Like many Modernist towers that erupted in the downtown core throughout the 1970s, ATB Place — formerly Telus Plaza — was built on a site that had previously been occupied by something else. In this case, it happened to replace one of Edmonton's finest examples of Neoclassical architecture, the Edmonton Public Library.

The old Edmonton Public Library, image via City of Edmonton Archives EA-10-635

Though the Edmonton Public Library Board was established in 1909 to purchase the MacDonald Drive property and build a centralized library on the site — a highly desirable location steps from Hotel Macdonald — a lack of funding meant that the building wouldn't be completed until 1923. It was only when the Carnegie Corporation, an American philanthropic society, bestowed a $112,500 grant on the project, that construction became viable. Up until that point, the library's collections had been spread across several buildings throughout the city, including the Chisholm Block at Jasper Avenue and 104 Street, the Roberts Block at 102 Street and 102 Avenue, and the Civic Block at 99 Street and 102 Avenue.

Edmonton Public Library in 1924, image via City of Edmonton Archives EA-0-1

Designed by local architects H.A. Magoon and G.H. MacDonald, the building's cream-coloured brick, Bedford stone, Doric columns, and red tile roof gave the institution a stately appearance. The words "FREE TO ALL," etched into the stone above the entrance, captured the library's unwavering embrace. The ground floor, mainly used for storage and staff, was generally off limits to the public. It was the upper storey that served as the main public area, with large windows and a skylight bathing the space in natural light, and terrazzo and marble staircases accompanied by oak flooring. For easy surveillance of both floors, the mezzanine level accommodated the Assistant Librarian's office.

ATB Place now stands on the former library site, image retrieved from Google Street View

One of the few public spaces on the main floor was the children's library, which expanded its footprint in 1962 when an additional structure was built on the front of the existing structure. While it filled the library's need for more space, the stark architectural contrast between the Neoclassical building and its modern appendage was derided in newspaper editorials.

The opening of the Centennial Library (Stanley A. Milner Library) in 1967 signalled the end of the historic building, which was subsequently sold to Alberta Government Telephones and demolished a year later. The two-tower ATB Place complex now occupies the property, with little visual reference to the significant structure it succeeded.

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