The Quick Answer
The Perron Street clock tower in downtown St. Albert was built in 1995 as a University of Alberta masonry research project led by engineering professor Mike Hatzinikolas. Each of its four walls was built a different way so researchers could measure how brick moves and holds up in our climate. The University went back in 2013 and added sensors to keep collecting data.
I'm John Carle, a REALTOR with Homes & Gardens Real Estate Limited, and I've been selling homes in St. Albert since 1999. Most people walk past the clock tower on Perron Street without knowing it's also a science experiment. I think that's a great bit of St. Albert trivia.
On this page
When was the clock tower built?
It went up in 1995, while Anita Ratchinsky was mayor. The St. Albert Gazette credits her time in office with the clock tower and the tourist information centre.
Why is it a research project?
The tower was a partnership with the University of Alberta. Professor Mike Hatzinikolas, a structural engineer, wanted to study how brick walls behave over time. So each of the four walls was built using a different construction method. Researchers measured things like expansion, shrinkage and long-term movement.
The first round of measurements was done by hand. In 2013 the University added remote sensors to track temperature and wall movement. According to the Perron District and local reporting, what they learned helped inform Canadian masonry building standards.
Where is it and what's around it?
The tower stands on Perron Street in the old downtown, a short walk from St. Albert Place, the Sturgeon River and the Red Willow Trail. It's a popular spot for photos.
Key takeaways
- The Perron Street clock tower was built in 1995.
- It was a University of Alberta masonry research project led by Mike Hatzinikolas.
- Each wall uses a different building method, and sensors were added in 2013.
- It was built while Anita Ratchinsky was mayor.
Living within walking distance of downtown St. Albert is a real treat. If that's on your wish list, I can show you what's available close to Perron Street.
Just Call John. 780-937-7534
Sources
- St. Albert Gazette, Clock tower telling more than time: https://www.stalbertgazette.com/local-news/clock-tower-telling-more-than-time-1280977
- Perron District, Clock Tower Science: https://perrondistrict.ca/clock-tower-science/
- T8N Magazine, Perron Street Clock Tower: https://www.t8nmagazine.com/perron-street-clock-tower/
- St. Albert Gazette, The chains of office: https://www.stalbertgazette.com/local-news/the-chains-of-office-1294441