Strathcona Fire Hall Number 1

Originally known as Strathcona Fire Hall Number 1, this building is the last remaining example of a pre-First World War fire hall in Edmonton. It was designed by Arthur G. Wilson and David E. Herrald and built by contractor James M. Eaton at a cost of $15,000. At the time of construction, it was described as unusually commodious. Built of brick with stone quoins, cornices, and a concrete floor, it also had a parapet that was demolished later. Three main doors decorated by radiating stone voussoirs dominate the front of the building. Its bell tower measures 11 sq. ft. and rises to a height of 77 ft., allowing fire hoses to be properly racked. In the original design, the second storey contained the fire chief's office and bedroom, along with five bedrooms and a band room that occupied almost half of that floor. After amalgamation with Edmonton in 1912, Fire Hall Number 1 became Fire Hall Number 6 and remained in service until 1954. The building was then leased to Strathcona Furniture for 20 years before becoming the home of Walterdale Theatre in 1974. In 1976, it was designated a Provincial Historic Resource and was also placed on Edmonton's A list of Registered Historic Resources.

Alberta · Canada