The original two-storey portion of this structure on the south side of Lombard Avenue in Winnipeg, nestled in its northeast corner, was built in 1896 for commission merchant Thomas Black. Two years later, a three-storey addition to the rear was completed. It was expanded again in 1907-1908 on designs of architects Hooper and Walker. The new four-storey expansion measured 62 feet by 62 feet and was constructed of brick, masonry, and heavy timber with modern plumbing, electric lighting, and an elevator. A fourth floor was also added to the 1898 expansion. The project was completed at a cost of around $50,000.
Acquired for $30,000 by Scott-Bathgate in mid-May 1944, a portion of the space was used by the company until shortly before it closed in 2024. Another portion of the building was used as office and warehouse space for General Stationery and Furniture Limited from 1954, and possibly earlier, until February 1990.
In June 2017, the building became a municipally-designated historic site.
Sketch of the newly expanded Black Building with the original two-storey structure at its left side (1907)
Source: “New warehouse and office building,” Winnipeg Tribune, 28 October 1907, page 5.
Black Building from the west side (May 2017)
Source: Nathan Kramer
Black Building from the east side (May 2017)
Source: Nathan Kramer
Black Building from the east side (December 2021)
Source: George Penner
Aerial view of Black Building from the southwest side (March 2025)
Source: George PennerSite Location (lat/long): N49.89528, W97.13368
denoted by symbol on the map above
See also:
Memorable Manitobans: Thomas Black (1856-1914)
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Municipally Designated Historic Sites
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Scott-Bathgate Building (149 Pioneer Avenue, Winnipeg)
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Perrin Warehouse (130 Portage Avenue East, Winnipeg)
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Bell Warehouse / Potter Building (132-134 Portage Avenue East, Winnipeg)
“City and General [Four big building permits],” Manitoba Free Press, 25 June 1907, page 22.
“Building and real estate [New warehouse for Thomas Black],” Manitoba Free Press, 29 June 1907, page 29.
[Photo caption, “New warehouse and office building,”] Winnipeg Tribune, 28 October 1907, page 5.
“To let [Thomas Black],” Manitoba Free Press, 9 November 1907, page 3.
“Lombard St. fire alarm,” Winnipeg Tribune, 21 November 1908, page 8.
“Biscuit firm buys black building,” Winnipeg Tribune, 18 May 1944, page 4.
80 Lombard Street, Winnipeg Building Index.
“We're on the move,” Winnipeg Free Press, 21 February 1990, page 4.
We thank George Penner for providing additional information used here.
This page was prepared by Nathan Kramer and Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 3 March 2025
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