This two-storey brick building on Portage Avenue in Winnipeg, measuring 66 feet by 90 feet, was designed by local architect William Barnes Lait. Originally planned to be three storeys, it was built in 1904 using red bricks from the La Riviere Brickyard by contractor F. C. Jones for businessman George A. Glines at a cost of about $40,000. During construction it was changed to be a four-storey building.
Originally known as the Glines Block, it was renamed the Mason and Risch Block in 1922. Two years later, the building suffered a devastating fire which destroyed the top two floors and gutted the rest. The restoration and other alterations were designed by the local architectural firm of Pratt and Ross and built by contractor H. Hooper at a cost of about $45,000.
In 1933, the building was purchased by Zellers Limited as its new department store. Renamed the Zellers Building, the store opened officially on 30 September 1933. In 1940, further alterations were completed at a cost of about $5,000.
At the time of a 2025 site visit, the building was extensively renovated from its original appearance.
Glines Block in its planned three-storey configuration (1904)
Source: Manitoba Free Press, 7 May 1904, page 17.
Glines Block in its as-built four-storey configuration (1904)
Source: Winnipeg Tribune, 21 December 1904, page 19.
Zellers Building (1933)
Source: Archives of Manitoba, Hudson Bay Company Corporate Collection.
Zellers Building (September 2025)
Source: Jordan Makichuk
Rear of the Zellers Building (September 2025)
Source: Jordan MakichukSite Coordinates (lat/long): N49.89280, W97.14522
denoted by symbol on the map above
See also:
Memorable Manitobans: William Barnes Lait (1855-1928)
Historic Sites of Manitoba: La Riviere Brickyard (La Riviere, Municipality of Pembina)
Memorable Manitobans: George A. Glines (1849-1919)
Manitoba Business: Pratt and Ross
“The Glines Block,” Manitoba Free Press, 7 May 1904, page 17.
“The new store, office, and apartment block on Portage Avenue,” Manitoba Free Press, 10 September 1904, page 6.
“One of Winnipeg’s most modern blocks,” Winnipeg Tribune, 21 December 1904, page 19.
“Many permits issued,” Manitoba Free Press, 24 April 1920, page 3.
City of Winnipeg Building Permit 35/1924, City of Winnipeg Archives.
“Prospects bright for big building year in Winnipeg,” Manitoba Free Press, 22 February 1924, page 14.
“Music firm to rebuild block,” Winnipeg Tribune, 3 May 1924, page 1.
“Canada Bread to build $58,000 wing,” Winnipeg Tribune, 16 May 1924, page 1.
“Zellers, a chain of Canadian thrift stores, opening sale tomorrow,” Winnipeg Tribune, 29 September 1933, page 9.
“Building permits holding up well,” Winnipeg Tribune, 30 November 1940, page 15.
Winnipeg fire insurance map, #102 February 1963, City of Winnipeg Archives.
Henderson’s Winnipeg and Brandon Directories, Henderson Directories Limited, Peel’s Prairie Provinces, University of Alberta Libraries.
This page was prepared by Jordan Makichuk.
Page revised: 30 September 2025
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