Landmark Building
ATKINSON RESIDENCE
11234-63 Ave, Edmonton
Designed By: Ernest Morehouse
Built in 1912
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Magrath-Holgate & Co. took out a $4,500 building permit for this house in November 1912 as part of its effort to stimulate construction in The Highlands. Ernest Morehouse, architect, designed it with two storeys, a pyramidal roof and a wrap-around porch. Alterations have not obscured the Four Square Style of the Atkinson Residence.
Dr. William Atkinson came to Edmonton from Ontario with his family in 1912. The 1913 city directory – the first to include The Highlands – shows them at this address, but they did not purchase the house until 1915. In addition to his downtown medical practice, Dr. Atkinson provided medical services to the nearby Swift’s packing plant, several coal mines, and insurance companies. An office for night emergencies was located to the right of the front door.
Perhaps Dr. Atkinson’s proudest achievement was this term as a Conservative MLA from 1930 to 1935. He spoke in favour of medicare, but did not have a chance to put his theories into practice. It has been suggested that the Social Credit government which followed was strongly influenced by Dr. Atkinson’s ideas. After 30 years, the Atkinsons sold this house. Of note among recent owners is Allan H. Wachowich was appointed District Court Judge in 1979 at the age of 39. Later, he was appointed to the Court of Queen’s Bench, and in 1993 was made Associate Chief Justice of that Court.
The Landmark Buildings and Places Database draws on the series of walking and/or driving tour booklets produced by Alberta Culture (now Alberta Culture and Community Spirit). The Heritage Community Foundation gratefully acknowledges the support of the Ministry through permission to reprint these materials online. Extracted from Historical Walking Tours of Downtown, 2004, Centennial edition of the brochure. Planning and Development Department, City of Edmonton, and Alberta Community Development., 2004, with permission from Alberta Culture and Community Spirit. Visit the Alberta Culture and Community Spirit for more information.