Landmark Building
ARLINGTON HOTEL
4905 -51 Avenue , Red Deer
Built By: Thomas P. Ellis
Built in 1899
'); "Arlington Hotel")
The Arlington Hotel was erected in 1899 by Thomas P. Ellis on the site of the former Queen\'s Hotel, and remained under continuous family ownership until 1969.
The hotel was known throughout Alberta for its atmosphere of comfort and decorum. Consequently, many notable banquets were held here. Following Alberta\'s declaration as a province in 1905, the matter of placement of the capital came under consideration, and Red Deer made a bid for the honour. In April 1906, members of the Legislature were invited to visit Red Deer to view the proposed sites, and were treated to a lavish banquet at the Arlington. The speech-making lasted until 4:45 a.m. and while it was felt that Red Deer was well situated, the site beautiful and the banquet enjoyable, Edmonton was chosen as the capital.
The proportions and massing of the original hotel are reminiscent of the Arts and Crafts revival movement in England and suggest the appearance of an English country inn.
The Landmark Buildings and Places Database draws on the series of walking and/or driving tour booklets produced by Alberta Culture (now Alberta Culture and Community Spirit). The Heritage Community Foundation gratefully acknowledges the support of the Ministry through permission to reprint these materials online. Extracted from Red Deer Historical Walking Tours. Red Deer Historical Preservation Committee and Alberta Culture and Multiculturalism, n.d., with permission from Alberta Culture and Community Spirit. Visit the Alberta Culture and Community Spirit for more information.