1912 – Prince Edward Hotel, Brandon, Manitoba

This former railway hotel was aan imposing six-storey structure of limestone and imported brick, constructed in 1912 for an estimated half million dollars. It stood beside the main depot of the Canadian Northern Railway. The interior of the luxury hotel incorporated a rotunda, dining room, drawing room, writing room, billiards room, and bar. The upper floors boasted over one hundred guest rooms, with the top floor being reserved for servants’ quarters. The hotel also housed a barbershop, newsstand, telegraph and telephone offices, and bake shop. For many years, the Prince Edward Hotel enjoyed great success; however, financial problems eventually arose that led to the hotel’s demise. The hotel closed on 29 January 1975, after a period of decline caused by dated interiors and changing preferences of the travelling public. After four years and a great deal of debate, the city demolished the vacant hotel in early 1980.