A six-storey office block at this site on the west side of Main Street in Winnipeg was designed by local architect John Danley Atchison. It was constructed between 1911 and 1912 as headquarters for the Allan Steamship Company and the real estate business of Allan Killam and McKay. Insurance and loan departments of the firm had space on the upper levels.
It was later sold to the Scottish Union and National Insurance Company and the brokerage firm remained in the building as a tenant. In January 1947, the building was purchased by the Crown Trust and Guarantee Company.
The building was demolished in 1973 to make way for new construction at the site. A terra cotta arch from the top of the original building was preserved and is displayed in an underground concourse of Winnipeg Square. It was unveiled on 24 July 1980 in a ceremony attended by Mayor William “Bill” Norrie and Trizec President and CEO Harold P. Milavsky. Additional shards from the building are located outside the Fort Garry Public Library as part of an architectural history display.
Allan Killam and McKay Building (1912)
Source: Winnipeg Tribune, 9 November 1912, page 35.
Crown Trust Building at right (no date)
Source: Winnipeg Buildings Index, CTBA-51
Terra cotta arch from the Crown Trust Building in Winnipeg Square (October 2025)
Source: Milan Lukes
Plaque beside terra cotta arch from the Crown Trust Building in Winnipeg Square (October 2025)
Source: Milan LukesSite Coordinates (lat/long): N49.89506, W97.13856
denoted by symbol on the map above
See also:
Memorable Manitobans: John Danley Atchison (1870-1959)
Manitoba Business: Allan Lang and Killam / Allan Lang Killam and McKay / Allan Killam and McKay
“Allan S.S. line to build block here,” Winnipeg Tribune, 9 January 1911, page 1.
“New home of Allan, Killam & McKay,” Winnipeg Tribune, 9 November 1912, page 35.
Henderson’s Winnipeg and Brandon Directories, Henderson Directories Limited, Peel’s Prairie Provinces, University of Alberta Libraries.
“Crown Trust purchases building,” Winnipeg Free Press, 13 January 1947, page 1.
This page was prepared by Milan Lukes and Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 15 October 2025
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