The 100 Street Funicular and Frederick G. Todd Lookout, the newest funicular in Canada, opened in downtown Edmonton in early December. The $24 million cable-mechanized incline elevator can transport mobility aids, bikes, and strollers to make Edmonton’s river valley more accessible.
A staircase runs parallel to the funicular. The staircase features built-in concrete block seating and a special path for runners. The staircase features about 170 steps made out of Kebony wood, an eco-friendly wood known for its durability – it lasts six times longer than pressure-treated wood. The staircase and incline elevator both lead to a connected promenade and raised lookout.
Photo: Brock Kryton.
The funicular descends to the promenade and lookout point that provides unobstructed views of the river valley. From there, stairs or an elevator can be used to descend the rest of the way.
Dialog, the architectural firm behind the project, says the design was heavily influenced by the existing connective infrastructure of Edmonton’s river valley system. The Kebony wood stairs visually connect to the Kebony wood used on the boardwalk and architectural cladding.
Photo: Brock Kryton.
Braille on the funicular and elevator buttons, extra lighting, and security are all included to enhance accessibility.
Related Stories
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Apr 6, 2016
Las Vegas debuts another new arena, with a number of ‘firsts’
The gambling mecca has its eyes on attracting a pro sports team.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Apr 5, 2016
The importance of true cost-modeling for sports facilities
Many factors prevent sports facilities from immediate profitability. Rider Levett Bucknall’s Peter Knowles and Steve Kelly write that cost modeling, the process of estimating construction expenses by analyzing fixed and variable expenses, can push facility development to financial success.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Apr 1, 2016
San Diego Chargers announce plan for downtown stadium and convention center
The project will be funded primarily by a tax increase on hotel stays.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Mar 31, 2016
An extreme sports tower for climbing and BASE jumping is proposed for Dubai’s waterfront
The design incorporates Everest-like base camps for different skill levels.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Mar 29, 2016
New skatepark complex has three levels of surfaces and obstacles
Guy Hollaway Architects designed an indoor 10,700-sf park in Folkestone, England, to accommodate BMX biking, skateboarding, and other extreme sports.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Mar 25, 2016
Minnesota Timberwolves join pack of NBA teams with new high-res video screens
The Wolves, Charlotte Hornets, and Sacramento Kings have new multi-paneled center-hung displays planned for their arenas.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Mar 24, 2016
Barcelona hoops arena will rattle opponents with wall of raucous fans
HOK and TAC Arquitectes designed a basketball palace that will have intimate seating inside and public space outside.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Mar 18, 2016
Milwaukee Bucks reveal more renderings of new downtown arena project
The plan, led by Populous, includes a 714,000-sf arena and a 30-acre mixed-use development.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Mar 14, 2016
Washington Redskins tease new stadium model designed by Bjarke Ingels
The location isn't yet determined, but the new stadium will have a moat for kayaking.
Events Facilities | Mar 7, 2016
Experts pessimistic on Chicago’s $650 million McCormick Place expansion
Developers and city officials envision $250 million of annual growth, but the figure assumes that a new arena will lure conventions and draw full houses for basketball games.