February 20, 2013

Celebrating a Century: Regenerating Winnipeg's Built Heritage

The Fort Garry Hotel, originally built in 1913 as a Grand Trunk Pacific Railway Hotel and later the Canadian National Railway — the hotel opened its doors open on Dec. 11, 1913 at a cost of one and a half million dollars.  It is municipally, provincially and nationally designated.

For the full historical report on the Fort Garry Hotel visit the City of Winnipeg's website at:

http://winnipeg.ca/ppd/historic/historic_conservlist.stm#b

February 12, 2013

HW's 28th Annual Preservation Awards

Annual Preservation Awards

2012-1991

Conservation Awards:

Commercial:

- Ryan/King Building - 104 King Street

- Scott Block – 272 Main Street

- Former Carnegie Library (Winnipeg Archives Building) – 380 William Avenue

- Barber House – 99 Euclid Avenue

Residential:

- Kantor/Moss House – 218 Roslyn Road

2011:

Conservation Awards:

Commercial:

- CentreVenture Development Corporation: Kelly House - 88 Adelaide Street

- Prairie Architects Inc.: Kelly House - 88 Adelaide Street

Institutional:

- The Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Education Centre - 119 Sutherland Avenue

- Bridgman Collaborative Architecture Ltd. - 119 Sutherland Avenue

Residential:

- DPL Group (Dobie Properties): The Parish Hall Lofts - 181 Church Avenue

2010:

Conservation Awards:

Commercial:

- The Edge Apartments – 230/232 Princess Street

Institutional:

- Waddell Fountain in Central Park

- Trappist Monastery Ruins in St. Norbert

Distinguished Service Award:

- Mr. Gordon Sinclair: For his historical writings in the Winnipeg Free Press on the Upper Fort Garry Project.

2009:

Conservation Awards:

Commercial:

- ID Fashion Ltd. & Cohlmeyer Architecture Ltd.: The Henderson Block – 332 Bannatyne Avenue

- Birks Inc, and Oberti Architecture & Urban Design Inc.: Birks Jewelers (in Union Trust Tower) – 191 Lombard Avenue

Institutional:

- the Province of Manitoba and Bridgman Collaborative Architecture: A.A. Heaps Building -  254 Portage Avenue

Residential:

- Caleb Group of Companies and Saunders Evans Plosker Wotherspoon Architects Inc.: Manior de la Cathedrale - 321 Avenue de la Cathedrale

Distinguished Service Award:

- “The Broadcaster”- West Broadway Views & News; for their efforts to strongly communicate heritage conservation in the West Broadway neighbourhood.

2008:

Conservation Awards:

Commercial:

- Manitoba Blue Cross and Stantec Architecture Ltd.: The Manitoba Blue Cross Building- 599 Empress Street

- Bridgman Collaborative Architecture Ltd.: The Former Dominion Bank Building - 678 Main Street

Institutional:

- The University of Manitoba and LM Architectural Group: The John A. Russell Building- 84 Curry Place (Fort Garry Campus)

- The University of Manitoba and Stantec Architecture Ltd.: The Engineering One Building - 150 Gillson Street (Fort Garry Campus)

- The University of Winnipeg and Corbertt Cibinel Architect: Convocation Hall in Wesley Hall - 515 Portage Avenue

- The Province of Manitoba and Bridgman Collaborative Architecture Ltd.: The addition to the Manitoba Legislature - 450 Broadway

Distinguished Service Awards:

- David McDowell for a lifetime commitment in heritage conservation.

- Ian Tizzard (Winnipeg Free Press writer) for his body of writings in dealing with preservation projects.

- Sandy Siepman (Heritage Consultant) for his extensive experience in heritage building restoration over 30 years.

 2007:

Conservation Awards:

Institutional:

- The University of Winnipeg, Alpha Masonry Ltd., and Corbett Cibinel Architects: Wesley Hall - 515 Portage Avenue

- The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Deer Lodge Community Centre and Cohlmeyer Architects: The Women’s Memorial Tribute Lodge - 200 Woodlawn Street

Distinguished Service Awards

- Mr. Richard Walls, A.D.I. Designworks Ltd. for ongoing conservation.

Special President’s Awards:

- Bonnie Korseniowski, M.L.A., St. James for Women’s Memorial Tribute building

- Jerry Lemay, Ecole LaVerendrye Heritage Classroom

2006:

Conservation Awards:

Institutional:

- The Manitoba Historical Society: Dalnavert Museum Visitors’ Centre - 61 Carlton St.

