Flatiron building

5005 - 50th Avenue, Lacombe Alberta Canada

The Flatiron building in Lacombe was built in 1904 and served as the Merchants Bank of Canada until 1922 when it became home to the Bank of Montreal. In 1922, the Merchants Bank of Canada was absorbed by the Bank of Montreal, which changed the fate of many prominent buildings across Canada. In Lacombe, the Flatiron Building was occupied by the Bank of Montreal’s local branch until 1967, and subsequently it was occupied by a variety of tenants and businesses including legal offices, medical offices, a rooming house, and an antiques store.

Today, the main floor and basement of this architectural landmark is home to the Flatiron Museum and Interpretive Centre which showcases didactic displays illustrating aspects significant to the history of Lacombe. The Flatiron Museum is operated jointly by the Lacombe & District Historical Society and Lacombe Regional Tourism and also provides tourism information.

This building is a fine example of early twentieth century Edwardian Classical Revivalist architecture. It is Edwardian and not Victorian due the time of its construction and the very masculine and neo-classical style in which it is built. This architectural style was commonly used for banks, courts, government buildings, and similar establishments wanting to convey a sense of power and stability through architecture.

The Flatiron building was designated as a Provincial Historic Resource by the Alberta Government in 1990.