Vignettes
/ Greater Winnipeg
/ Pavilion-York
Casa Loma Building
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The construction of the T. Eaton Company at 320 Portage
Avenue was the catalyst that shifted Winnipeg’s retailers
away from Main Street towards a new commercial centre of
the city. Pedestrian and vehicle traffic increased dramatically
as offices, stores and financial institutions began to
fill up the available lots. Not only was the downtown business
district expanding, but also the street railway system
and automobile were opening up residential development
away from downtown.
In 1909, the Casa Loma retail/apartment block was built at
the southeast corner of Portage Avenue and Sherbrook Street
for realtors, MacMillan and Vollans. Built at a cost of $106,000,
this five-storey block was designed by architect J.H.G.
Russell. The general contractor was the firm of Carter-Halls-Aldinger
Company Limited.
