Winnipeg Architecture Foundation

Image 1: Ivan Saunders, 1974, for Parks Canada.
Image 2: Caricature, 1909, ‘Manitobans As We See ’Em’ by the Newspaper Cartoonists’ Association of Manitoba.

#johnatchison #wpgarch30 #winnipegarchitecture #canadianarchitecture #chicagoschoolarchitecture #archiseek #architecture #guide

The building’s elaborate cornice was inspired by the Beaux-Arts style, symbolising Mr Atchison’s Chicago-influenced architecture which bridges modern and classical design.

You can find more information about the Boyd Building and Mr Atchison on our website to learn more.

Mr Atchison employed the hallmarks of the Chicago School style throughout his work. Note the Boyd Building’s separation into three sections, an idea sourced from Louis Sullivan.

He is responsible for reshaping Winnipeg’s civic identity through the design of important buildings, including the Boyd Building (1912).

Born in rural Illinois on 17 February 1870, he trained as an architect in Chicago before moving to Winnipeg during the city’s golden age of development.

Happy 156th birthday, John D Atchison.

As one of the most influential architects in Winnipeg’s history, Mr Atchison has been described as one of the most prolific practitioners of the Chicago School style.

#winnipeg #history #architecture #chicago #architect

Read the tales of match making in #architecture, featuring favourite constructed couples by local architects and WAF’s Susan Algie.

@winnipegfreepress.com @metismamamb.bsky.social

Explore architectural love stories, including Portage and Main’s iconic 1913 Bank of Montreal and its contrasting 1980s tower. What is a loving relationship in Winnipeg’s built environment?

‘The cupid of construction’, 10 February 2007 edition of the Winnipeg Free Press.

See more below. You may find more 'matches' on our website and learn more about Winnipeg landmarks and histories.

Image: WAF Collection

#wpgarch30 #canadianarchitecture #valentines #winnipeg #manitoba #archiseek

Winnipeg architectural firm Green Blankstein Russell (GBR) hosts annual staff curling bonspiel.

#curlingdayincanada #curling

@emmaewood.bsky.social @cityofwinnipeg.bsky.social

Source: GBR Fonds, Winnipeg Architecture Foundation Archives

This multifamily housing complex is designed by noted #Manitoba architect Gustavo Da Roza‎. The building utilises white-painted cinder block and stucco, as well as a suspended sunshade component, to sculptural effect. Brightly painted spandrels add visual interest.

738 Nassau St South (1976) in #LordRobers neighbourhood of #Winnipeg; sadly slated for demolition.

More information below and on our website:

winnipegarchitecture.ca/738-nassau-street-south

#architecture #housing #gusdaroza #modernist #canadian #manitoba #canadiandesign #modernism

#winnipeg #filmfest #filmfestival #adff #wpgarch #architecture #design #archiseek #canadianfilm #filmmaker #canadian

@creativemanitoba.bsky.social @friendscndm.bsky.social @cityofwinnipeg.bsky.social @exchangedistrict.bsky.social

The Architecture and Design Film Festival (A+DFF) invites you to enter a short film competition.

What stories do buildings and urban landscapes tell? How can film be used to tell them?

Architecture is everywhere. Get creative in showing how a place—any place—can tell a story.

#ArchiShorts 2026 Call for Entries

Registration is free and open to all. Win great prizes and be featured in A+DFF, Canada's only film festival dedicated to architecture and design. Deadline 26 March.

adff.ca/archishorts

Places The WAF is a nonprofit, registered charitable organisation dedicated to advancing the awareness and appreciation of Winnipeg's built environment through public education.

You may find more information about 190 Smith St on our website and learn more about Winnipeg architecture and histories.

winnipegarchitecture.ca/places

Former Place Louis Riel, 190 Smith St, by Libling Michener and Associates 1969–1970.

Originally named to mark the 100th anniversary of Manitoba’s entry into Confederation and to commemorate Mr Riel’s role in the formation of the province in 1870.

📷Henry Kalen, UM Archives

#LouisRiel #Architecture

Launching #wpgarch30.

30 years of WAF, and so much more.

To our patrons and supporters: thank you for your trust, steadfast support & funding our work.

Stay tuned for special 30th-anniversary programming later this year. We are delighted to have you join us.

#winnipeg #staytuned #architecture

Events

Email tours@winnipegarchitecture.ca for more information, or visit winnipegarchitecture.ca/events.

We hope to see you in the new year for our next season of walking tours!

#wpgarch #winnipegarchitecture #walkingtour #winnipegplacesandspaces #canadianarchitecture

UPDATE: Due to the extension of construction in the neighbourhood, WAF's tour of Armstrong's Point has been postponed to 2026. We apologise for the inconvenience.

Check out our website, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on social media to get notified when new events are announced.

Unfortunate to see a character defining element removed from this modernist building.

Left Image: Jenkins House, Winnipeg Architecture Foundation
Right Image: Hotel for J G Christie, Gimli Manitoba Free Press, 11 May 1907.

🔴 Wednesday, 27 August 2025
🔴 12:00 noon
🔴 101-177 Lombard Avenue, Winnipeg
Venue is accessible. All are welcome; open seating.

🔗 More WAF events: www.winnipegarchitecture.ca/events
✉️ Questions? hello@winnipegarchitecture.ca

He designed factories and warehouses in the Exchange District, plus apartment buildings, churches, and houses. Bellhouse is noteworthy for several surviving designs from Winnipeg’s early years, particularly his work for Winnipeg’s wealthy in the Armstrong’s Point and Crescentwood neighbourhoods.

SPECIAL EVENT: Please join us for a free noon-hour WAF lecture, with Dr David R Bellhouse (London, Ont).

Trained as an architect in Belgium and England, David Wynyard Bellhouse immigrated to Winnipeg at the turn of the 20th century.

IMPORTANT DATE CHANGE: Due to Air Canada travel disruptions, this WAF event is rescheduled for Wednesday, 27 August at 12:00 noon. Please join us then for David R Bellhouse’s talk. We thank everyone for their flexibility and understanding. We look forward to seeing everyone at the lecture. Thank you

Events

🔴 Wednesday, 16 July 2025
⚫ 6:30 PM
🔴 Meet at 120 King St. across from Old Market Square
🔗 Questions or looking for more tours? Visit www.winnipegarchitecture.ca/events or email tours@winnipegarchitecture.ca.

#wpgarch #winnipegarchitecturefoundation #exchangedistrict #walkingtour #ghostsigns

Winnipeg’s rich collection of hand-painted wall ads date back to the early 1880s. Over a century and a half later, the businesses and brands advertised on the sides of buildings remain. Explore the Ghost Signs of the Exchange District in Winnipeg on this tour with Matt Cohen, Urban Archaeologist!

Join Matt Cohen and WAF for a walking tour of the Ghost Signs in Winnipeg's Exchange District!
Ghost Signs are hand-painted, outdoor ads that have been preserved on sides of buildings. They are also known as 'fading ads' or 'brick ads' and were prevalent from the 1890s through to the 1960s.

*UPDATE: Unfortunately this tour is now at capacity. We thank everyone for their interest and look forward to seeing you at one of our many other summer tours!*