Edmonton developer, architect push to save Old Royal Alberta Museum
Posted November 18, 2024 4:46 pm.
Last Updated November 18, 2024 7:04 pm.
An Edmonton-based developer and architect are launching renewed efforts to save the Old Royal Alberta Museum.
Ivan Beljan and Vedran Škopac say the province’s plans to demolish the 58-year-old building in Edmonton’s Glenora neighbourhood, came as a shock and disappointment.
“It’s just a shame for us to think of bulldozing something that can still have decades if not generations of life left in it,” said Beljan, the owner of Beljan Development.
Škopac with Reimagine Architects, adds“There is a practical solution to this. That is faster and more efficient.”
The plans by Beljan Developments and Reimagine Architects include revitalizing the building and making it a cultural and commercial hub, as well as adding sports and fitness amenities. Beljan says the building’s size allows it to host multiple community connections.
“This is about bringing the community together. This building has far-reaching potential to really bring a city together,” said Beljan.
Both Beljan and Škopac have already been talking with the government for two years about repurposing the museum. Talks stalled out and plans were pushed aside.
“Nobody talked to us after. There wasn’t a discussion. There wasn’t a can we continue this conversation,” explained Beljan.
Demolishing the building remains the top option for the province estimated to cost between $28-40 million. The province says renovating or repurposing could cost three times or four times more.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Infrastructure told CityNews, “We cannot comment on the proposal from Beljan Developments as it is still being reviewed. Alberta’s government remains committed to redeveloping the site into a family-friendly park and green space as announced in August.”
But Škopac says he’s okay with the challenges the building faces in renovations.
“There’s still a great opportunity to do that as opposed to burning calories demolishing such a wonderful piece, also an emotional and cultural memory not just physical.”
