Landmark Building
ALBERTA HOTEL/BUFFALO HOTEL
5031 Ross Street , Red Deer
Built in 1891
'); "Alberta Hotel")
The Alberta Hotel, Red Deer's first, was erected on this site in 1891. In 1912, a three-storey brick addition was constructed on the east side. Then, in 1939, the original portion of the Alberta Hotel was demolished and replaced with the present Buffalo Hotel. The 1912 addition remains.
The Buffalo Hotel serves as a fine example of the Art Moderne style of architecture popular in the 1930s and 1940s. Characterized by rounded corners, smooth walls and geometric detailing, it was considered a very "up-to-the-minute" architectural style. The use of glass blocks and black ceramic tile break the otherwise plain stucco finish. The revolving neon sign is one of the few remaining in both the City and the Province.
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.