Exchange District Compendium

A Glimpse of the National Historic Site in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Interview with Cindy Tugwell (2020-03-20) by Larissa IdeICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites

Cindy Tugwell, Executive Director of Heritage Winnipeg

Listen in as Cindy Tugwell describes the origin of Heritage Winnipeg and the importance of protecting the Exchange District as a whole.

The Exchange District - Living History (2020-03-20) by Larissa IdeICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites

The Exchange District - Living History



The site is historically known for its 1880s manufacturing warehouses, the grain exchange, being a gateway from Eastern to Western Canada, 1920s international modern historic buildings, bank buildings, a rich artistic culture, and the Stephen Juba Park along the Red River.



Interview with Murray Peterson (2020-03-20) by Larissa IdeICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites

An Interview with Murray Peterson on the Exchange District


One of Winnipeg's Historical Buildings Officer tells us about Winnipeg as one of the fastest growing cities in North America and the third largest city in Canada in earlier days. This wealth prompted the city to invest in long-lasting structures and to showcase their prosperity.

Old Market Square in March (2020-03-20) by Larissa IdeICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites

The Heart of the Exchange

Today the heart of the Exchange is the Old Market Square where there was previously a fire station, but when Stephen Juba became mayor in 1957 he wanted to revitalize the city with modern structures. 

The Cube - Designed by the barcode architects (5468796 Architecture) in Winnipeg (2020-03-20) by Larissa IdeICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites

What is the Cube?

The Cube stands within a park as an art piece that transforms into a stage and is a testament to the revival of the Exchange District.   

Interactive Art Exhibit in the Old Market Square (2018) by Mike PetersICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites

What Does the Exchange District BIZ Do?

Events like this interactive arts exhibit festival are held within the Exchange District every year, thanks to the programming of the Exchange District BIZ, which is now ensuring the popularity and conservation of the district. 

Historic Warehouses in the Exchange District used as new spaces (2020-03-20) by Larissa IdeICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites

What Stories are Told by the Historic Warehouse Buildings?

The district is filled with old warehouses that range in level of detail depending on the wealth of the company that owned the space or whether the space was being rented out to other companies. Many warehouses are being repurposed as condos, offices, retail space, etc. 

The Gault building used as artspace now (2020-03-20) by Larissa IdeICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites

The Evolution of the Gault Building

One of the many warehouses in the district, this was originally constructed for the Gault Brothers Company Limited who sold dry goods. Its architectural style is Richardsonian Romanesque. Now it houses art galleries, offices, and an independent theatre.

J. H. Ashdown Hardware Company Warehouse converted into Condos (2020-03-20) by Larissa IdeICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites

Examples of Sustainable Adaptive Reuse of Heritage Buildings

The Ashdown warehouse was the first warehouse in the District to be converted to a residential apartment/condominium building. It occupies most of the block on Bannatyne Avenue. James Ashdown was a wealthy man and he was mayor of Winnipeg twice.

Traveller's Building (2020-03-20) by Larissa IdeICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites

The Luxuries of the Travellers Building

The Travellers building was used as a meeting place for commercial travellers - salesmen - coming through Winnipeg. Beyond meeting halls and dining rooms, it offered Turkish baths that consisted of a steam room, plunge pool, sauna, and cooling room. 

Traveller's Building at street level (2020-03-20) by Larissa IdeICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites

How is it Used Today?

Today the building is used as a condominium on the upper levels and a restaurant on the ground floor. The basement is used by the restaurant as a wine cooler.

McClary Building Close-up (2020-03-20) by Larissa IdeICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites

Neglected or Vacant Buildings Lead to...

Although there are rich histories associated with each building in the district, some are underappreciated and neglected, especially if the buildings lie vacant. In some cases neglect leads to the demolition of a building.

Maw's Garage (2020-03-20) by Larissa IdeICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites

First of its Kind

Maw's Garage was built in 1906. This was the first car dealership of its kind in Winnipeg. 

Metal Structure of Maw's Garage (2020-03-20) by Larissa IdeICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites

What was Innovative About this Place?

The steel beams were requested by Maw to allow the large span of the building without an interrupted view of the cars. Now it is split into a garage on King Street and office space on Princess Street. 

Credits: Story

ICOMOS Canada and Carleton University
Exchange District BIZ -  More on the Exchange District BIZ  
Heritage Winnipeg - More on Heritage Winnipeg
City of Winnipeg

See the other exhibits on the Exchange District

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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