Attachment 4
Summary of Historic Significance and Financial Incentives
1.
Heritage Value of the Arlington
The historic Arlington Apartments is significant as it characterizes Edmonton’s rapid
growth in population and consequent demand for accommodation during the pre WWI
economic boom. It was built in response to the need for downtown accommodation, a
function it continued to serve until the fire of April 5, 2005. The Arlington Apartments
addressed the aspirations of an emerging professional and managerial class by providing
centrally located and attractive modern accommodation.
Important for its construction technique as well as its design, the Arlington Apartments
were rapidly constructed in 1909 with load bearing masonry walls and marked the initial
introduction to Edmonton of the apartment block as a distinct building type. Its simple
well-proportioned design and modest classical detailing is reminiscent of the Edwardian
era.
The Arlington Apartments, formerly one of Edmonton’s prestigious addresses, is a local
landmark. Its dignified low scale presence fronting on 100 Avenue contributes to the
continuity of the area and the street.
The Arlington was designated as a Municipal Historic Resource in 1998 and Provincial
Historic Resource in 1999.
2.
Arlington Apartments Character Defining Elements
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The Arlington Apartments is distinctive for its rectangular shape, scale, form and
massing.
The south facade with its central projected frontispiece is comprised of three tiers of
four windows, recessed arched doorway with pilasters and entablature.
The entablature consist of bold dentils, scrolled eave brackets and pressed metal
cornice.
The building has corner pilasters and string course at each floor
The regular rhythm of the windows complete with keystones and cast stone sill
Paired double hung wooden sash windows on the front and rear facades
Metal fire escapes on the East and West side of the building
Concrete base
Report 2006PDP104 - Attachment 4 - Page 1 of 2
Attachment 4
Summary of Historic Significance and Financial Incentives
3.
City Heritage Rehabilitation Incentives and Provincial
Rehabilitation Incentives
When the Arlington Apartments was designated by The City of Edmonton in 1998, the
City contributed $375,000 in Rehabilitation Incentives to assist the owner with the
repairing and replacing of the roof and the windows, plus repairing the cornice, the repointing and repairing of masonry and the fire escapes.
The Province of Alberta designated the Arlington in 1999 and contributed $147,000 in
grants to restore the building since 1995. The funds are broken down as follows:
1995
$5000
Architectural/Engineering Study
1996
$50,000
Rehabilitation of exterior masonry, roof system, windows,
fire escapes and plaster repairs.
1997
$25,000
Rehabilitation of exterior masonry, roof system, windows,
fire escapes and plaster repairs.
2000
$12,000
Restoration of interior corridors plus architectural design
services.
2001
$55,000
Interior stairs and corridors plus floor joists upgrades.
The total amount of Municipal and Provincial rehabilitation incentives received by owner of the
historic Arlington Apartments was $522,000.
Report 2006PDP104 - Attachment 4 - Page 2 of 2