Description of Historic Place

Molstad Residence is large pre-World War One two and one-half storey "four square" residential building clad in brick and cedar shingles. It is located on a corner lot on 95th Avenue, once known as Molstad Avenue, in an older residential neighbourhood in what is now the Bonnie Doone community in southeast Edmonton.

Heritage Value

The Molstad Residence is significant for its association with entrepreneurship and residential development in Edmonton before the First World War. Built for Edward and Addie Molstad in 1912, it was part of a larger estate that occupied five lots and once included expansive grounds and gardens, fountains, circular drive, carriage house, and servants' quarters. The imposing residence reflected how Edward Molstad, who sold real estate and insurance, was able to capitalize - and contribute to - the economic health and dramatic growth of the city before 1914. Molstad established the Fort George and Fraser Valley Land Company and one of Edmonton's oldest and largest real estate companies, Molstad and Company Ltd.

The house is an impressive example of an urban four-square design, larger and of higher quality of design and materials than most. At one time divided into six apartments, the interior has been restored to the original plan as a single-family dwelling. The Molstad Residence is significant as a landmark on a corner location in the north part of the neighbourhood and provides a structural link to local history.

Source: Alberta Culture and Community Spirit, Historic Resources Management Branch (File: Des. 1684)

Character-Defining Elements

The character defining elements of the Molstad Residence are those of its four-square design such as:
- scale, form and massing;
- the symmetry of the principle facades;
- brick cladding and masonry first floor, cedar shingles for the second floor walls;
- the entrance comprised of a tetra style two-storey portico and balcony;
- hip roof with bell cast eaves and hip dormers;
- double hung windows; single hung windows and dormers including oriel window;
- widows walk and balustrade at the roof peak;
- prominent brick chimney;
- restored interior layout (entrance hall with fireplaces, den, living room, dining room, kitchen, kitchen staircase; second floor hall, three bedrooms, bathroom);
- hardwood (maple) flooring on the first and second floors;
- interior details such as radiators, original light fixtures, restored wood (oak) trims, doors, fireplace surrounds, staircases, built-ins, and restored plaster walls and ceilings.