This one-storey brick building on Fort Street in Winnipeg, measuring 50 feet by 120 feet, was built between late 1929 and early 1930 by contractor Lee Fletcher at a cost of about $17,000. It was intended as a public garage owned by Colonel K. Smith (?-?). Soon after it was built, the building was rented out and used as an auto repair garage by Beattie Auto Electric Limited.
At the time of a 2023 site visit, the building was relatively unmodified from its original appearance. A “ghost sign” advertisement for Beattie Auto Electric was visible on the south side of the building, which was being used as a bar and live music venue.
Beattie Auto Electric Garage (August 2019)
Source: George Penner
Beattie Auto Electric Garage (January 2023)
Source: Jordan MakichukSite Coordinates (lat/long): N49.89097, W97.13782
denoted by symbol on the map above
See also:
Memorable Manitobans: Lee Fletcher (1880-1964)
City of Winnipeg Building Permit 5711/1929, City of Winnipeg Archives.
Winnipeg fire insurance map, #111 December 1955, City of Winnipeg Archives.
176 Fort Street, Winnipeg Architecture Foundation.
Henderson’s Winnipeg and Brandon Directories, Henderson Directories Limited, Peel’s Prairie Provinces, University of Alberta Libraries.
We thank George Penner for providing additional information used here.
This page was prepared by Jordan Makichuk.
Page revised: 1 February 2025
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