EDMONTON – With the price of Edmonton real estate projected to increase this year, a house with an asking price of $0 is likely to pique the interest of many home buyers. But, there is a catch.
In order to make way for redeveloped student housing, the University of Alberta is looking to remove a number of century-old homes from its East Campus Village district in the Garneau neighbourhood.
The asking price for each house is $0, but those interested will have to foot the bill to move them off the land. If the homes aren’t moved, they will be torn down.
“I actually stopped by here to see which houses are available, that are ready to move,” said Greg Kellock, an Edmontonian who grew up in the Garneau neighbourhood.
Kellock says he realizes the cost involved with moving a house, but believes it would be worth it.
“I do happen to have a lot where I live, not far down the road,” he said. “The architecture is different than the younger, cookie-cutter houses that you see today.”
Most of the homes were built in the 1920s and were acquired by the University in the 1970s. A total of 10 homes, in the area between 111 and 110 Streets and 89 and 90 Avenues, will need to be moved to make way for the new student housing.
“I personally have had probably 30 or 35 expressions of interest,” said Doug Dawson, Executive Director of Ancillary Services with the U of A. “We’re delighted that people are showing this much interest and, again, we’re pleased to be able to offer them in this manner.
“It’s an interesting way for us to preserve the character of the homes and to celebrate them, in a way.”
Dawson says the new housing that will go up on the land will be in keeping with the architecture of the surrounding buildings, in an effort of preserving the uniqueness of one of Edmonton’s oldest neighbourhoods.
Kellock just hopes with all the interest, he can become one of the new owners.
“I’d hate to see them get wrecking-balled.”
Those interested in the houses are being asked to submit a written expression of interest by Friday, Jan. 24, 2014. For more information on the process and to view the house layouts, visit the University of Alberta’s website.
With files from Tom Vernon, Global News.