In 1913, the Merchants Bank of Canada announced the construction of a new building to service the prosperous new suburb which was developing north of Redwood Avenue. John Danley Atchison of Winnipeg was appointed architect and the contract was awarded to George Fuller Construction of New York. The construction process consumed 23 cords of stone, 125,000 bricks, 1500 yards of plaster and 40 cubic yards of concrete. The bank directors approved a total expenditure of $28,000.
The Merchants Bank was absorbed by the Bank of Montreal in 1921. The new owner used the building and construction the north side addition in 1961. In 1979, the Bank of Montreal vacated this building and relocated to new premises. In 1985, the North West Child and Family Services purchased the building and immediately undertook a major retrofit to provide suitable work space for serving the local community. Westland Construction of Winnipeg contracted to complete the modernization, energy upgrading and partial restoration in consultation with the Historic Building Committee. Particular attention was given to retaining the beauty and distinction of this important heritage building, a municipally-designated historic site.
The former Merchants Bank Building at Winnipeg (May 2011)
Source: Gordon Goldsborough
The former Merchants Bank Building at Winnipeg (September 2014)
Source: George PennerSite Coordinates (lat/long): N49.92496, W97.12575
denoted by symbol on the map above
See also:
Memorable Manitobans: John Danley Atchison (1870-1959)
Manitoba Business: Merchants Bank of Canada
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Provincially Designated Historic Sites
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Municipally Designated Historic Sites
Merchants’ Bank Building (1386 Main Street), Winnipeg Historical Buildings Committee, August 1982.
We thank George Penner for providing additional information used here.
This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough and S. Goldsborough.
Page revised: 17 November 2022
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