Leamington Mansions
Model and Building information
I think I'm going to have to name this one "Edmonton's Forgotten Building." I'm sure that many people know about it tucked away just off Jasper Avenue, but it doesn't seem to be very high profile compared to similar buildings like Le Marchand, Annamoe Mansions, the Westminster, or the Arlington.
I thought that maybe it was just an incorrect perception that I had, but a quick google search on the building turns up essentially nothing. It was built prior to 1919, and that is all that I can find. There is no plaque from the Edmonton Historical Board, and most surprisingly Lawrence Herzog doesn't seem to have ever mentioned it in any of his excellent articles; and he's written about everything.
So yeah, Edmonton's forgotten building.
I've actually been inside once, visiting a friend of a friend of a friend. That was years ago, and the only thing that I remember was the clingwrap they'd had to put over the windows because it was cold outside. It's hard to tell what the status is today, because there are several broken and boarded-up windows in the rear, but there are still suites advertised for rent.
As for the model, it is pretty straight-forward. As is typical with these types of buildings the rear elevation uses a different brick from the rest. And as is typical of my models I've ignored that fact and used the same brick throughout.
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11 comments:
Yes, Lawrence is doing a wonderful job recording the city's past. It's been great indexing him - thanks for the link :)
When the owner evicted the tenants 4+ years ago, he intended on converting the building into condos, much like the Westminster.
The project basically stopped at the clean up level. If you peer into the building, all you see is old skates, pillows and garbage left behind.
Currently, it is a favorite spot for the homeless and meth kids, who break in and have made the basement 'home'.
I live in the neighborhood. It's a bid sad seeing such a beautiful historical building go to waste.
This is my favourite building in the city. In the last couple of months, the windows have all been replaced, so it looks like someone is caring for it. Found some rental info on it, but the renovation is not complete, so don't know any more than that.
I lived in this building from 1996-2001 and loved every minute of it. As far as I know, it was built in 1911, although the date on the furnace in the basement is 1912. Construction started in 1911, then stopped, the furnace was put in,and then the building was completed. If you go to the back and look at the bricks to the left of the back door, you can find signatures of tenants who used to live there, the oldest has a date of about 1917 (there are others from the 70's and 80's. Mine is there too). The air shafts were closed up in most suites when I lived there, but a few weren't, and if you were "lucky" you could open the air shaft in your suite and say hello to your neighbour. Terrazzo flooring in the bathrooms and HUGE claw foot tubs. The heat usually worked. I knew all my neighbours and never locked my door. What a great building. Thanks for the memories Leamington!
I lived there from 1939 until 1955 having moved in with my parents at age 1 year.There were lots of families in building and surronding homes.The original heating system was a gas fired boiler in basement producing steam to apartment radiators.There were lots of big trees around and sloughs for kids to catch tadpoles etc.The Victoria golf course was close for winter sports.General Hospital was 3 blocks away.Area was mainly catholic.I went to Oliver school thru Grade ix and then to Victoria Composite High School.LOTS OF GOOD MEMORIES AND FIRST FRIENDS.
Lynn Duckworth.I was in the building several days ago and dismayed at statys.Whatever plan there was seems to be on hold now.area still used for parties -lots of personal signs.We walked throughout.Most appliances have been removed except the clawfoot tubs!Are they valuable?Could someone in the KNOW update us friends of Leamington please
Lawrence Herzog wrote about this building today in his "Oliver's 100-year-old Apartments" article.
I lived in this building from 2001-2003. My place was tiny, but I loved it and it had beautiful character.
I lived in this building in 2002-2003 and remember it so fondly. I had been thinking of my time in Edmonton and decided to Google it, and was surprised to hear about what has happened to this gorgeous estate. The place had so much character, friendly and artistic tenants, a wonderful caretaker, and the bathtub was one of my favourite things about the place. Plus the high ceilings, large windows, old wood. What has happened to this place now? The last update was in 2012 on this site, can anyone tell me if the building is still standing or if it has been converted? Such a shame if it has... thank you! -SH
My cousin in Edmonton says signs are now posted on the building recently stating it is now a historical sight. Is this true- lets hope! Lynn Duckworth
It burned down this morning. :(. Another piece of history to the Arlington fate. Very sad.
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