In 1911, the Palfreyville Apartments were constructed in an era of considerable growth and residential building in Calgary before WW1. It is a rare illustration of semi-detached housing design from that period. The double residence design was designed to address the pressing demand for housing in the largely working-class Hillhurst-Sunnyside district. William James Palfrey had built 13 frame dwellings between 1909-1911, before constructing Palfreyville Apartments. It is evident that he created this property with the intention of renting it out as it was never subdivided. He also constructed other properties such as duplexes at 112 and 120 9 Street NW (1910) with a similar goal in mind, demonstrating his enterprising character and his efforts to take advantage of the huge demand for housing during 1909-12 boom period. The name 'Palfreyville' might have been jokingly given to indicate his desire to build so many buildings in this area that it would be called 'Palfreyville'. However, when the economy took a downward turn by 1913, his subsequent development activities decreased significantly.