This two-storey brick building on Garry Street in Winnipeg, measuring 25 feet by 70 feet, was designed by local architect John Hamilton Gordon Russell and built in 1921 by the construction firm of Fraser and MacDonald for tailor John Norris (1873-1952) at a cost of about $20,000. In its original configuration, the building contained a single retail space on the main floor occupied by J. Norris & Son while the second floor contained office space.
The tailoring business was carried on after Norris’ retirement by his son, John Alexander “Jack” Norris (1905-1949). The company occupied the building until 1965. At the time of a 2024 site visit, it had a relatively unmodified exterior but the interior had been replaced to accommodate a restaurant and bar.
Norris Block (March 2024)
Source: Jordan MakichukSite Coordinates (lat/long): N49.89337, W97.14059
denoted by symbol on the map above
See also:
Memorable Manitobans: John Hamilton Gordon Russell (1863-1946)
Manitoba Business: Fraser and MacDonald
Birth registration [John Alexander Norris], Manitoba Vital Statistics.
Death registration [John Alexander Norris], Manitoba Vital Statistics.
“Major J. A. Norris, Hong Kong vet, city tailor, dies,” Winnipeg Tribune, 9 November 1949, page 13.
“John Norris, tailoring firm president dies,” Winnipeg Free Press, 26 May 1952, page 31.
City of Winnipeg Building Permit 889/1921, City of Winnipeg Archives.
274-276 Garry Street, Winnipeg Architecture Foundation.
Obituaries and burial transcriptions, Manitoba Genealogical Society.
This page was prepared by Jordan Makichuk and Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 11 August 2024
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.
Browse lists of:
Museums/Archives | Buildings | Monuments | Cemeteries | Locations | OtherInclusion 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.Help us keep history alive!
