This two-storey, Mid-Century Modern building on the Fort Garry Campus of the University of Manitoba was designed by architects Jim Donahue and Doug Gillmour for the architectural firm of Smith Carter and Katelnikoff. It was built by North American Buildings Limited between 1958 and 1959, at a cost of $1,045,301, as a home for the Faculty of Architecture.
Named in commemoration of architectural educator and Faculty Dean John Alonzo Russell, the building was opened officially on 8 November 1959 at a ceremony attended by University President Hugh Hamilton Saunderson, Canada Council Vice-Chair Reverend G. H. Levesque, and Minister of Education Stewart Edgertson McLean.
The Russell Building has received a Preservation Award from Heritage Winnipeg (2008) and became a municipally-designated historic building (2019).
John A. Russell Building (2018)
Source: Stefanie Goldsborough
John A. Russell Building (June 2020)
Source: Nathan Kramer
John A. Russell Building (June 2020)
Source: Nathan Kramer
John A. Russell Building (April 2021)
Source: George PennerSite Coordinates (lat/long): N49.80806, W97.13533
denoted by symbol on the map above
See also:
Memorable Manitobans: Arthur James “Jim” Donahue (1917-1996)
Memorable Manitobans: R. Douglas “Doug” Gillmor (1930-2019)
Memorable Manitobans: John Alonzo Russell (1907-1966)
Manitoba Business: Smith Carter and Katelnikoff / Smith Carter Architects and Engineers / Architecture49
Manitoba Business: North American Lumber and Supply Company / Citizens Lumber Company / North American Buildings Limited / North American Lumber
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Manitoba Agricultural College / University of Manitoba (Fort Garry Campus, Winnipeg)
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Municipally Designated Historic Sites
“Notice of tender [New School of Architecture Building],” Winnipeg Free Press, 14 April 1958, page 14.
“U architecture school gets $500,000 grant,” Winnipeg Tribune, 21 July 1958, page 13.
“University gets sleek addition,”
Obituary [R. Douglas Gillmor], Winnipeg Free Press, 3 August 2019.
We thank Stefanie Goldsborough, Nathan Kramer, George Penner, and Glen Toews for providing additional information used here.
This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 6 October 2024
Historic Sites of Manitoba
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