Trudel Residence
Built in 1928, the Trudel Residence is a single storey bungalow, and one of the few residential works by Richard Palin Blakey, who was the provincial architect from 1912 to 1924.
Details
- Historic designation
- Unknown
- Time period
- The War Years: 1914-1945
- People
- Richard Palin Blakey
- Architectural styles
- Clinker
- Character defining elements
- Clinker Brick, Corbelling, Hipped Roof, Irregular Footprint, Nailed Frame Structure, One Storey
Location
About
Constructed of clinker brick and built in the Craftsman style, the Trudel Residence was designed to take in the sweeping views of the river valley through eight Palladian (arched) windows. The impressive home has a portico with rounded roof off the dining room and three fire places all enclosed under a large pyramid hipped roof covered with wood shingles.
Ludger (Louis) Trudel was president and manager of Trudel Fur Manufacturing Company, who became known as the "Buffalo King" for selling buffalo coats to the RCMP. His rise to stature would parallel the decline of buffalo in Alberta and Western Canada, a decline which would have a detrimental impact on Indigenous peoples. The design and style elements of his home were influenced from his many travels to the United States. He resided in his dream home from 1928 until his death in 1932. His wife and son remained in the house until the 1940s.