Historic Glenora Home Lost in Suspected Arson Spree
A devastating series of suspected arson fires targeting new infill construction in Edmonton has claimed an unexpected casualty - a historic 1935 Art Deco show home that stood as a testament to the city's architectural heritage. The fire, which began in the early hours of Sunday, November 2, 2025, consumed two brand-new infill single-family homes in the upscale Glenora neighborhood before spreading to Ken Freeland's cherished historic bungalow.
Security Alerts Signal Disaster
Ken Freeland's nightmare began when his phone started buzzing incessantly with broken glass alerts from his home security system. The Glenora resident of three decades knew immediately that his unique property at 13224 102 Ave. was in grave danger. "Bang, bang, bang, everything else just started going wild," Freeland recalled in an emotional interview with Postmedia. "The system was so busy I couldn't look at the camera."
What Freeland could see through his tree-mounted security camera was even more alarming - flames and orange glow engulfing the adjacent construction site. As he rushed toward his home from a parking spot on nearby Alexander Circle, he held out hope that his historic property would be spared from the destruction that has plagued Edmonton's infill construction sites since September.
That hope vanished when Freeland saw flames shooting through the metal roof of his home of 30 years. "It wasn't just a house — it was a historic home, and Edmonton doesn't have a lot of that," he said mournfully. "And we've got one less now."
Art Deco Masterpiece Lost Forever
The destroyed home was no ordinary residence. Built in 1935 as a showcase property for Northwestern Utilities Ltd. (now ATCO Gas), the 1,200-square-foot, five-room bungalow featured distinctive Art Deco archways and Mediterranean tile work. The house was constructed specifically to demonstrate the latest gas-powered amenities to Edmonton residents, taking advantage of the new gas line running along 102 Avenue.
"I didn't change the historical nature of it — I just liked the place. I loved the history of it, it was a really, really cool place," Freeland said of the unique property.
Contemporary accounts from the October 1935 Edmonton Bulletin praised the home as a "modern bungalow" marvel. The basement was fully finished - highly unusual for the era - and included several innovative features:
- A lounge with red quarry tile floor and gas-fired imitation coal grate
- A dedicated wine cellar
- A gas incinerator for burning rubbish and garbage
- Advanced heating and cooling systems including a revolutionary thermostat
- A gas ironer and other cutting-edge appliances
The home represented a significant piece of Edmonton's residential development history, showcasing how modern utilities were transforming domestic life in the mid-1930s.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
Edmonton Fire Rescue Services and the Edmonton Police Service are treating the Glenora blaze as part of a larger pattern of eight suspected arson attacks on infill construction sites that began in September. The investigation continues as authorities work to identify potential suspects and motives behind the destructive spree.
For Freeland, the loss extends beyond the physical structure. "Everything you own is just poof, gone, right? And the whole criminal nature of this arson next door—that's very disturbing," he reflected, capturing the emotional toll of seeing his historic home become collateral damage in what appears to be targeted criminal activity.
The destruction of this historic property raises broader questions about protecting Edmonton's architectural heritage amid rapid urban development and the challenges of preventing construction-site crimes in residential neighborhoods.
