Lacombe City Council passed a bylaw, which officially designates the building known as the Stewart Residence (5718 50 Avenue) as a municipal historic resource under the Province of Alberta Historical Resources Act.
“Council is excited to announce the Stewart Residence is now part of our growing Municipal Historic Resources list,” Mayor Grant Creasey said.
“This designation ensures the building will remain protected in our community for years to come. I want to thank the current owner of Stewart Residence building and the Heritage Resources Committee (HRC) for their diligent work towards preserving the legacy of this building.”
The Stewart Residence is a one and one-half story residence and is an example of an Edwardian-era Bungalow.
The house’s curved full width front-projecting verandah, conical-shaped dormer, and textured shingle patterning illustrate features of this style.
The patterned concrete block utilized on the exterior was fabricated by Charles L. Waldran who also fabricated the concrete blocks for the entrance and window casings of the Lacombe Hotel built in 1907-1908.
The Stewart Residence has heritage value for its connection with first owners and occupants, Alexander Stanley Stewart and his wife.
Stewart, who constructed the house himself in 1908, played an important role in the development of Lacombe’s early infrastructure, working as a surveyor and civil engineer for the town.
In 1918, Stewart sold the house to Floyd E. McLeod, who was a prominent member of Lacombe’s community.
McLeod was proprietor of F.E. General Store and served as Mayor between 1914 and 1916.
For more information on the City’s Heritage Preservation Program, visit https://www.lacombe.ca/242/Heritage-Preservation-Program