Landmark Building
HOLGATE RESIDENCE
6210 Ada Boulevard, Edmonton
Designed By: Nesbitt & Morehouse
Built By: Bidwell Holgate
Built in 1912
','Holgate Residence', 'Source: The Highlands, Edmonton Historical Walking and Driving Tour <br />(© Alberta Culture and Community Spirit)'); "Holgate Residence")
Bidwell Holgate is remembered as the quieter partner in Magrath-Holgate & Co. Ltd. He was born in Ontario in 1877, came to Edmonton in 1908, and bought out J.H. Hart, Magrath’s original partner, in 1909. Holgate timing couldn’t have been better; Edmonton’s real estate market was expanding at a phenomenal rate. After 1913, however, successful speculation was nearly impossible. Holgate’s fortunes suffered, but unlike some of his contemporaries, he was not ruined.
Before the boom went bust, Holgate made large investments in The Highlands. In addition to purchasing lots and erecting houses on speculation, he invested heavily in his own home. Initially to cost $19,000, Holgate eventually spent $49,000 on his Ada Boulevard property, including $10,000 for a garage with living quarters. The 1912 building permit listed Nesbitt & Morehouse as the architects, and Holgate as his own contractor.
The Holgate Residence served as an impressive symbol of the Highlands. In 1912, both Holgate and Magrath had the address of their unfinished Ada boulevard homes printed on bold type in the city directory in an effort to improve sales in the Highalnds.
The style of the Holgate Residence is draw from several sources. Half-timbering points to the Tudor Revival Style. The wide eaves, expansive verandah, and low-pitched gable roofs show an awareness of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s design ideas. The influence of the English Arts and Crafts movement, which relied on traditional materials and skilled artisans, can be seen inside the Holgate Residence. Leaded glass, wood paneling, built-in oak cabinets, murals, and ceiling decorations, both painted and in plasterwork relief, make the interior luxurious. Clearly, Morehouse was versed in current styles and had free reign to use the best finishes.
In 1920, the Holgates moved to a more modest on home on 111 Avenue. Contrary to local lore, the mansion was not seized for taxes, but was bought by an investment company in January of 1920. The Campbell family rented it for twenty-one years, and then the Holgate Residence was again owner-occupied. Holgate retired in 1923, and died suddenly in 1928 at the age of 50 while being treated for diabetes.
The house has remained a single family home with its character intact, but the estate which surrounded it has eroded over the years. A large portion passed to the City of Edmonton in 1959, and in 1962 the garage was demolished. Many grand Edmonton homes built prior to WWI were located close to downtown, and have since been demolished. The relative remoteness of the Holgate and Magrath Residences saved them from a similar fate. The Ada Boulevard streetscape composed of the Davidson, Holgate, Magrath and Ash Residences is one of only a few that remain.
The Holgate Residence was renovated several times before 1983, but the changes – except those made to the kitchen – were generally sensitive to its character. Since 1893, the Holgate Residence has been owned by the Vanderwell family. Richard Vanderwell, an architect, has restored its original elegance. The house was designated a Provincial Historical Resource in 1987.
The Landmark Buildings and Places Database draws on the series of walking and/or driving tour booklets produced by Alberta Culture (now Alberta Culture and Community Spirit). The Heritage Community Foundation gratefully acknowledges the support of the Ministry through permission to reprint these materials online. Extracted from Historical Walking Tours of Downtown, 2004, Centennial edition of the brochure. Planning and Development Department, City of Edmonton, and Alberta Community Development., 2004, with permission from Alberta Culture and Community Spirit. Visit the Alberta Culture and Community Spirit for more information.