Iron Works Building Rehabilitation Project

Project Update - Spring 2024

Phase 1 of the Iron Works Building Rehabilitation Project is nearing completion. Phase 2 construction has started. Unexpected site conditions resulted in increased hazardous materials abatement and remediation work, delaying the project completion. 

The work planned for Phase 3 has been reduced due to increased costs during Phase 2. Construction is anticipated to be completed in December 2024. The project will be completed to a base building scope, allowing future tenants to change the space to meet their needs or uses.

Project Overview

The Edmonton Iron Works Building (10419 96 Street) is a complex of attached buildings of various types and ages, with the original building dating back to 1909.

Rehabilitation of this historic building is necessary to bring the building up to current building codes, while preserving its historical significance and ensuring the building remains a safe, sustainable and enjoyable space for all. 

The Iron Works Building Rehabilitation Project is a $26.38 million project which involves hazardous materials abatement and remediation work, replacing the building’s roof structure, upgrading structural foundations, replacing mechanical, electrical and life safety systems, rebuilding exterior walls and completing historical restoration to the building’s exterior and interior. 

This rehabilitation project is taking place in 3 phases. Phase 1 consists of hazardous materials abatement, building envelope rehabilitation and stabilization as well as roof replacement. Phase 2 consists of building design and construction.

The Phase 3 scope of work, which was to prepare the space for tenant use, has been reduced in order to accommodate the additional costs incurred during Phase 2. At the end of the project, the Iron Works Building exterior will be complete and the inside of the building will be ready for future tenant improvements, as needed.

As it used to be part of the main foundry building, the west building elevation represents the majority of the building’s historic appeal. This portion of the building is being taken apart to address existing conditions which threaten the building’s stability. To protect the building’s heritage, the project is preserving the building’s existing brick to rebuild the outside walls of the west elevation. The restoration work also includes the replacement of all windows with identical copies to preserve historical integrity.

All work on the Iron Works Building is following historical conservation methods and best practices, with the goal of having the building designated a municipal historic resource once the rehabilitation project is complete.

The rehabilitation of the Iron Works Building is a key part of the City’s vision for The Quarters Downtown. As part of Phase III of the Boyle Renaissance development, the building will be the heart of the new Iron Works Complex.