A young city, Edmonton’s historic structures are still relatively new, and they are complimented with the more creative structures found around town. Here are 5 of my favourite Edmonton buildings. What are yours? I’d love to hear!

1. AGA – It’s grand re-opening was January 31, 2010 and the new Art Gallery of Alberta (formerly the Edmonton Art Gallery) is an 85,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility and a premiere presentation venue. Designed by Randall Stout Architects, Inc. of Los Angeles, the building is in itself a work of art and has created a buzz while we each interprate it’s design in our own way. Located in the heart of Edmonton’s Arts District on Sir Winston Churchill Square, the gallery secures Edmonton’s reputation as a world class city and centre for visual art.

2. Telus World of Science – Renowned for its striking and innovative buildings, Douglas J. Cardinal Architects Ltd. was appointed to design the science centre and bring it to life. For 25 years, children of all ages have enjoyed a positive science and technology destination in our City that inspires and motivates people to learn and discover. See the sky from a new vantage point in the observatory, catch a film in the IMAX theatre, or buy an "at home"experiment in the gift shop. Whether you have an hour or an afternoon, you will leave with an expanded mind!

3. Muttart Conservatory – The conservatory, designed by architect Peter Hemingway, is composed of four glassed pyramids built around a central service core, and is sure to catch your eye as you approach Edmonton’s lush river valley. The four pyramids of the Muttart shimmer in the sun and are home to thousands of species of plants, both domestic and exotic. Three of the structures have individual climates (arid, tropical, and temperate), while the fourth offers a changing theme. Visitors may recognize the glass and metal pyramids as bearing a striking resemblance to the four that sit outside the Louvre, Paris’ premier art gallery and museum.

4. Hotel MacDonald – The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald (affectionately called "The Mac" by Edmontonians) was built in 1912 by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway and was designed in the Château-style characterized by 16th century French castles. It is named after Canada’s first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, and is laced with Indiana limestone and roofed with copper. Today, it is popular for weddings and is frequented by Edmontonians in search of a celebrity sighting!

5. Alberta Legislature – Built from 1907 to 1912 in the Beaux Arts styles of architects Allan Merrick Jeffers and Richard Blakey, the province’s foremost historic structure is set amidst beautiful gardens and water displays. Inside and out, the Legislature offers a rich experience in exploring Alberta’s past and present as the focal point of the province’s democratic process. Alberta’s premier architectural attraction overlooks Edmonton’s river valley and is steps away from the heart of downtown Edmonton.

There are too many beautiful and unique buildings in Edmonton to detail them all at once, but I look forward to hearing your favourites to add to my next blog on our most spectacular structures! In the mean time, if you or someone you know is looking for a new vantage point from which to call home, I look forward to hearing from you! Also, become a fan of our new Facebook page at www.facebook.com/EdmontonRealty

Sarah Dulmage, Realtor

Re/Max Real Estate

Cell: (780) 934-8514

www.Knock-Knock.ca