Hotel MacDonald

• The hotel was built by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway (GTP) as part of a strategy to establish luxury railway-hotels in Canada’s west.

• Construction began around 1911 (some sources indicate September 1912) and it opened on July 5, 1915.

• The cost of construction and furnishings was about C$2.25 million at the time (equivalent to tens of millions today).

• It was designed by the architectural firm Ross & Macdonald (or Ross & MacFarlane in some sources), and built in the Châteauesque (“Canadian château”) style, often used for grand railway hotels in Canada.

• The building features materials and design cues to match that style: Indiana limestone façade, copper roofing, turrets/finials, steep dormers, turrets and a commanding view over the North Saskatchewan River valley.

Naming & Early Significance

• The hotel was named after Canada’s first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald.

• From its opening it became a social and architectural landmark in Edmonton: a place for high-end guests, rail travellers, and civic functions.

Mid-Century Changes

• In 1939, the hotel hosted a tour by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (The Queen Mother), leading to Edmonton’s first traffic jam as people lined up to see them.

• In 1953, to meet growing demand, a large 16-storey addition (about 292 rooms) was built next to the original building. However, its modern, boxy design contrasted sharply with the original Château style, and locals dubbed it “the Mac and the box it came in.”

Decline, Heritage Designation & Restoration

• By the early 1980s, the hotel had fallen into disrepair and the extra wing (the “box”) was seen as a misfit. In 1983 the hotel was closed.

• On January 8, 1985, the City of Edmonton designated the hotel as a Municipal Heritage Resource — the first building in the city to receive that designation.

• The historic value of the building was noted: its architecture, its role in Edmonton’s social life, and its landmark position overlooking the river valley.

• In 1988, Canadian Pacific Hotels purchased the property (through acquiring the chain) and launched a major restoration. It reopened in 1991, restored to much of its original grandeur while modernizing amenities.

Contemporary Era

• Today the hotel is managed by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and remains one of Edmonton’s premier luxury hotels, blending historic architecture with modern luxury.

• It continues to be a feature of Edmonton’s skyline and a venue for significant social, cultural and civic events.

Significance for Edmonton Real Estate & Heritage

Given your interest in real-estate and home-markets (especially in Edmonton), here are a few relevant points:

• The hotel’s prominence and heritage status have helped anchor the surrounding area’s prestige (river-valley view, downtown location).

• Heritage designation prevented demolition of the original structure and ensured restoration, which enhances the value of the locale’s architectural heritage.

• Such landmark buildings can influence nearby property values (views, heritage cachet, neighbourhood identity).

• For buyers/sellers, being near a landmark like the “Mac” can be a selling point: views, proximity to amenities (downtown, river valley parkland), plus often good walkability and cultural value.

• Conversely, heritage zones typically mean stricter regulations for development or changes — important for investors or developers considering the area.