Two Red Deer houses built in the early 20th Century may be designated as Municipal Historic Resources.
Parkland Community Planning Services received applications to designate the Tom Ellis residence at 5343 46 Ave. and the Routledge family residence at 4736 56 St.
Tom Ellis of the North-West Mounted Police built his house in 1908 for $7,000 and he lived there until his death in 1909. Prime Minister Sir Wilfred Laurier stayed there during his official visit to Red Deer in 1910.
It’s also noted for its Victorian Queen Anne design influences. The brick home has extensive architectural detailing including bay windows and a large enclosed verandah clad in diamond-shaped and fish-scale shingles.
The Routledge home was built in 1912 for Gahlbeth Hugh Murrin, owner of Cement Builders Ltd. and creator and manufacturer of Kaymur cement tiles and shingles. Once he left the home, it was occupied by several other residents. The Routledge family had it for 64 years until 2007.
The Routledge residence is significant for its vernacular design with Craftsman influences. The one-and-a-half storey with a side-facing gable roof and a large central gable dormer are typical features of Craftsman houses.
Council passed a resolution on Monday to authorize a notice of intent for both properties. After 60 days have elapsed, council can then pass a bylaw to give the sites their special designation.
As Municipal Historic Resources, any attempts to destroy, disturb, alter, restore or repair would have to be approved by city council or a designate.
ltester@www.reddeeradvocate.com