as a major centre for the cnr, edmonton became one of the most important rail hubs in canada. in 1928, a new station was opened at 101 street and 104 avenue, and was expanded in 1948. in 1964, it was demolished to make way for edmonton's first skyscraper, the canadian national tower. in 1968, cn announced plans to build a massive "pylon" on the site, but this was never acted on. the yards functioned until 1988, and the last freight sheds were demolished in 1996.