Historic Sites of Manitoba: Smith Block (551-559 Osborne Street, Winnipeg)

This one-storey brick building at the southwest corner of Osborne Street and Morley Avenue in Winnipeg, measuring 60 feet by 84 feet, was designed by local architect Samuel Frank Peters. It was built in 1911 by contractors William S. Armstrong and William Badeen for owner Harald John “Harold” Smith at a cost of about $15,000. In its original configuration, the building contained five retail spaces.

At the time of a 2025 site visit, the front of the building has been extensively renovated making it unrecognizable from its original appearance. A small portion of the original facade is visible along Morley Avenue and the back lane.

Smith Block (July 2025) Source: Jordan Makichuk Smith Block (July 2025) Source: Nathan Kramer Rear of the Smith Block (July 2025) Source: Jordan Makichuk Rear of the Smith Block (July 2025) Source: Nathan Kramer Site Coordinates (lat/long): N49.86490, W97.13443 denoted by symbol on the map above

See also:

Memorable Manitobans: Samuel Frank Peters (1847-1926)

Memorable Manitobans: Harald John “Harold” Smith (1861-1941)

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Farish and Lamburn Bakery (308 Morley Avenue, Winnipeg)

Sources:

City of Winnipeg Building Permit 176/1911, City of Winnipeg Archives.

Winnipeg fire insurance map, #405 November 1957, City of Winnipeg Archives.

This page was prepared by Jordan Makichuk and Nathan Kramer.

Page revised: 13 October 2025

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. SEARCH the collection Browse lists of: Museums/Archives | Buildings | Monuments | Cemeteries | Locations | Other Inclusion 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. Search Tips | Suggest an Historic Site | FAQ Help us keep history alive!