributor chrisvazquez7

The use of mottled red brick, stone, cement, and other traditional materials has only added to the overall effectiveness of the facsimile, the double-hung sash windows, cornice work, and bas-relief signage serving to top it off. Down at street level, the facsimile facade blends nicely into the streetscape, returning a sense of history to the corner as the century-old commercial block reclaims its rightful place. 

The MacLaren, podium and tower, image by Forum contributor chrisvazquez7

Forming the anchor to the 27-storey, 240-unit The MacLaren, the heritage component works well as a counterbalance to the steel and glass exterior of the tower. Once complete, the heritage facade will house a sizeable retail component, complete with a cafe and shop. 

SkyriseEdmonton will be sure to return to this project as progress continues. For more information, check out the associated Database file and Forum thread, and as always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.