Where it is
734 Memorial Dr. N.W.
The history
The Orman Residence, a house that’s over 113 years old, has belonged to the Orman family for over 67 years. It’s a stylish craftsman-style home with a unique addition of a Queen Anne-style turret. The home has housed many Calgarians in its lifetime, including Calgary’s first sanitary engineer, Jack Dunn, who was the father of Doreen Orman.
Orman worked with the City of Calgary to help Hillhurst Sunnyside develop into the charming and character-forward community it is today. Her home was legally protected as a heritage home, and The Orman Residence was added to the city’s list of historic resources in January 2016. It’s the first home in Sunnyside to be designated as a Municipal Historic Resource for its architectural and cultural significance.
What to love
The home is nestled on a 37.5-foot lot and spans over 1,985 square feet of cozy, historic and welcoming space. The main floor boasts a grand living room with touches of historic details and charm. Original baseboards, casings and crown moulding details are featured throughout the main and upper floors. A turret, fireplace, vintage wallpaper and wainscoting are also preserved features.
Parlour doors open to a tucked-away den/office space with bookshelves and a built-in bench. The brick fireplace in the living room has been updated with a gas insert that preserves the mottled-green porcelain tiled hearth.
In the 1960s, the homeowners added a single-storey rear addition to create an open-concept kitchen and family room. The space is outfitted with custom sliding shutters and skylights that light up the space. A thriving ficus tree planted inside the house around the same time adds to the ambiance. The main-floor, three-piece bathroom showcases mid-century tile work that has been kept in the home.
Upstairs, the primary bedroom boasts a cozy design and includes a sitting area with natural light and downtown views. The backyard is a private oasis complete with a large deck, interlock courtyard, planting beds/boxes and a quaint pond. A Griffin Poplar tree dating back to 1910 (a plaque marks the age of the tree, honouring its heritage) adds shade, privacy and a final touch of history.
What to consider
Sunnyside offers ample amenities, walking trails, nearby schools and its own historic charm. The home has been lovingly maintained over the years, and as an official heritage home, it will continue to be a part of the community and Calgary for many more years.
The stats
1,987 square feet
Three bedrooms
Two bathrooms
Original wood and wainscoting
Attached double garage
Built in 1912
First dedicated Historic Resource house in Sunnyside
Listed for $850,000 with realtor Marti Bogue of Charles.
Inside the Home
This century craftsman-style home with a Queen Anne-style turret is a protected staple in the Sunnyside community.
Thanks to Doreen Orman, the Orman Residence is a Calgary heritage home, which means it is protected and preserved.
Inside the home is a welcoming and charming blend of traditional elements and modern updates.
This rear addition was added to expand the kitchen and dining area. It features a living ficus tree built into the home.
The charming kitchen maintains its historic appeal but still boasts modern and updated appliances and ample storage.
The main-floor, three-piece bathroom includes a touch of history with its mid-century tile flooring.
Upstairs, the primary bedroom is a cozy retreat with ample room and a private seating area.
The primary seating area is a brightly lit space with downtown views and plenty of natural lighting.
Step outside to the backyard and enjoy the deck, a garden, a spacious courtyard and privacy.
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