In the summer of 1961, Edmonton was a rapidly growing city with a population of 270,000. Jackie Parker was leading the Eskimos to the semi-conference final, NASA had just finished a mission that put the first human in space, and my Grandpa and 12 YEG business leaders formed a group called The 1361 Club.
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The premise was simple: Inspiration toward bold, courageous action.
My grandfather believed that nothing contributed more to stagnation; in cities, in business, or in life; than small-minded thinking. So they created a few rules: No complaining. No naysaying. No gossip. Only big ideas. Critical thinking encouraged. Collaboration expected.
Their mantra was inspired by a quote from Margaret Mead:
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
And over time, many of those members became involved, directly or indirectly, in shaping some of the most ambitious projects in Edmonton’s history. AGT Tower (ATB Place), St. Joseph’s Cathedral, the city’s first planetarium, the Provincial Museum, The Commonwealth Stadium, Churchill; the city’s first high-rise condominium etc.
Projects that, at the time, felt ambitious… even improbable. And like all ambitious ideas, they had something in common: They were surrounded by people who said they couldn’t be done. Doubters. Critics. Well-meaning realists.
Small thinking shows up quickly when something bold enters the room.
Which is why I’ve been thinking about that group lately.
A few weeks ago, my friend Henry Edgar and his team at Autograph Developments officially broke ground on a project called The Clifton.
18 ultra-luxury estate units priced in the $2.5-$9 million range. A never-been-done before (in the history of our province) big-bold-visionary idea. And for the last 6 years I’ve had a front-row seat as Henry and his team navigated the long road to get here. Meticulous planning. Refinement. Pushback. Steadfast resolve. More pushback.
And, as expected, a steady stream of opinions from people who were certain it wouldn’t work… that’s usually the pattern.
But there was also a group of people who saw it differently. People who understood what it takes to build something special. People who have likely pushed through resistance themselves. Thirteen presale buyers, in fact; Edmontonians who believed in the vision.
Every bold idea has a moment where it either bends to the pressure of the naysayers… or pushes through. This one pushed through.
So congratulations to Henry and the team at Autograph. Not just for what you’re building, but for how you’re choosing to build it. Because cities don’t move forward when they cave to small mindedness and mediocrity.
They move forward because a small group of people are willing to think bigger than what currently exists.
And act on it.
"Because if not us, who? And if not now, when?"
— Grandpa Smith (Or maybe it was John Lewis)
