Renewing Our Identity through
Iconic Architecture.
We are bookending the district with landmarks that signal permanence and prestige. From the \$8.7M Harbin Gate project to the meticulous restoration of 97 Street’s historic lanterns, we are creating a visually cohesive urban interface that honors our past while building for the next century.
CTC Storytelling Centre
Located within the historic 1914 Hull Block, our centre serves as the physical and digital repository for the narratives that define Edmonton’s Chinatown.
Built in 1914, the Hull Block has stood for over a century as a silent witness to the district's evolution. Once a hub for early commercial trade, it now serves as the headquarters for the CTC Society.
Construction completed; Edwardian anchor.
Hull Block selected as CTC Headquarters.
Digital City Archive deployment.
Preserving ancestral stories from district elders.
The meeting point for all Dragon Food Tours.
Epicentre of our heritage holiday programming.
100% of proceeds fund storytelling resources and archival equipment.
The Harbin Gate
Construction Pulse
The Harbin Gate is the defining architectural punctuation of our district. As an \$8.7 million catalytic flagship project, it signals the return of Edmonton’s most iconic cultural anchor to the southern gateway.
Anatomy of an Icon
A meticulous restoration of the original 1987 components. This face honors our ancestral friendship with Harbin, China, featuring traditional masonry and refurbished Stone Lions.
A modern interpretation reflecting Edmonton’s evolving cultural resilience. This side integrates public art installations that acknowledge our shared Indigenous history.
The 98 Street Profile
Defining the future of the district’s secondary commercial artery. We are developing mixed-use streetscaping scenarios that balance high-density residential growth with authentic retail vibrancy.
Mixed-Use Streetscaping
Unlike the pure retail focus of 97 Street, the 98 Street Profile prioritizes a live-work-play balance. Our scenarios include wide pedestrian boulevards designed to support patio culture and ground-floor commercial activity.
Cohesive Identity
Strategic Action 15.2 mandates that 98 Street is not developed in isolation. We are extending the "Living Archive" design themes—from decorative lanterns to pavement motifs—to ensure a seamless transition between cores.
The 97 St Bridge
2030 Vision
Moving beyond tactical improvements to a permanent architectural solution. We are defining the long-term structural identity of the district’s most vital connector.
Architectural Integration
Strategic Action 16.2 mandates a permanent structural design for the rail bridge. Our vision replaces the "interim" feel with a world-class gateway that utilizes integrated lighting, modern masonry, and cultural motifs to unify the streetscape.
Strategic Connector
This project is the definitive hinge between the North and South cores. A permanent solution addresses long-standing pedestrian safety, sound mitigation, and lighting gaps, turning a historical barrier into a high-prestige corridor.
Revitalisation Projects
Beyond the Harbin Gate, we are performing deep-tissue surgery on the district’s infrastructure to improve safety, accessibility, and destination appeal.
Mary Burlie Park Concept
Transforming a static green space into a programmable community hub. This redevelopment concept focuses on flexible infrastructure and inclusive design to enhance natural surveillance and community safety.
- Safety-first design logic (CPTED)
- Multi-purpose event power access
- Inclusive landscape architecture
97 Street Mainstreet Design
The district's primary commercial artery is being reimagined as a thematic corridor. We are integrating cultural identity directly into the pavement to bolster nighttime vibrancy and pedestrian confidence.
- Decorative pavement prints & motifs
- Secondary power for street poles
- Cohesive mainstreet visual themes
Wayfinding & Visual Identity
Ensuring Chinatown is easy to navigate, explore, and remember. We are aligning traditional motifs with modern directional logic to create a cohesive district experience.
Lantern Restorations
Revitalising the iconic decorative lanterns along the 97 Street corridor. This project restores nighttime vibrancy and reinforces the district's unique cultural boundary through **illuminated heritage**.
- 97 St corridor refurbishment
- Energy-efficient LED upgrades
- Restoration of authentic motifs
Tactical Signage
Implementing a unified pedestrian-first signage system. These markers highlight heritage landmarks and merchant clusters to bridge the gap between the **North and South cores**.
- Bilingual heritage markers
- Strategic gateway directionals
- Tactical map installations