Researching Your Building FAQ
- Will the Archives prepare a building history for me?
- Who was the original owner of my building?
- Who occupied my building over the years?
- When was my building constructed?
- Does the archives have plans of my building?
- Who designed my building?
- Where can I find the legal description of my property?
- Where can I find a photograph of my building?
- 1. Will the Archives prepare a building history for me?
No. If your building is a designated heritage building, a history may already be available at the City of Edmonton Archives. You may find some examples at Historic Resources (City of Edmonton), or Historic Places Stewardship Section (Alberta Government).
Often buildings designated as having historical significance already have some history documented. Sometimes this has been added to the clipping file about a significant owner, about the district in which the building is situated, or in a file on the building itself. This type of complete research is very rare. Archives staff can assist you by outlining some of the preliminary research steps, and by making whatever files or other resources pertinent to your search available.
- 2. Who was the original owner of my building?
The primary source of this information is the Henderson's Directories. However, the occupant listed in the directory is not always the owner. The occupant could have been a renter, or may have been in the process of purchasing the building.
For a complete history of the ownership of the land, look for the building permit on microflim, and contact the Alberta Government Land Titles office at 780-427-2742 for a historic land title search.
- 3. Who occupied my building over the years?
By surveying your address in the Henderson's Directories, you will be able to find the various occupants. Trace the occupants alphabetically in another section of the directory to find out what type of business was there, or in the case of a house, the occupation, marital, and ownership status of past occupants.
Henderson's may not list every occupant, spouse, occupation or ownership status, however it may provide a lead to another source. A complete listing of occupants may lead to further biographical or relevant information from City correspondence file or newspaper clipping files.
Henderson's Directories from 1906-1953 are available online at Henderson's Directories: A Directory of Prairie Life, University of Alberta.
- 4. When was my building constructed?
Determine roughly when you think your building was built (Tip: ask your realtor). Then use the most recent Henderson's Directory (or an educated guess of when your house was built) and work your way back through the directories until the address is no longer listed. (Tip: Edmonton changed named streets to numbered streets in 1914, for a translation, see the 1914 and 1915 directories). From this, you can determine an approximate building date. Our experience has shown that in the past, a permit was issued about 2 years prior to occupancy.
Cross-check this information with the Fire Insurance Maps (1913, 1925, and 1952-1966). If the property is shown in these maps, it can give you an idea about the era of the building. Next, look at the microfilm of the Building Permits (1907-1958). It is helpful if you can provide a legal description of your property (lot, block, district, i.e. HBR).
Inquire about your building's blueprint. The City has kept commercial blueprints from 1910-1958. However, the City may have more recent blueprints on hand, or, in the case of a house, if you identify similar properties in your area, we may be able to provide a similar blue print (i.e. a reverse model). Call the reference desk at 780-496-8711 to inquire.
- 5. Does the archives have plans of my building?
The Archives only has blueprints from about 1910 to 1977. We also have several major collections from Edmonton architectural firms. The City kept relatively few residential plans in favour of retaining commercial plans. It is unknown if blueprints were required to be submitted prior to 1907, which is when the first microflim records indicate that permits were issued.
To inquire about building plans for permits issued after 1977, contact 311. Note: there may be a fee for this service.
- 6. Who designed my building?
- An architect and/or builder of a house may be listed on the building permit. Sometimes, however, the owner is listed as the architect or builder.
Blueprints, if they exist, are usually the most accurate source for determining the architect. They also list builders, or construction companies. However, during boom times, many permits were issued to speculators who built homes for rental or resale, so they are designed from plans purchased through catalogues (like Eaton's), or through general blueprint design companies.
Mass building projects started up in the 1940s and builders such as Alldritt and Golden Homes emerged, so homes of this era and design can often be matched to one of the more significant projects by these developers, even if blueprints do not exist.
- 7. Where can I find the legal description of my property?
For a legal description of a property, try any of the following:
- See your tax assessment
- See Edmonton Maps
- Contact the City of Edmonton Planning Department or the Alberta Government Land Registration and Services office.
- Visit the Edmonton Archives and ask an archivist.
- 8. Where can I find a photograph of my building?
The Archives has a vast collection of photographs. While we may have a photograph of your building or street, we do not have photographs of every house in the city. However, you may find photos taken in the vicinity of your building, street, or neighbourhood.
There is another option if your search is less specific. Edmonton aerial photographs, dating from 1924-1995, show building rooftops only, but provide good topographical views. Only areas within city limits for any given year are photographed.
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