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Anderson Apartments
Calgary
Statement of Significance
Description of Historic Place
The Anderson Apartments building is a six-storey, red brick structure located on two lots in the Lower Mount Royal area of Calgary. Constructed in 1911, it is distinguished by its H-shaped design, entablature topped by a parapet and balustrade, and imposing main entrance consisting of a large classical pediment supported by stone pilasters.
Heritage Value
The heritage value of the Anderson Apartments building lies in its association with Calgary's pre-World War One housing boom and its eclectic architectural style.
Between 1909 and 1913, Calgary's population more than doubled as agricultural and railway development in the region opened up new economic opportunities. The city's dramatic growth sparked a housing boom. The Anderson Apartments building was erected in 1911 and was one of several fashionable buildings constructed to accommodate the city's burgeoning entrepreneurial and managerial class. At the time it was built, the Anderson Apartments building was the tallest and largest multi-tenant structure in the city.
The Anderson Apartments building is distinguished by its unique layout and marriage of diverse architectural styles. Its H-shaped design, though popular elsewhere, was the only one of its kind in Calgary. The eclectic architecture features numerous classical elements, including a rusticated brick foundation, a cornice topped by an elaborate parapet and balustrade, and a large pediment supported by stone pilasters framing the main entryway. The influence of the English Arts and Crafts movement is also evident in the extensive use of unifying oak, brass, and marble decorative features. The overall effect is one of luxury and elegance.
Source: Alberta Culture and Community Spirit, Historic Resources Management Branch (File: Des. 1013)
Character-Defining Elements
The character-defining elements of the exterior of the Anderson Apartments building include such features as:
- H-shaped plan, symmetrical massing, and scale;
- rusticated brick foundation;
- brick facades and quoins, simulated stone trim window ledges and headers made of concrete;
- fenestration pattern, including banks of symmetrically placed bay windows;
- entrance doors;
- simulated stone cornice, parapet and balustrade made of concrete;
- cupola;
- large classical pediment supported by stone pilasters framing main entrance;
- courtyard to main entrance.
The character-defining elements of the interior of the Anderson Apartments building include such features as:
- brass bird cage elevator;
- mission oak baseboards and door frames;
- wrought iron central stair newel posts and balustrades;
- ornate brass and metal railings between floors;
- original wood floors and marble floors;
- brass decorative elements;
- oak doors, 3.66 metre high ceilings, hardwood floors, and ceiling mouldings;
- brass hardware, built-in China cabinets, pass-through panel between kitchen and dining room.
Location
| Street Address: |
804 - 18 Avenue SW |
| Community: |
Calgary |
| Boundaries: |
Units 1 to 66, Condominium Plan 0110755 |
| Contributing Resources: |
Building: 1
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ATS Legal Description:
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Mer |
Rge |
Twp |
Sec |
LSD |
5
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1
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24
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09
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15 (ptn.)
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PBL Legal Description (Cadastral Reference):
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Plan |
Block |
Lot |
Parcel |
0110755
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N/A
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Latitude/Longitude:
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Latitude |
Longitude |
CDT |
Datum Type |
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51.037188 |
-114.079731 |
GPS |
NAD 83 |
UTM Reference:
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Northing |
Easting |
Zone |
CDT |
Datum Type |
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Recognition
| Recognition Authority: |
Province of Alberta |
| Designation Status: |
Provincial Historic Resource |
| Date of Designation: |
1988/05/20 |
Historical Information
| Built: |
1911 to 1911 |
| Period of Significance: |
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| Theme(s): |
Expressing Intellectual and Cultural Life : Architecture and Design
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| Historic Function(s): |
Residence : Multiple Dwelling
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| Current Function(s): |
Residence : Multiple Dwelling
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| Architect: |
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| Builder: |
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| Context: |
HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE
Built during the building boom before World War One, the luxurious Anderson Apartments comprised the tallest and largest multi-tenant structure of early Calgary. Home to a number of prominent citizens, the apartment block was the only Calgary structure built on the "H" plan popular elsewhere in that period. With an imposing, classically-derived main entrance, the Anderson Apartments present an impressive combination of classical and assorted other architectural details in an eclectic approach typical of western Canada. It is a notable example of early Calgary enterprise and accommodation.
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Additional Information
| Object Number: |
4665-0540 |
| Designation File: |
DES 1013 |
| Related Listing(s): |
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| Heritage Survey File: |
HS 8178
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| Website Link: |
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| Data Source: |
Alberta Culture and Community Spirit, Historic Resources Management Branch, Old St. Stephen's College, 8820 - 112 Street, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P8 (File: Des. 1013) |
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