Historic U of A Ring Houses coming down, to be replaced by green space
Posted October 18, 2022 10:43 am.
Last Updated October 18, 2022 11:57 am.
A piece of Edmonton history built more than 100 years ago is coming down – but some of the brick and mortar will live on.
The historic University of Alberta Ring Houses – built between 1911 and 1914 – are being taken down.
The Ring Houses were purchased by Primavera Development for $1 apiece, and they’re responsible for the removal and relocation cost.
“Heritage projects are never worth it financially,” said Ken Cantor with Primavera Development.
But Cantor says this project is about building on the history of the houses and using the bricks and mortar to continue its legacy.
“We will be using the footprints of the houses and using it as architectural design of the new project so it’ll be reminiscent inside and out of where the material came from and how it was originally used,” he said.
The materials from the Ring Houses will be incorporated into an arts and community hub in the Macauley neighbourhood.
Disappointing outcome for some
It’s a disappointing outcome for some activists and historians.
“They’re just systematically taken apart without due diligence and wholesaled. This is really hard for me,” said urban historian Marianne Fedori with the Ring House Coalition
While some of the houses live on, Fedori worries how the new development will connect with the buildings’ past for future generations.
“It’s hard for me to get around because how does that translate? How does the average person in 20 years know the Ring House story?” added Fedori.
Once the houses are removed, the area on campus will be a green space. The university has no current plans for future developments right now.
