100 Years of Stories
The historic Hull Block: The living heartbeat of North Chinatown. Experience the legacy of a district built on resilience and community. Step inside to discover where our heritage meets a prosperous future.
A Century of Transformation
The Hull Block is more than just a building; it is a brick-and-mortar testament to the birth of Edmonton’s commercial spirit. Built in 1914 by William Roper Hull, an English-born nobleman and entrepreneur who arrived in Western Canada in 1873, this Edwardian masterpiece was designed to be the premier commercial anchor of the North district.
While the urban renewal waves of the 1970s saw many of Boyle Street’s historic structures fall to demolition, the Hull Block stood firm. Its resilient red-brick facade and distinctive sandstone sills remained constant as the neighbourhood evolved from a burgeoning merchant district into the high-energy "Soul Food" corridor of 97th Street.
In 2001, prominent Alberta anthropologist Bob Dawe recognized that the building was in a state of degeneration but held an irreplaceable vision for its revitalization. Driven by a mission to restore this historic treasure to its original prestige, Dawe collaborated with renowned Edmonton architect David Murray. Together, they ensured that no corners were cut—meticulously restoring the exterior masonry and outfitting the interior with high-end finishes that honour the building’s 1914 origins while providing a modern lifestyle hub for today’s residents and entrepreneurs.
The Hull Block is the active staging ground for the "Energizing a Prosperous Future" Strategy. It serves as the physical manifestation of Pillar 4 (Enhanced Built Form) and the operational heart of Pillar 5 (Governance and Leadership).
Strategic Catalyst:
As a "Catalyst Project," the building demonstrates how high-end residential spaces can coexist with vibrant commercial activity and community service. It provides a safe, welcoming environment that encourages foot traffic and private investment in North Chinatown.Volunteer Coordination:
From this site, we coordinate our most impactful street-level actions, including the monthly 200-bag litter target cleanups and the distribution of motion-activated lighting to neighbouring small businesses.Workshops & Collaborative Design:
The Hull Block is where the community gathers for design workshops and strategy revalidation sessions. It is a place of radical collaboration, where the City of Edmonton, social agencies, and business owners meet to build a safer, more vibrant district.
The centennial of the Hull Block is not merely a look at the past; it is a celebration of the resilience required to thrive for another 100 years. It remains the soul of 97th Street—a beacon of warmth, history, and prosperity in the heart of Edmonton.