This one-storey brick building on Main Street in Winnipeg, measuring 50 feet by 110 feet, was built in 1938 by subcontractors Joseph “Joe” Repa (painting and decorating), Nathan Popeski and Samuel Kleiman (electrical), J. Smolak, S. Liss, A. Kibler, and S. Geneja (bricklaying), Northern Plumbing and Heating Company (plumbing and heating), Shore Glazing Company (millwork, sash, and glazing) and Miller Sheet Metal and Heating Company (roofing and flashing), with building supplies provided by the Chick Lumber and Fuel Company for owners William Schwartz (?-1968) and Joseph Kovalik (?-?) at a cost of about $15,000. In its original configuration, the block contained seven retail spaces.
In October 2021, the building was significantly damaged by an arson fire and, at the time of a 2025 site visit, it was vacant and boarded up. It is expected to be demolished this year.
Schwartz and Kovalik Block (August 1938)
Source: Winnipeg Tribune, 6 August 1938, page 6.
Schwartz and Kovalik Block (June 2025)
Source: Jordan Makichuk
Rear of the Schwartz and Kovalik Block (August 2025)
Source: Jordan MakichukSite Coordinates (lat/long): N49.90964, W97.13289
denoted by symbol on the map above
See also:
Memorable Manitobans: Nathan Popeski (1884-1970)
Manitoba Business: Chick Lumber and Fuel Company
City of Winnipeg Building Permit 477/1938, City of Winnipeg Archives.
“Jump in value of permits indicates fine building year,” Winnipeg Free Press, 9 April 1938, page 2.
“Total for week almost equals previous total for three-month period,” Winnipeg Tribune, 9 April 1938, page 22.
“Latest development on North Main Street,” Winnipeg Tribune, 6 August 1938, page 6.
Winnipeg fire insurance map, #216 March 1963, City of Winnipeg Archives.
Obituary [William Schwartz], Winnipeg Free Press, 1 October 1968, page 68.
Henderson’s Winnipeg and Brandon Directories, Henderson Directories Limited, Peel’s Prairie Provinces, University of Alberta Libraries.
This page was prepared by Jordan Makichuk and Kenneth Ingram.
Page revised: 22 August 2025
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