This multi-storey building in Winnipeg occupies an entire city block bounded by Graham Avenue on the north, Smith and Garry streets on the west and east respectively, and St. Mary Avenue on the south. It was designed between 1949 and 1952 by the local architectural firm of Green Blankstein Russell and Associates as a general post office to replace the post office on Portage Avenue dating from 1908. To prepare the construction area in 1952, the federal government expropriated 20 houses and rooming houses, an apartment block, an automotive filling station, a tool company, grocery stores, barber shop, and a jeweller.
The first phase of construction, between 1953 and 1954, entailed the excavation of the basement and construction of the foundation by the Claydon Construction at a cost of $490,293. The second phase, an 11-storey structure on the north and five-storey on the south, was built between December 1954 and late 1957 by the Foundation Company of Canada of Montreal, Quebec.
After extensive renovations, in 2016 the building was occupied by the Winnipeg Police Service that had moved from the Public Safety Building.
Aerial view of the Winnipeg Police Building (June 2024)
Source: George Penner
Entrance to the Winnipeg Police Building (February 2022)
Source: George PennerSite Coordinates (lat/long): N49.89195, W97.14064
denoted by symbol on the map above
See also:
Manitoba Business: Green Blankstein Russell and Associates
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Winnipeg Police Museum (245 Smith Street, Winnipeg)
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Public Safety Building (151 Princess Street, Winnipeg)
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Winnipeg Post Office Shards and Plaque (Mostyn Park, Winnipeg)
“Work to start this year on city's new post office,” Winnipeg Free Press, 20 March 1952, page 1.
“Initial work on new P.O. costs $150,000,” Winnipeg Free Press, 23 June 1952, page 1.
“Post office tender call published,” Winnipeg Free Press, 14 September 1954, page 5.
“Post office low bid $9,377,000,” Winnipeg Free Press, 28 October 1954, page 16.
“Fewer jobs expected on new P.O.,” Winnipeg Free Press, 2 December 1954, page 3.
“Delay in new post office also under MP's fire,” Winnipeg Free Press, 19 January 1955, page 1.
“We're moving Friday!,” Winnipeg Free Press, 18 July 1957, page 6.
This page was prepared by George Penner and Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 7 March 2025
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