We’ve all heard of the Ice District and the Brewery District, but did you know that Edmonton has a district dedicated to warehouses? If you are familiar with downtown, it is likely that you have been in the Warehouse District without even knowing it. A little background on the Warehouse District: during the first decade of the 20th century, the Hudson’s Bay Company began selling its land holdings in this area, and businesses were quick to move in. Between 1909 and 1914, no fewer than two dozen warehouses were constructed.
Located between Jasper Avenue & 104th Avenue & 103rd Street and 109th Street you will find Edmonton’s iconic Warehouse District—filled with, you guessed it, warehouses. Even though it may not sound glamorous, Edmonton developers have turned these buildings into one-of-a-kind spaces that are filled with iconic restaurants, bars and local companies. Here are 7 places you need to visit in Edmonton’s Warehouse District!
1. Warehouse Park
Downtown cores in any city often lack greenery, and Edmonton is no exception—for now. Coming soon, the areas between 106th Street and 108th Street will be turned into an inclusive, multi-use green space featuring large, open areas that invite citizens and visitors to reflect and explore. This new park will expand across a large portion of the Warehouse District, covering 1.47 hectares.
This space will be an “urban oasis” and is destined to be adored by Downtown residents and workers. If you would love to learn more about this incredible project and its timeline, visit this link.
2. Mercer Warehouse
This building is a not-so-well-kept secret that is home to many incredible businesses. Owned and operated by Gather Co., here is what you can find in the Mercer Warehouse:
Restaurants:
Home and Away is a sports bar that is originally from Calgary. This restaurant will be home to Oilers games, great food, drinks and good times!
Rostizado is an elevated, creative Mexican cuisine restaurant served in stylish surroundings accented with brick & exposed wood.
Baijiu is an Energetic, hip outlet offering sharable Asian-inspired plates & cocktails in a dimly-lit space. This restaurant serves some of Edmonton’s best cocktails!
Small Businesses:
Weekly – Trim True is a laid-back hair salon that is well-known in the hair industry. Some of Edmonton’s top hair stylists work out of the Mercer Warehouse location
Shoe Shine Shack is a shoe shining service. Bring in all kinds of shoes—they are experts at them all!
HypeFetish is a clothing and shoe store. Shop brands such as Supreme, Bape, Off White, Yeezy and many more.
dealcloser is a legal technology software company with its home base located right here in the Mercer Warehouse. If you’re a lawyer, check out this software!
Betable is a London-based company that develops and markets a real-money gambling platform for the social gaming industry. Their Edmonton office is located out of the Warehouse District!
Communatio YEG is Edmonton’s one and only car sharing service, allowing you to rent cars by the minute through an app!
Todoruk Designs is a fashion designer (Kathleen Todoruk) who has a unique design and a passion for textiles.
3. Metals Building
Located in the Metals Unlimited Erecteo building on 104th Street and 101 Avenue, DOSC (which stands for Drunken Ox, Sober Cat) is a funky local option for informal daytime dining, freshly mixed cocktails & a range of steaks. During the day, you will find business people working while drinking coffee or friends catching up over some baked goods. In the evening, DOSC is known for its one-of-a-kind cocktails, great atmosphere and meat-forward dishes.
4. Cecil Place
After many changes to the exterior of this building, you may not even notice that Tiffin is located in one of Edmonton’s oldest warehouses, now called Cecil Place. Until 2014, this location was home to Sobey’s. Now, it is one of Downtown residents and workers’ favourite places to grab a meal. Trust is, if you are a fan of Indian food, this place is a must try!
5. Icon I and II
Though the name of this warehouse is unknown, the residential condo buildings Icon I and II are built on top of old warehouses. At its base, this warehouse is home to several local Edmonton businesses—here are a few:
Evoolution is an olive oil and accessory store known for its unique flavours and educated staff. At Evoolution you will find oils, vinegars, salts, seasonings, chocolate and snacks that you won’t find elsewhere!
The Black Pearl is a vibrant, maritime-themed eatery offering raw oysters, a range of classic seafood dishes & cocktails.
Credo Coffee is much more than merely a place to run in for coffee: it is a place to connect, to relax, to discuss, and to feel at home.
Ono Poke Co. is a modern, informal outpost serving custom & signature poke bowls with varied toppings.
Kelly’s Pub is a lively hangout with exposed brick walls offering clever pub grub, sports on TV & happy hour deals.
6. Revillion Building
Built in 1912, the Revillon Building was, for many years, the most modern building in Edmonton. Revillon Frères, the international furriers of Paris, built it when members of the extended family came to Edmonton in 1906 to establish a warehouse for their fur-buying business. Now, this building is home to many local businesses. Here are a few:
Evolution Wonderlounge is a hopping gay bar offering cocktails, bottle service, DJs & dancing, with regular drag shows & events.
Sabor is an upscale eatery offering Portuguese & Spanish cuisine, with traditional tapas & wine.
Bodega is a warm, rustic spot for an array of Spanish tapas & paella plus wines served in a high-ceiling room.
7. Phillips Building
Located in the main floor of the Phillips Lofts Building in a repurposed warehouse called the Phillips Building, Cavern is an artisanal cheese joins wine, beer & espresso restaurant that features an intimate, brick-walled cheese shop & wine bar.
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We hope you learned a thing or two about Edmonton’s Warehouse District and we encourage you to check it out when you’re in the area. Maybe we will even see you there!
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