Historic Edmonton building could see date with the wrecking ball

From the outside, the A. Minchau Blacksmith Shop building isn’t much to look at. But for Edmonton history buffs, it’s still worth preserving.

“Some of the other popular buildings in this area… have very blue-collar roots,”  the Edmonton Heritage Council’s Alex Abboud said on Tuesday. “The farmers’ market building in Old Strathcona was a bus garage.”

Abboud and others are speaking out after learning the building’s owner has applied to demolish the structure.

“With each building we lose, we lose part of Edmonton’s heritage.”

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The A. Minchau Blacksmith Shop building dates back to 1925. Adolf Minchau became a prominent Strathcona business figure. He came to the area in 1907 from Russia.

The building is on the inventory of historic properties, but has no official designation.

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READ MORE: Century old Whyte Ave building designated historic site

Over the last several years, city staff looked for a compromise with the owner but nothing happened.

“We want to save more buildings,” Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson said.

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Edmonton’s mayor is aware of the possible future of the building, but notes local governments can’t do much.

During recent city charter discussions with the province, there was talk about more heritage preservation powers for Alberta’s two biggest cities.

“Unfortunately, those proposals didn’t go anywhere,” Iveson said. “They’re still sort of under long-term consideration.”

Meanwhile, in Old Strathcona, some point to the irony of the current situation.

“It’s… one of the most treasured and valued areas of the city, in large part because of its heritage,” Abboud said.

The building’s owner could not be reached for comment.

It’s unclear what’s planned for the site. Current zoning allows for a building up to 12 storeys.