Here in Edmonton, we don’t just build, we BUILD. From gravity-defying towers to artsy architectural oddities, YEG is home to some seriously cool construction. And at Barson Construction, we can’t help but admire the craftsmanship, vision, and just the right amount of rebar that go into these local legends.
So grab your hard hat (or a coffee, this isn’t a real jobsite), and enjoy our Top 5 Most Amazing Construction Projects in Edmonton, judged by wow factor, architectural flex, and the number of times someone probably said, “Wait, that’s going where?”
1. The Stantec Tower “We’ll Just Keep Going Until We Run Out of Sky”
This beast is 66 storeys tall and officially the tallest building in Western Canada. Yeah, you heard that right. Edmonton decided to casually go full skyscraper mode and crushed it.
· Completed in 2019, it’s basically the CN Tower’s ambitious younger cousin.
· It houses offices, luxury condos, and some of the best views this side of Jasper.
· Rumour has it you can see your overdue kitchen reno from the top.
Builder’s Verdict: Bold, sleek, and built like it means business. 10/10 would flex again.
2. The Royal Alberta Museum “Let’s Make a Giant Box of Wonders”
This downtown architectural gem is what happens when concrete, glass, and Alberta pride have a design baby. The Royal Alberta Museum (RAM) isn’t just a museum, it’s a statement piece.
· Completed in 2018, the RAM boasts open space, natural light, and possibly the fanciest bug collection in the country.
· Over 419,000 square feet of modern design, clean lines, and “Do Not Touch” signs.
Builder’s Thoughts: Clean exterior, clever use of space, and the kind of structure that whispers, “No food or drink past this point.”
3. Rogers Place “The House That Connor Built”
Edmonton’s crown jewel of sports and concerts, Rogers Place looks like someone hired aliens to design a hockey rink, and honestly, we love it.
· Sleek, curvy, futuristic, and somehow manages to be both an arena and a spaceship.
· Hosts everything from Oilers games to music megastars and monster trucks.
Construction Kudos: Over $600 million in construction costs and worth every penny. Steel, glass, and pride, the holy trinity of arena building.
4. The Ice District “Downtown But Make It Fancy”
Let’s take a moment for the Ice District, a 25-acre downtown mega-development that’s transforming the area faster than you can say “mixed-use commercial space.”
· Restaurants, condos, offices, hotels, and that one guy who always seems to be walking a very small dog.
· Anchored by the Stantec Tower and Rogers Place, aka “Downtown’s Power Couple.”
Builder’s Note: A masterclass in urban planning, steel framing, and large-scale vision. It’s like SimCity but real, and with fewer power outages.
5. MacEwan University’s Allard Hall “I Majored in Fabulous”
If MacEwan’s Allard Hall had an Instagram account, it’d be verified. It’s a glass-heavy, arts-focused academic building that’s serving looks and acoustics.
· Completed in 2017, the design features glowing LED-lit staircases and angles so sharp they could cut drywall.
· It’s not just pretty, it’s functional, with studios, theatres, and performance spaces galore.
Builder’s Take: A+ for creativity. This building could direct a short film, win a grant, and still remind you to submit your assignment.
Final Thoughts: Builders Love Big Builds
At Barson Construction, we admire the iconic, but we’re just as proud of the everyday builds that make Edmonton great: homes, kitchens, decks, garages, and beautiful spaces designed with care and skill (and the occasional Tim Hortons cup left behind).
Inspired by the big guys? Let’s create something amazing, no 66 storeys required (unless you’re into that).