Built for the J. R. Watkins Company, which produced health, sanitation, and food products, this building was intended to meet the growing demands of the firm’s Winnipeg office. Founded in 1866, the Minnesota-based company expanded to Winnipeg in early 1913. Located initially in the Brown Building at the corner of Home Street and Notre Dame Avenue, the site proved inadequate within three months, so the firm leased a three-storey block at 191 Main Street South. By mid-October 1913, the company was considering several possible locations for its Canadian Head Office and base of Western Canada operations. Factoring into the decision was the need for railway frontage for ease of transporting raw materials and finished products.
This site adjacent to the Canadian Pacific Railway main line was ultimately selected and, in 1914, an three-storey structure was constructed based on designs of architect John Woodman and Raymond Marwood-Elton Carey and completed at a cost of $81,000. In 1921-1922, a further five storeys were added, as built by contractor B. H. Stahr at a cost of $100,000. The building, which served as both warehouse and factory, was unique for having design elements on all sides. The large number of windows allowed for improved interior lighting which made for better working conditions.
In 1937, a $20,000 upgrade included two boilers and three stokers provided by the Vulcan Iron Works. That same year, the firm bought the north end of Curtis Avenue for future expansion. Between 1935 and 1939, it purchased several rundown residential properties between its factory and Higgins Avenue, demolishing the buildings and creating green space at the cost of $25,000. The open space remains today, though a fountain has since been removed, and the site is now enclosed by fencing. The company occupied the building until early 1988. As of late 2016, it is used for commercial storage.
In April 2017, the building became a municipally-designated historic site. It is not open to the public but, at the time of a 2024 site visit, was being used by crafters, artists, and self-employed business people. The renovation project received a Preservation Award from Heritage Winnipeg in 2024.
J. R. Watkins Company Building prior to demolition of residences to the south (1930s)
Source: Images of America, Watkins, 2004.
The former J. R. Watkins Company Building (July 2015)
Source: Nathan Kramer
Aerial view of the former J. R. Watkins Company Building (March 2024)
Source: George Penner
Interior of the former J. R. Watkins Company Building (October 2016)
Source: Gordon GoldsboroughSite Coordinates (lat/long): N49.90348, W97.12240
denoted by symbol on the map above
See also:
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Municipally Designated Historic Sites
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Abandoned Manitoba
“To build factory,” Manitoba Free Press, 17 October 1913, page 9.
City of Winnipeg Building Permit 2346/1914, City of Winnipeg Archives.
“Wanted immediately,” Manitoba Free Press, 18 June 1919, page 14.
City of Winnipeg Building Permit 2145/1921, City of Winnipeg Archives.
“Protest made against power line towers,” Winnipeg Evening Tribune, 14 September 1927, page 5.
“Trade Board members visit J. R. Watkins’ Plant,” Winnipeg Tribune, 3 July 1929, page 3.
“Business men visit plant of J. R. Watkins Co.” Winnipeg Tribune, 9 July 1929, page 15.
“J. R. Watkins Co.” Winnipeg Tribune, 26 December 1931, page 5.
“Watkins Company to spend $20,000,” Winnipeg Tribune, 31 July 1937, page 30.
“A face-lifting,” Winnipeg Tribune, 26 August 1939, page 28.
“Again! Rachel’s nose out of joint,” Winnipeg Free Press, 12 March 1952, page 3.
“City fathers sound knell for Rachel,” Winnipeg Free Press, 9 April 1952, page 15.
“Committee gets unemployed bid,” Winnipeg Free Press, 29 April 1952, page 3.
“Watkins Incorporated,” Winnipeg Free Press, 23 January 1988, page 44.
A Guide to Architecture of Greater Winnipeg 1831-1960 by John W. Graham, The University of Manitoba Press, 1960. [Winnipeg Architecture Foundation]
Henderson’s Winnipeg and Brandon Directories, Henderson Directories Limited, Peel’s Prairie Provinces, University of Alberta Libraries.
90 Annabella - Overview, Nomination List - Municipally Designated Sites in Winnipeg.
90 Annabella - Long, List of Historical Resources - Municipally Designated Sites in Winnipeg.
We thank Ed Arndt and George Penner for providing additional information used here.
This page was prepared by Nathan Kramer and Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 15 June 2024
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!
