Edmonton’s 113-year-old Iron Works Building is undergoing a $21-million renovation with an eye to being a new downtown hub by 2024.

The historic industrial building was constructed in 1909 on 96th Street, north of 104th Avenue.

“This place was primarily a manufacturer of iron and some steel; they also specialized in brass here,” said David Johnston, principal heritage planner with the City of Edmonton.

Iron, steel and brass were all building materials needed in a construction boom. Edmonton’s population was growing in leaps and bounds in the early years of the 20th century: from 2,200 in 1899 to 23,000 in 1909 — and 60,000 by 1919.

Surrounded by scaffolding — and Clark Builders construction workers — on the foundry floor, Johnston said the Iron Works Building is amazing, and an important part of the city’s history.

The story goes that a couple of brothers, entrepreneurs James and Thomas Cornwall, started Edmonton Iron Works in 1903, not far from where the Alberta Legislature currently stands.

“James was known as ‘Peace River Jim,’ a fairly famous local character who was really involved in getting northern Alberta open for development,” said Johnston.

But the pair soon realized they needed a bigger facility to keep up with the surge in demand.

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