- Wins Bridgman, Bridgman Collaborative Architecture: Dalnavert Museum Visitors’ Centre - 61 Carlton Street

Residential:

- Christine Common-Singh: The Beachmount - 134 West Gate

Distinguished Service Awards:

- Kathleen M. Richardson, for ongoing efforts in overseeing all aspects of Dalnavert Museum operations, and her involvement in the design and construction of the Dalnavert Museum Visitors’ Centre at 61 Carlton Street.

- Kathleen Campbell, for ongoing efforts in overseeing all aspects of Dalnavert Museum operations, and for her involvement in the design and construction of the Dalnavert Museum Visitors’ Centre at 61 Carlton Street.

- Friends of the Cornish Library, for their leadership in advocating and their special actions towards the conservation of an endangered heritage structure, “The Cornish Library.”

Special President’s Award:

- New Life Ministries and its associated Lazarus Housing, for the sensitive and creative rehabilitation of the Ellice Café and Theatre at 585-587 Ellice Avenue, and for their significant contribution to the social fabric of the community.

2005:

Conservation Awards:

- the Wilson House (Klinic on Broadway) - 545 Broadway

- Owners, Manfred Boehm and Ted Bloomer: The Ramada Marlborough- 331 Smith St.

- Alpha Masonry: The Ramada Marlborough- 331 Smith Street

- Alfred Widmner: The Ramada Marlborough- 331 Smith Street

2004:

Conservation Awards:

Commercial:

- Public Capital Company & Empire Restoration: the Lindsay Building- 213 Notre Dame

- PNL Holdings Company, L.L.C.: the Paris Building- 259 Portage Avenue

- North Portage Development and David Penner Architect: the Carlton Building- 354 Portage Avenue

Institutional:

- Red River College and Corbett Cibinel Architects: Princess Street Campus -140-164 Princess Street

- The Manitoba Theatre Centre and David Penner Architect- MTC Theatre - 174 Market Avenue

Distinguished Service Awards:

- The University Women’s Club of Winnipeg for its ongoing commitment to conserving, protecting and promoting the historic Ralph Connor House at 54 West Gate.

- Shelley Ross for the ongoing and outstanding commitment to educating her students at Joseph Wolinsky School about the built environment through the initiation of interesting research projects and presentations.

2003:

Conservation Awards:

Institutional:

- the Province of Manitoba for the sympathetic restoration of the provincially designated Legislative Building and the refurbishment of the Golden Boy.

- La Maison Gabrielle Roy House - 375 rue Deschambault

- Red River College - 315 William Avenue

- Corbett Cibinel Architects: Red River College - 315 William Avenue

Distinguished Service Awards:

- William Neville for his ongoing and intrepid representation and advocacy of heritage issues.

- Bernie Wolfe for his lifetime commitment and exemplary dedication to heritage preservation.

- Save the Eaton’s Building Coalition for their dedication and vigorous efforts to preserve a building of great historical and architectural significance.

2002:

Conservation Awards:

Commercial:

- 529 Wellington Steakhouse (Former J.H. Ashdown Residence) - 529 Wellington Cres.

Institutional:

- Manitoba Hydro and Manitoba Electrical Museum: Manitoba Electrical Museum- 680 Harrow Street

Residential:

- Province of Manitoba: Government House (Residence of Lieutenant Governor since 1883)

Distinguished Service Awards:

- Spence Neighbourhood Association for the restoration of historic wrought iron fencing in the Neighbourhood, as part of a long-term commitment, further contributing toward the revitalization of the community.

- Mme Jeanne Perreault for her outstanding achievements protecting the heritage buildings of St. Norbert and using them to develop an appreciation of heritage in both the Anglophone and Francophone communities

Youth Award:

- Caleb Jordan for his outstanding efforts and involvement in the successful campaign to “ Save Raleigh Apartments,” further protecting this designated heritage structure from demolition.

Special President’s Award:

-       Wat Lao Xayaram of Manitoba Inc., for the dedication of the volunteers in re-using and maintaining the Former Fire Hall No. 7 and their contribution to the multi-cultural enrichments of the North End.

2001:

Conservation Awards:

Commercial:

- Hotel Fort Garry: Restoration of the 7^th Floor-  222 Broadway

- Bob Horta (Project Manager): Hotel Fort Garry 7^th Floor Restoration- 222 Broadway

- The Former Birks Building - 276 Portage Avenue

- Cohlmeyer Associates Architects Ltd. - The Former Birks Building - 276 Portage Ave.

- ADI- Design Works Ltd.:  The Former Timberwolf Bistro - 98 Albert Street

Institutional:

- The Winnipeg School Division No. 1: Isbister School - 310 Vaughn Street

- GBR Architects Ltd.: Isbister School - 310 Vaughn Street

Distinguished Service Awards:

- Bill McKay for his continuous and outstanding efforts of time and expertise on numerous heritage projects over the past decades.

