Cross Streets: Norfolk St and Macdonell St. ** Directions: Corner of Norfolk and Macdonell. ARE YOU UP FOR BEING A PART OF GUELPH HISTORY? Some commercial spaces come with four walls and a roof. The Albion comes with 150+ years of stories, mystery, and local folklore. Standing proudly at the corner of Norfolk and Macdonell since the mid 1800s, the historic Albion has long been one of Downtown Guelph's most recognizable landmarks. Originally operating as a tavern and hotel during Guelph's earliest boom years, it became a gathering place for travellers, politicians, entrepreneurs, and generations of locals. The building has even been identified as one of the city's most historically significant heritage properties. And then there are the stories...Rumour has it that infamous gangster Al Capone frequented the Albion during the Prohibition era. Some local legends claim he visited a mistress who stayed at the hotel, while others suggest the Albion played a role in the bootlegging culture that once connected Guelph to cross border liquor smuggling. Historians acknowledge these stories have become part of the Albion's enduring mythology, even if some details remain the subject of debate. According to local folklore, a woman connected to the Capone legend died at the hotel, and her spirit never left. Reports of unexplained occurrences, moving furniture, strange sightings, and paranormal encounters have helped cement the Albion's reputation as one of Guelph's most haunted buildings. The building is still featured in local ghost walks and paranormal investigations today. Beneath the building, stories persist of hidden tunnels stretching toward the Basilica and beyond remnants of a bygone era that continue to fuel curiosity and conversation throughout the city. Now, a rare opportunity exists to become part of the next chapter. This is your chance to carry on the legacy of one of Guelph's most iconic buildings. The only question is...What story will you write next? (id:27476)
