The Edwardian style Strathcona Public Building is an important landmark along Whyte Avenue, one of Edmonton's most popular streets.
This two storey brick building, with a prominent clock tower at the northeast corner, is located at an important intersection in the historic Old Strathcona District. The classically inspired building is divided into five bays. It also utilizes a steel frame that is covered in red brick with limestone ornamentation. Typical of Edwardian buildings during this time, the emphasis is on lighter stone work with exaggerated detailing over the arches. Although simple in design there are prominent columns around the doorways and corners of the building.
The Strathcona Public Building was constructed between 1911 and 1913 during a massive building boom in the Edmonton area. The building represented the significance of the emerging urban centre of Edmonton as it amalgamated with the City of Strathcona. Designed by David Ewart, the Chief Architect of the Canadian Department of Public Works, the building originally served as a post office and federal office building. Currently it remains an important part of the community, providing unique space for local restaurants and bars.