Gibbard Block Rehabilitation

With this Edmonton landmark being a Municipal Historic Resource and listed on the Alberta Register of Historic Places, the team carefully followed the “Standards and Guidelines of Historic Places in Canada” during the rehabilitation. Project goals included integrating changes only when necessary, along with significant masonry restoration to retain the original 1912 character and design intent, essentially removing the effects of the last century.

The existing condition of the building was poor, with layers of renovations altering much of the structure and storefronts. The restoration honours the original geometry of the storefronts, while stripping away the elements that had reduced connection to the street and sunlight.

The primary focus of the masonry work was restoring the exterior façade, such as creating replica column capitals, and the replacement of 2,220 bricks on the main floor after removing dated tile used to cover the original Redcliff historical bricks (see before and after photos). Where required, Interstate Terracotta Smooth Modular bricks were used to match the existing historical bricks. The structural repair of five arches, restoration of 10 concrete sills, and the replacement of 400 SF of bricks behind the main floor awnings was also included.

The unique features of this rehabilitated century brick building aren’t merely contributors to the fabric of the Highlands neigbourhood, they define it.

More at https://www.nextarchitecture.ca/work/gibbard-block