Squeaky Floors and Brass Band Radiators

So we moved into our new downtown condo flat. This is our home away from home until we sell our house. I love it! It's called the Bartleman. I feel all urban!

This is what I found about the building: 

HERITAGE VALUE

The heritage value resides in its architecture, which reflects a restrained Edwardian Classical style. The building exhibits simple detailing around entrances and windows, an unadorned cornice, and restrained pilasters, all of which are applied sparingly and with guarded understatement. Designed by the prominent Regina architectural firm of Storey and Van Egmond and constructed in 1914, the original exterior of the building remains largely intact with the exception of the original recessed balconies at the second and third floor levels above each of the front entrances, which have been enclosed. The exterior reflects the building’s distinctive cellular interior plan, which comprises three separate blocks with access provided through impressive stairwell atria with pyramidal skylights. Direct rear access is provided to the suites through shared exterior fire escape platforms. 

The heritage value also lies in its association with James Stewart Bartleman, a local building contractor and original owner of the building, who was active in Regina’s residential construction sector prior to1930. Bartleman was directly associated with the block until at least the early 1920s. The Bartleman family remained active in the Regina construction and real estate business until at least the mid-1930s.

The heritage value also resides in its association with a number of long-term and prominent residents, and in particular James Edward Armstrong. “Jimmie” Armstrong managed the building for many years and resided there in 1919-1920 and again from 1945 until 1955. 

Further heritage value resides in its contribution to the 14th Avenue streetscape within the Transitional Area neighbourhood. This building is one of a group of apartment blocks constructed along this avenue prior to 1930 which collectively comprise the most intact collection of elegant residential blocks constructed in Regina during the pre-First World War and late 1920s periods of economic prosperity and rapid population growth. The Bartleman Apartments provided higher-density residential accommodation to middle and high income clientele.

Source:

City of Regina Bylaw No.10072.

Fascinating!  

With every great love story there is also a tragic element which is that:

1. The Radiators are like a brass band

2. The Radiators continue to pump heat so that we could mistake ourselves to be in sub-Saharan Africa

3. The floors also have their own ancient melody 

4. The showers are only luke-warm

The tragedy of all this is that I was to find L a place where he could sleep/relax after working night shifts. I may have failed and we are only a day in. Luckily he sleeps with ear plugs but I have no idea how that will keep him from all this. 

Note: I am banking on this log from the fire place wedged in window will hopefully balance temperatures somewhat - the other windows are much heavier and I think I would need L to help me jimmy logs and windows.