- Wins Bridgman (Principal of DAPR Architecture), for initiating and organizing “Industrial Strength” - a student exhibition of studio projects; including Ogilvie Mills and Princess Block sites.

- The Faculty of Architecture, University of Manitoba for facilitating “Industrial Strength” - a student exhibition of studio projects; including Ogilvie Mills and Princess Block sites.

- Assistant Professor Jae-Sung Chon for his leadership in the Graduate Studio that led to the inclusion of six prjects in the exhibit “Industrial Strength.”

 Youth Awards:

- Students: Ryan Cuddeford, Kevin Gallays, Juan Rafael Santa Ana Gurrola, Patrick Johnston, Michael Robertson, Liane Veness and Spencer Court for their contribution to “Industrial Strength” - a student exhibition of studio projects; including Ogilvie Mills and Princess Block sites.

 Special President’s Award:

- David Harris, for his continuous and outstanding efforts of time and expertise on numerous built and cultrual heritage projects over the past decades, and the promotion of their associates histories.

2000:

Conservation Awards:

Commercial:

Institutional:

- Young United Church and congregation and all supporters, Prairie Architects Inc. and A.F. Eshmade & Associates Ltd.: Young United Church - 222 Furby Street

Distinguished Service Award:

- Al Davies, Executive Director of the Lions Housing Centers for leadership in advocating and undertaking the conservation and renovation of endangered historic housing stock in Winnipeg’s inner city neighbourhoods.

Merit Award:

- Corbett Cibinel Architects and La Societe Historique de Saint-Boniface for the promotion and preservation of the history of the Empire Hotel façade, Cauchon Block.

1999:

Conservation Awards:

Institutional:

- The Granite Curling Club - 22 Mostyn Place

Architectural Conservation Award:

- Dudley T. Thompson of the Prairie Partnership Architects: Granite Curling Club- 22 Mostyn Place

Distinguished Service Awards:

- The University of Manitoba Faculty of Architecture students: Jason Jakubowski, David Karpenic, Steven Lackonick and Nathaniel Nacionales for the documentation study of the Bjorn Petursson House, 616 Alverstone Street, including a summary of its social history, and architectural features and detailed floor plans.

- Mayor Glen Murray for heritage advocacy in conservation and building reuse.

- Bill and Shirley Lowen for their outsanding contribution and support of Winnipeg’s built heritage.

Merit Award:

- The Pavilion Gallery Museum inc., for undertaking the reuse of the Pavilion.

Special President’s Award:

- Jean-Pierre Brunet in recognition of his tireless dedication to preserving, maintaining and promoting French Canadian heritage in Manitoba.

1998:

Conservation Awards:

Architectural Conservation Awards:

-  The Asper Jewish Community Campus - 123 Doncaster Street

- GBR Architects: The Asper Jewish Community Campus - 123 Doncaster Street

- The Prairie Partnership: Former McKenzie Block-Bannatyne Building - 141 Bannatyne Avenue

- Dudley Thompson & Keith MacFarlane: Former McKenzie Block-Bannatyne Building - 141 Bannatyne Avenue

Distinguished Service Award:

- The Winnipeg Real Estate Board for its recognition of the importance of heritage issues and its commitment to excellence of the Heritage Highlights feature in its publication, the Winnipeg Real Estate News.

Special President’s Award:

- Maurice Prince in recognition of his tireless dedication to preserving, maintaining, and promoting French Canadian heritage in Manitoba.

1997:

Conservation Awards:

Architectural Conservation Awards:

- The Aboriginal Centre of Winnipeg Inc. (Former CPR Station) - 181 Higgins Avenue

- The LM Architectural Group: Aboriginal Centre of Winnipeg Inc. - 181 Higgins Avenue

Distinguished Service Award:

- Mary H. Jambor in recognition of her tireless dedication to the maintenance of the City of Winnipeg’s records and archives.  Her recognition of the importance of Winnipeg’s history has ensured a supportive climate for professional and amateur historians alike.

June 14, 2012

Doors Open 2012 Awards Ceremony

On June 14th, 2012 at the Winnipeg Free Press News Café, Heritage Winnipeg presented an award ceremony for those buildings identified by the visitors of Doors Open Winnipeg 2012 as the best exemplars of the various facets of heritage.

Five Awards were given out, one in each of the following categories: best restoration, best tour, best architecture, the hidden gem and best experience.

Heritage Winnipeg Executive Director Cindy Tugwell welcomed everyone to the event.

