The story, in words and pictures, of how the City of Edmonton obtained, and decided to preserve, its most precious architectural heritage. Building a Legacy embraces architectural heritage within the history of Edmonton's development from the earliest human habitation along the banks of the North Saskatchewan River to the present. The book is organized into period architectural themes. Besides describing the architecture of buildings, it also provides insight into major events and influences upon them, such as wars, the Great Depression, floods and other disasters, booms and busts, and immigration, as well as act codes, bylaw annexations, sports, education, arts and entertainment. The impact of all these on the city's heritage has been tremendous. Edmonton's Historic Resources Management Plans have won awards from the Canadian Institute of Planners (1990), the Heritage Canada Foundation (1996), and the Alberta Heritage Foundation (2005). This book is a tribute to all Edmonton's municipal politicians, the Edmonton and District Historical Society, the Society for the Preservation of Architectural Resources of Edmonton (SPARE), the Old Strathcona Foundation, the Edmonton Historical Board, the Alberta Heritage Foundation, the architects, builders, and masons, and all the citizens of Edmonton for their endeavours to build and preserve their history.