The Historic Mitchel House - A Contemporary View

Heritage homes either inspire a person to love them and live in them, warts and all – or they don’t. Without a vision on how to incorporate today’s busy schedules and contemporary home style within a character home most people simply avoid doing so. Or, worse, they destroy the home in an attempt to “modernize” it. Jeff and Andrea, owners of the historic Mitchell house, do not belong to this group. They have proven that modern design can co exist beautifully with an older home.

This C1935 turreted, Gothic style, stuccoed home with steep pitched roofline, is unique even in a neighbourhood filled with an abundance of diverse architectural styles. Located in the historic neighbourhood of Highlands in Edmonton, it was one of the few houses built during the great Depression. City utilities did not yet reach this part of the city, but Frederick John Mitchell, a long serving alderman for the city and deputy mayor, made sure that was changed. The home took six months to build according to the design Mitchell’s wife, Adele, created. She built a complete to- scale model of her new home out of cardboard to ensure the architect understood exactly what she wanted. The house cost between $6000 and $6500 to build, a princely sum during the Depression. It became home to four generations of Mitchells.

In February of 2002, Jeff and Andrea, with new born son Noah, purchased the house and became the house’s second owners. Already residents of Highlands, the entrepreneurial couple (owners of a successful local catering business) loved the area and decided they wanted to live on Ada Boulevard, one of the city’s most beautiful streets overlooking the lush valley of the North Saskatchewan River.

Admittedly it was not love at first sight for Andrea. The “castle” like structure was completely hidden behind towering trees - one planted so close to the house that the tree’s roots pushed the foundation walls out of alignment! The effect was “creepy” said Andrea. On the inside, walls of draperies, a style made popular during the 60’s and 70’s hid the woodwork and beautiful windows overlooking the lawn. The kitchen, also a product of the 70’s, was very tiny. But Jeff had a vision of what could be and Andrea, having seen first hand what he could accomplish, trusted his ability.

They began their renovations almost immediately. An addition was planned to include a new kitchen and family room, more garage space and a new master bedroom with an ensuite. The kitchen was the first to go. “It wasn’t easy being without a kitchen for eight months and having a new born at the same time” said Andrea. The thoroughly modern kitchen features wood cabinetry stained in the same warm reddish tones that are found in the original fir woodwork throughout the rest of the house. Given the upscale location, and overall style of the original house, its millwork details and fireplaces are surprisingly modest.

The 70’s window treatments in the parlour and sunroom were the next to go. The lovely floor-to-ceiling multi- paned windows, left bare of window treatments, now flood the room with bright sunshine that is beautiful early in the morning. This room has become Andrea’s favourite. It is here that she loves to snuggle with her young son and have a coffee on those rare opportunities when her schedule allows.

The sunroom and adjacent parlour share a back to back fireplace – an unusual detail for the time. Low wattage, Gothic style electric wall sconces provide the room with warm ambient light. Throughout the house, original maple flooring gleams softly under area rugs. The dining room has an old world ambiance. It features an antique walnut dining room suite, wall tapestry, Victorian prints next to contemporary paintings and accessories.

This combination of old and new is found throughout the house. Where many heritage homes would have the more muted colors of a historic palette, this home unabashedly sings with vibrant color. This is not a restoration project. There is no doubt that the house is only partially original , but the Youngs’ attention to detail, the willingness to take the extra time and spend the extra money to ensure that the new meets the old sensitively makes the onlooker acknowledge that they are still in a heritage home.

Living in an older house means accepting and learning to work within certain limitations but the character and personality it gives back more than makes up for it. This is Jeff’s philosophy. When asked about his greatest challenge in working on this project he unhesitatingly responded “the addition”. Although the drawings that the architect provided looked fine, it became readily apparent that the roof line was all wrong the minute it was constructed. Jeff had the builders take the roof apart and lower it by two feet, and is extremely happy that he made that decision every time he looks at the house. “You have to be prepared to make changes right away if something does not look right – even if it means spending more money”.

Now that the addition is completed Jeff has turned his eyes towards the landscaping – his favourite part of the project. Originally trained in this area at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, he has indeed created a setting worthy of this lovely home. The house sits on a corner lot and no matter where one looks, they are met with delightful views of the property. Lush grass, hand clipped topiaries, and curved flower beds are juxtaposed against rustic stone, stucco and black wrought work. The views from inside are equally beautiful as from almost every window one gazes upon the ever changing tapestry of the river valley. View from the Parlor

The Youngs are happy to share their home with the community too. It was one of the featured homes in the Alberta Ballet House and Garden Tour 2006, and the location of a fundraiser for the Highlands Historical Foundation during the Edmonton and Athabaska District Historic Festival. Through this exposure, many people will understand more fully how possible it is for old and new to co exist beautifully in a heritage house.

Written By: Johanne Yakula

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