A couple of years ago I took some photos of the lovely LaMarchand Mansion on 100th Avenue in Edmonton.
At the time I promised myself that I would take a look inside one day, and today was that day. I had a few minutes to spare before an appointment nearby and so I went in and had a look around. There are businesses operating out of the west side of the building, so there is public access.
Here are the hallways with stained glass windows and architecturally appropriate wall sconces.
Off to the side of the first floor hallway is a lovely little lounge with a stained glass ceiling to match the windows in the hallway. It also has a copper hood to the fireplace and etched glass in the doors.
What I love the most, though, are the little cosy reading rooms tucked into the corners.
Here is the plaque which describes the history of the building.
So, thank you, Rene LaMarchand for this building, and thank you to A.M. Calderon for its design.
Snowbird of Paradise 
Very nice!
It is! And it is well-maintained, too.
Wow, is it still apartments too? What a romantic sort of place to call home. Much more appealing than the new things going up in SJ. For example, check out Miro San Jose if curious.
I believe that there are apartments in other sections of the building, but I will check.
I just looked at pictures of Miro San Jose and see two very tall high-rises of steel and glass. You will be getting news reports about dead birds soon after the building is complete.
I know that high rise buildings can house more people cost-effectively than low-rise buildings, but they do lack a sense of proportion when surrounded by smaller buildings.
You got it Anne…a definite bird killer. Ridiculous rents and right across from City Hall (great neighborhood? I think not). Sigh.
Let me know next time you are in the area. I live across the street. We can have coffee/tea on our balcony.
Really?! Thank you so much, Susan. I will do that.
These are beautiful, and what a magnificent old building. I’m curious, did you have to get permission to take photos?
I ask because I have been pulled up in the past for taking shots inside certain building / premises.
I was only in the areas open to the public, and I didn’t even think about asking permission! Maybe I should have. I did see a cleaner and a man doing some maintenance work but they didn’t indicate that I was out of line at all.
Afterthought: About 15 years ago I was taking pictures inside a shopping mall and a security guard stopped me. He said it was not allowed for security reasons. I don’t really understand why, though.
It was not something I gave a moment’s thought to either, until a burly security guard confronted me in a shopping mall!
Private Property, y’see?
Probably thought I was going to sell my world beating photos to a rival company or flog them to the Soviets … no hold on, I’m not that old… Russians? 🙂
I suppose the fact that it is private property makes some sort of sense, except that it is used by the general public so I am still baffled.
Me too. *Shrug*
It was later I noticed a sign on the entrance that indicated no photos allowed.
I should have taken a photo of that but … you know … I wasn’t allowed.
Haha!
I did see a sign telling me that I was under video surveillance, but that didn’t bother me because that is everywhere. Perhaps they can photograph me but I can’t photograph them.
Perhaps we should also pull tongues at the cameras? That’ll show, em, hey?
Miserable lot!
No, just smile and wave. 🙂