Heritage Calgary

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Walter Hargrave Residence

On December 13, 2019 the Heritage Calgary board approved the following site to be updated to the Inventory of Evaluated Historic Resources. Learn more about this site below.


Walter Hargrave Residence (1913)
1732 13 AV NW, Hounsfield Heights

The Walter Hargrave Residence, built in 1913, is one of the earliest buildings in Hounsfield Heights, representing its pre-WWI founding. (Symbolic Value, City-wide Significance)

This house is likely unique in Calgary for its early use of concrete. The first levels are constructed of poured concrete, concrete bricks, and “cast stone” blocks moulded from concrete to resemble stone. Before WWI, cast stone was used in a few houses and larger buildings in Calgary, but there are no documented instances of a poured concrete house or the use of concrete bricks. (Construction Value, City-wide Significance)

This is a fine example of an Arts & Crafts dwelling, typified by its horizontal emphasis; low, sheltering roof with deep eaves and exposed rafters; open verandas (later enclosed here); and variety of surface materials—all meant to create an unpretentious building in harmony with nature. (Style Value, Community Significance)