This two-storey building on William Avenue in Winnipeg was designed by local architect John Nelson Semmens and built in 1912 for Alexander Conley McRae of A. C. McRae Motor Company at a cost of about $20,000. The following year, McRae was joined by David Wesley “Wes” Griffith to establish McRae and Griffith Limited. The building had showroom space that sold Mitchell, National, and Waverly Electric automobiles and later Chevrolet automobiles on the main floor with offices on the second floor. The rear of the building was used for auto repair.
McRae Garage and Auto Sales Building (1912)
Source: Manitoba Free Press, 11 May 1912, page 25.McRae Garage and Auto Sales Building (September 2022)
Source: Jordan MakichukSite Coordinates (lat/long): N49.90117, W97.14589
denoted by symbol on the map above
See also:
Memorable Manitobans: John Nelson Semmens (1879-1960)
Memorable Manitobans: Alexander Conley McRae (1862-1920)
Memorable Manitobans: Robert Farquhar McRae (1877-1962)
Memorable Manitobans: David Wesley “Wes” Griffith (1879-1943)
City of Winnipeg Building Permit 1992/1912, City of Winnipeg Archives.
“Another automobile garage,” Manitoba Free Press, 11 May 1912, page 25.
“Many building permits,” Winnipeg Tribune, 12 June 1912, page 8.
“New garage nearly ready,” Manitoba Free Press, 9 November 1912, page 13.
Henderson’s Winnipeg and Brandon Directories, Henderson Directories Limited, Peel’s Prairie Provinces, University of Alberta Libraries.
This page was prepared by Jordan Makichuk and Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 3 September 2023
Historic Sites of Manitoba
This is a collection of historic sites in Manitoba compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. The information is offered for historical interest only.
Browse lists of:
Museums/Archives | Buildings | Monuments | Cemeteries | Locations | OtherInclusion in this collection does not confer special status or protection. Official heritage designation may only come from municipal, provincial, or federal governments. Some sites are on private property and permission to visit must be secured from the owner.
Site information is provided by the Manitoba Historical Society as a free public service only for non-commercial purposes.
Send corrections and additions to this page
to the MHS Webmaster at webmaster@mhs.mb.ca.Help us keep history alive!