The magnificent building in front of you was built between 1909-1911 by French businessman René LeMarchand. This Beaux-Arts style masterpiece was designed by architect Calderon .
René LeMarchand had come in 1905 to join his brother Alphonse, an Oblate who was a priest at nearby St. Joachim Parish. Armed with a shipment of luxury goods from France, including a collection of razors he had inherited, LeMarchand opened a high-end store on Jasper Street in Edmonton. In addition to his business, René also invested in real estate and shipping.
Thanks to his entrepreneurial success, he had the funds to build LeMarchand Manor. This elegant H-shaped brick structure features a large, recessed entrance with imposing columns and contrasting horizontal bands of stone and brick.
Elegant wrought iron balconies and keystones direct the eye to the double relief elements that preside over the heart of the mansion. It is a very bright building, as René wanted each apartment to have windows to the outside.
This first luxury apartment building in Edmonton contained the very first elevator and used an on-site coal degasser for cooking and heating. Tenants enjoyed marble floors, dumbwaiters, electric lighting, and even a mail chute.
The manor was owned by René LeMarchand until his death in 1921, and then by his wife until 1949. After changing hands several times, this heritage building has undergone major renovations and is now home to offices and businesses.