Irvine House

Description of the Historic Place

The Irvine House features a two and-a-half storey home with Queen Anne architectural influences. Constructed in 1910, the residence is located on a narrow lot adjacent to Nutana Collegiate and was once home to one of Saskatoon’s most prominent pioneer citizens, Robert Irvine.

This historic place, located at 416 11th Street East, is listed under Bylaw No. 6770 (Holding Bylaw). This Bylaw provides short-term protection of the building from demolition by providing for a 60 day holding period in the event a demolition permit is received. Within that 60 day period heritage designation is considered by City Council.

Heritage Value

As Saskatoon approached its boom period, 1910 - 1912, a number of impressive, opulent, two-storey, private dwellings appeared, including the Irvine House at 416 11th Street East. The home exhibits Queen Anne architectural influences, a style known for its decorative detailing, steeply pitched roofs and porches. The residence features a brick veneer exterior with wooden siding below the front gable, and stone trim along the house’s bottom. The asphalt roof has three gables, and is supported by decorative brackets.  A bracketed wooden awning ornaments the main front window and there is an arched wooden entranceway over stairs. Modifications to the property’s exterior over the years include the replacement of the original front window, painting of the brick exterior, and a rear addition. 

The home was built by Robert B. Irvine in 1910. Irvine, like most pioneers, was involved in various career fields, including education, business and the ministry.  He was a member of Saskatoon's first City Council and he served as chairman of the Nutana School District No. 869 from 1903 - 1906. Ontario-born and educated, Irvine moved west in 1899.  He was initially employed as a teacher at Little Stone School House for a year before leaving to pursue service in the Methodist ministry in Prince Albert. Irvine returned to Saskatoon with his wife Ella in 1903, and operated a general store on Broadway Avenue and Main Street in partnership with George H. Clare until 1906.

In 1920, Irvine formed the Western Fuel Company at 629 Broadway Avenue, in partnership with Henry Rodwell and Harry G. Merkley.  In the mid-1920s, Irvine became an insurance agent with the Confederation Life Association and the manager of the Belmae Apartments at 445 3rd Avenue North. Irvine and his family continued to reside in their home until their retirement years. The Irvine House continues to be valued for its association with the Irvine family and its location on a street which has witnessed much historic activity in the centre of the original Nutana settlement.

Source: City of Saskatoon Built Heritage Database

Character Defining Elements

Key elements which contribute to the heritage value of this historic resource include:

• Its architectural style, with Queen Anne influences, evident in: its smooth brick façade, numerous windows, heavy cornices, window brackets and wood window trim, the rounded porch roof, wood columns that frame the front porch and the oval attic window; and
• Those features that relate to the building’s historical significance, such as its location on its original site.