Rohit Group Launches Lewis Block and Unveils “The Steersman” at Stadium Yards

With the launch of Lewis Block, Rohit Group celebrates the legacy of Black pioneer Joseph Lewis through The Steersman public art — a tribute to courage, resilience, and the enduring values that shape Edmonton today.

June 18, 2025

Rohit Group is proud to announce the launch of Lewis Block, the second phase of its visionary Stadium Yards development, and the unveiling of “The Steersman”, a bold public art installation commemorating Black pioneer Joseph Lewis.

Located in Edmonton’s vibrant Cromdale neighbourhood, Lewis Block adds 229 purpose-built rental units to the city’s growing housing stock and marks a major step forward in the evolution of Stadium Yards — a transformative, transit-oriented urban village adjacent to Commonwealth Stadium. The development ultimately envisions more than 1,000 new homes, a thriving commercial corridor, and inviting public spaces.

“The launch of Lewis Block marks a major milestone in the evolution of Stadium Yards — a bold, connected community in the heart of Edmonton,” said Russell Dauk, Vice President, Rohit Group. “We’re especially proud to honour Joseph Lewis through The Steersman sculpture, celebrating a legacy of courage, resilience, and the values that continue to guide this development and the city around it.”

Honouring Legacy: The Steersman and Joseph Lewis
Commissioned by Rohit Group and created by acclaimed Edmonton artist Slavo Cech, The Steersman is a 21-foot-long canoe featuring a steel silhouette of Joseph Lewis, one of Edmonton’s earliest documented Black fur traders and a skilled steersman with the Hudson’s Bay Company in the early 1800s. The sculpture stands as a symbol of strength, freedom, and perseverance — values that Joseph Lewis embodied long before the abolition of slavery.

Lewis Block is named in his honour to reflect the enduring entrepreneurial spirit and determination shared by so many who have built their lives in Edmonton. Together, the building and artwork form a space where past and present converge — inviting residents and visitors alike to reflect, connect, and move forward.

A Community Vision: Stadium Yards
Stadium Yards is Rohit Group’s visionary seven-acre flagship infill redevelopment, crafted to cultivate a walkable, inclusive, and culturally vibrant community. With the successful completion of Dauk Commons (Phase 1) and the opening of Lewis Block (Phase 2), the neighbourhood is rapidly emerging as a sought-after destination for modern urban living.

Looking ahead, future phases will introduce up to 4,000 square feet of thoughtfully curated commercial space, enhancing the existing mix of amenities and public gathering areas—echoing the success of community favourites like Felice Café, established in Phase 1.