Historic Sites of Manitoba: Winnipeg Granite and Marble Building / Neal Brothers Warehouse / Smith Produce Company Building (248 Princess Street, Winnipeg)

This two-storey brick and stone building on Princess Street in Winnipeg, measuring 40 feet by 90 feet, was designed by local architect John Hamilton Gordon Russell. It was built in 1904 by contractors Samuel McComb and John E. Heslip as offices, showroom space, and a work area for the Winnipeg Granite and Marble Company (founded by Alex L. MacIntyre and John A. MacIntyre) at a cost of about $13,000.

By 1909, the company had disappeared and the building was occupied by various tenants including the Moffat Stove Company, Simpson Produce Company, and from 1913 to 1919, as a warehouse for the wholesale grocery firm of Neal Brothers. In 1920, the building's main floor was occupied by R. Smith Wholesale Produce and it was followed in 1921 by the R. Smith Company.

At the time of a 2025 site visit, a “ghost sign” for R. Smith Wholesale Produce was partially visible on the north side of the building.

Winnipeg Granite and Marble Building (January 2025) Source: Jordan Makichuk Site Coordinates (lat/long): N49.90281, W97.13919 denoted by symbol on the map above

See also:

Memorable Manitobans: John Hamilton Gordon Russell (1863-1946)

Memorable Manitobans: John E. Heslip (1870-1955)

Memorable Manitobans: Samuel McComb (1844-1907)

Manitoba Business: Neal Brothers / Neals Stores

Sources:

City of Winnipeg Building Permit 1160/1904, City of Winnipeg Archives.

“City and general,” Manitoba Free Press, 14 July 1904, page 16.

“Factories,” Manitoba Free Press, 24 November 1904, page 18.

248 Princess Street - R. Smith Co. Block by Christian Cassidy, Winnipeg Places, 12 January 2025.

This page was prepared by Jordan Makichuk and Christian Cassidy.

Page revised: 12 February 2025

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. SEARCH the collection Browse lists of: Museums/Archives | Buildings | Monuments | Cemeteries | Locations | Other Inclusion 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. Search Tips | Suggest an Historic Site | FAQ Help us keep history alive!