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EDMONTON - The vacant Federal Building, one of downtown Edmonton's architectural landmarks, is getting a $356-million makeover, the government announced today.

The building anchors the northeast corner of the legislature grounds. It has been vacant since 1989, but by 2011 its art-deco lobby will echo with the footsteps of about 830 government workers.

"It does my heart good to see something like this is not being knocked down and replaced with something shiny and new," Infrastructure Minister Jack Hayden said. "This is a wonderful building, and it's going to be a great environment for people to work in."

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A sunburst design, made of copper, hangs over Minister Hayden and his colleagues at a news conference in the Federal Building's lobby.

Ed Kaiser/Edmonton Journal

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In October, the province announced a study on the future of the building, which opened its doors in 1958. The pricey redesign was necessary because it was cheaper than knocking the building down and starting again, Hayden said.

"To put it simply, it just makes sense."

The refurbished building will be part of the redesigned legislature grounds. Hayden said the government is starting a consultation process for revamping the grounds, which they are hoping to have finished before the legislature's 100th anniversary in 2012.

Liberal Hugh MacDonald was pleased with the news. He commended Hayden and the government for finally committing to fixing the old building.

"This is a good day for the city of Edmonton," MacDonald said. "It took awhile, but to renovate and redesign this building is a step in the right direction."

The redesign will include $200-million to revamp the building and $156 million to build 650 underground parking stalls and a new landscaped plaza between the Federal Building and the nearby Bowker Building.

amclean@thejournal.canwest.com

© Edmonton Journal 2008

COMMENTS ON THIS STORY

Add Your Comment

Lesley Gordon

Wed, Jun 18, 08 at 03:14 PM

I am thrilled this building is finally going to be used, now hopefully they will tear down the ugly green Legislative Annex.

Rob M.

Wed, Jun 18, 08 at 04:09 PM

Great news for both the Federal Building and Legislative grounds! Congrats Edmonton, the federal building is a jewel - not many like it in western Canada.

Michael Filyk

Wed, Jun 18, 08 at 04:20 PM

Sounds great. As soon as the Federal Building is open and ready for use let's tear down the terrace building and the legislature annex. Then we can create an urban parkland with unobstructed views of the legislature.

How Much?

Wed, Jun 18, 08 at 05:09 PM

Above article says 200 million...the other paper says 356 million....how much is it really costing?

Rob

Wed, Jun 18, 08 at 06:04 PM

In response to "How Much?" ... you have to remember we are talking about the government here. It will cost $500 Million before it's done. But... that said I think it's a good idea.

Karen Unland

Wed, Jun 18, 08 at 06:21 PM

Thanks for the sharp eyes, "How Much?" The first version of this story left out the $156 million for the parkade and plaza. The story has now been updated. Karen Unland, editor, edmontonjournal.com

Richard L. Provencher

Wed, Jun 18, 08 at 10:25 PM

Great news for Edmonton! Our daughter and family live out there, a lovely and friendly city. Cheers from Truro, Nova Scotia.

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