Old Glenora home honoured with heritage designation

The Stewart Residence, seen in Glenora, was designated an Edmonton heritage property in April, 2025. (Photo: The City of Edmonton)

A 96-year-old Glenora home has been designated a heritage property.

The Stewart Residence, a two-storey Dutch Colonial Revival-style house on 132 Street and 103 Avenue, was built in 1929.

It was designed by notable Edmonton architect William George Blakey, who also designed the Garneau Theatre, Christ Church Anglican Church and the Central Masonic Temple.

Its first owners were William F. and Irene Stewart. William worked for A. Macdonald Company grocer, which would eventually become chains like Real Canadian Superstore and Loblaws.

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The City of Edmonton said the home is also valued for its association with its second owners, Ralph and Rose Samuels.

The Samuels, who changed their name from Chmelnitsky, bought the home sometime in 1931 or 1932 and would own it for 30 years.

Ralph and his brother owned J. Lawrence & Co. department stores, and the Samuels were active members of Edmonton’s Jewish community.

“From its original design by a skilled architect, to the Stewarts as first owners, and to the Samuels, who managed to survive and thrive through the Great Depression, the home has connections with people who helped pave the way for Edmonton’s later growth,” said David Johnston, Edmonton’s principal heritage planner.

The Stewart Residence is the 192nd property to be designated a Municipal Historic Resource since 1985.

With the new designation, the current owners of the home are eligible to receive up to $100,000 from the City’s Heritage Resources Reserve fund to match amounts paid to renovate or refurbish the home.