Heritage Winnipeg 1st Vice President and local artist Jordan van Sewell gave his welcome from the board and shared a few words about the pieces of art given out as awards.

And the Award winners are….

#1 Best Restoration: Barber House

Presenting: Jennifer Hansell, Heritage Planner from the sponsor City of Winnipeg.

Accepting: Sandy Dzedzore, Chair of SISTARS and Rick Caslake, Coordinator/Program Manager at the North Point Douglas Seniors Association.

Barber House is one of Winnipeg’s oldest homes. The story of Barber House is an epic one of perseverant tough-as-nails survival, as this former house of pioneer journalist and businessman E.L. Barber has survived several fires over the years. As those connected to the House like to say, the grand old lady was too tough to destroy. The endurance and recent restoration of the Barber House is a metaphor for the endurance and current rehabilitation of the entire Point Douglas neighbourhood. The votes are in, and many Winnipegers are on board.

 #2 Best Tour: Manitoba Law Courts

Presenting: Clare McKay, Vice-President of Marketing and Communications of the sponsor Forks North Portage.

Accepting: Cheryl Kyritz and Diane Dixon, volunteer tour guides at the Law Courts.

Those participating in the guided 45-minute tour from the Law Courts got a chance to see the beautiful interior spaces of some of the highest courts in Manitoba. In addition to seeing Courtroom 330 (the Manitoba Court of Appeal) and Courtroom 210 (the Court of Queen’s Bench), those on the tour visited the Great Library. Hundreds of visitors nervously interacted with Courtroom 210: kids and adults alike, enjoyed sitting in the chairs of the judges, counsel and jury. While sheepish at first, more than a few put on a stern face and mimicked the motion of slamming a gavel down for silence. The tour guides patiently pointed out that Canadian justices do not use gavels. The engaging tour guides and rich symbolism of the building ensured that no one will soon forget the Law Courts.

#3 Hidden Gem: Ukrainian Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral of Saints Vladimir and Olga

Presenting: Geoff Kirbyson representing sponsor Winnipeg Free Press.

Accepting: Reverend Michael Buyachok, Pastor.

With a capacity of over a thousand, it might come as a surprise that Winnipegers choose a beautiful (but massive) Cathedral as the hidden gem. However, once you enter into the Cathedral, it becomes clear what the real hidden gems are. In addition to containing the beautiful rose-stained glass window depicting the patrons: Saints Vladimir and Olga, the Cathedral houses some of the finest Icon paintings and stained glass windows in Canada. 16 of the 34 stained glass windows are the work of world famous artist and sculpter Leo Mol. The Cathedral is simultaneously both a visible and a hidden gem of Winnipeg.

#4 Best Overall Experience: Historical Museum of St. James

Presenting: Matt Komus, Coordinator for the City of Winnipeg Museums Board.

Accepting: Barry Hillman, School Programs and Special Events Coordinator, Historical Museum of St. James Assiniboia 

Winnipegers were invited to return to a time past at the St. James Museum….and they did…and they loved it! Visitors were able to visit the three historical buildings on site: The William Brown Red River Frame House (constructed way back in 1856), the historic Municipal Hall, and the Display Building housing artifacts of blacksmithing, farming and transportation. In the William Brown House, trained interpreters transported visitors back to early Manitoba pioneer life in late 19th century. For the second year in a row, Winnipegers have let Doors Open and the St. James Museum know that they love the site, the programming and St. James history in general.

#5 Best Architecture: Manitoba Legislative Building

Presenting: Jordan van Sewell, Heritage Winnipeg Board 1^st Vice President.

Accepting: Unfortunately, the province of Manitoba did not send a representative.

The Legislative Building, or ‘ledge’ is one of the finest public buildings, not just in Manitoba, but across North America! The ledge formally opened on July 15th, 1920 on the 50th anniversary of Manitoba’s confederation. The impressive architecture in Beaux Arts style and the intriguing interior and exterior art have only become more renowned with time. While the Ledge provides tours year round, every year during Doors Open, Winnipegers flock to see the life-sized North American bison on the grand staircase, the Pool of the Black Star beneath the Rotunda antechamber and the other treasures within this Frank W. Simon and Henry Boddington III creation. For the second year in a row, Winnipegers have proudly proclaimed that this Manitoba landmark has the best architecture in the city.

Congratulations again to all the winners of this years Doors Open Awards. Thank you to everyone who cast their votes and thank you to our generous sponsors for helping to make the event happen.

One final shout-out goes to Greg Delorme, who did an incredible job coordinating the Doors Open event.

June 4, 2012

Heritage Winnipeg AGM 2012

June 3, 2012

Strike Play Premieres on Heritage Trolley for 93rd Anniversary