Description of Historic Place

Rutherford House is a two-storey, red brick and sandstone building from the pre-World War One period designed with Georgian/Jacobethan Revival influences. It is located on one city lot on the north side of the University of Alberta campus overlooking the North Saskatchewan River valley, in the historic neighbourhood of Garneau. Rutherford House is operated by Alberta Culture and Community Spirit as an interpreted Provincial Historic Site.

Heritage Value

Rutherford House is significant for its association with Alberta's first premier, Dr. Alexander Cameron Rutherford, who resided here from its completion in 1911 until his death in 1941. It is also an excellent example of upper-class Edwardian-era domestic architecture.

As Premier between 1905 and 1910, Rutherford and his Liberal government laid the legislative and administrative foundations of the new province. Amid significant expenditures on public works, Rutherford took a particular interest in public education, and was instrumental in establishing the University of Alberta in 1907. While resident in Rutherford House, he remained prominent in public life, practicing law and serving as president of the Historical Society of Alberta from 1919 to 1941, on the University Senate from 1907 to 1927, and as University Chancellor from 1927 to 1941.

Rutherford House is also as an impressive example of domestic architecture in early twentieth-century Alberta. Its grandeur symbolized the pre-war sentiment that Alberta had concluded its pioneer days and was enjoying a period of economic prosperity. The building's design incorporated historical revival styles popular at the turn of the century, while its size and air of distinction exemplified Rutherford's prominence in provincial society and facilitated entertaining visitors important to both the province and the University. Rutherford's favourite room, the library, held a large collection of rare Canadiana. Rutherford House is one of the oldest and most prominent residences of the historic Garneau neighbourhood.

Source: Alberta Culture and Community Spirit, Historic Resources Management Branch (File: Des. 307)

Character-Defining Elements

The heritage value of Rutherford House lies in such character-defining elements as:
- form, scale and massing;
- red brick construction with sandstone trim and sills;
- porch and balcony projecting over the main entrance, with coupled columns (Roman Doric Order) and balustrade of white painted wood;
- front concrete steps and approach;
- parapetted gables, steep gable roof, and corbelled chimneys;
- interior oak woodwork and paneling;
- fenestration pattern including six over one double-hung windows, two-storey bay windows on either side of front entrance, semi-circular grouping above front balcony, and interior stained glass skylight;
- interior room and staircase layout;
- enclosed sun room on the west side;
-unimpeded view of the North Saskatchewan and provincial Legislature.