Bankview's Nimmons Residence recognized by Heritage Calgary
The Nimmons Residence has been moved from the spot where it was originally built in 1898 to make way for an 84-unit apartment, but now the ranch house has a plaque to tell a bit of its history.
It's been recognized by Heritage Calgary.
Josh Traptow, Heritage Calgary's chief executive, says the home wasn't legally protected, so it could have been demolished to make way for new development.
For years, the Queen Anne Revival-style home sat on the corner of 14 Street and 19 Avenue S.W., overlooking downtown Calgary.
"When Nimmons and his wife lived here, this was like bald prairie," Traptow said.
"This was far west of Calgary ... this was not in Calgary and then we've seen Calgary go around and of course, his ranch was subdivided and communities have come about but the Nimmons house has stayed."
Traptow says houses of this era typically weren't made of brick because it was an expensive commodity and sandstone was much cheaper at the time.
"Post-1886 of the great fire, everything was built out of sandstone because we had quarries so readily here," he said.
"But when it came to brick, we didn't have many brickyards but Nimmons had a brickyard and so that's why this house is made of brick."
Jordana and Jordan Giustini own the land and had the idea to save the home but still build an apartment building on the site.
To do that, the Nimmons Residence had to be moved four separate times to accommodate construction.
"I think at first, people were pretty blown away and actually watching it being moved in phases was quite amazing," Jordana said.
"But it was done and it was done really well, so we're very proud of the finished product."
Giustini says the new building is fully occupied but there are still some finishing touches to be done to the Nimmons Residence before the new tenant moves in.
"I think it's important to keep the old buildings alive," she said.
"It just has so much history and stories to it and they just don't build things like they used to. Even the stained-glass windows and the brick just has, just gives up a different vibe, you know?"
Kelly O'Donnell, the general contractor who arrived on site in February to start the restoration of the historic home, says it's the oldest home he's ever worked on and he was careful not to make it look new.
"This is a solid house, considering the four moves," he said.
"It's built right and I tried to keep it as rough-looking as I could, just because they don't want to have a modern house and so I'd rather keep it looking old."
Chris Souster, who will soon move his law practice into the home, says it has a lot of character and charm.
"The stained-glass windows, the wood banisters, the 120-year-old wood floors, the railing and the balconies that are just off of my office, it's a one-of-a-kind opportunity," he said.
Souster is embracing the history of the home to make his office look just right for clients.
"I've spent a lot of time and energy locating fixtures and furniture that are of the heritage era," he said.
"So I think it's going to show nicely once we're fully moved in."
Traptow is happy the Giustinis had the vision to repurpose the historic home so it could be enjoyed by Calgarians for generations to come.
"But the fact that (the landowner) took all of that effort and attention to move the house and now to do some restoration and find a tenant, that really shows that they care that this house is viewed as an asset and I think we're seeing more and more of that, where heritage is being viewed as an asset instead of a negative," he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.