Description of Historic Place

Postal Station “B”, a large stone and brick building with classical detailing, is situated on a corner lot in downtown Winnipeg. The prominent design of the flat-roof building was inspired by the Renaissance style. It is distinguished by the classical ordering of the principal façades which feature a rusticated stone first floor and brick second floor topped with a projecting metal cornice and brick parapet trimmed in stone. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

Postal Station “B”is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental value.

Historical Value
Postal Station “B”is associated with the increased spending of the federal government on new facilities in Winnipeg. Responding to the rapid growth of the city and the tremendous increase in business being handled by existing postal stations, the government decided to erect Postal Station B. Since 1917 it has housed a post office and provided expanded services to a growing community.

Architectural Value
Postal Station “B” is a good example of a federal government building built in the Renaissance style with classically inspired details, as evidenced in the architecture of the two façades, which face the street and are linked by the former main entrance. The classical ordering of the façades is distinguished by the high quality craftsmanship, in particular the masonry work.

Environmental Value
Postal Station “B” reinforces the civic character of its setting surrounded by commercial structures, and adjacent to a residential district. It is a conspicuous building in its neighbourhood.

Sources:
Kate MacFarlane, Postal Station B, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Federal Heritage Building Review Office Building Report, 88-110; Postal Station B, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Heritage Character Statement, 88-110.

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of Postal Station “B” should be respected.

Its Renaissance style with classically inspired details, and high quality craftsmanship, for example: the classical order of the symmetrical façades that includes the rusticated stone first floor, the brick second floor, and a projecting metal cornice and brick parapet trimmed in stone; the well-executed masonry work, notably the rusticated work, the stone quoins of the upper floor and the brickwork; the window treatment and arrangement.

The manner in which Postal Station “B” reinforces the civic character of its setting and is a conspicuous landmark in its neighbourhood, as evidenced by: its large scale and distinctive classical design which make Postal Station B a prominent structure in the mixed commercial/ residential neighbourhood; its central location and community function which makes it familiar in the area.

Heritage Character Statement

Disclaimer - The heritage character statement was developed by FHBRO to explain the reasons for the designation of a federal heritage building and what it is about the building that makes it significant (the heritage character). It is a key reference document for anyone involved in planning interventions to federal heritage buildings and is used by FHBRO in their review of interventions.

Postal Station B of Winnipeg was built in 1907 in accordance with plans designed under the auspices of David Ewart, Chief Architect of the Department of Public Works. Since 1917, this building has housed different government services in addition to post office functions. It is still owned by the Department of Public Works. See FHBRO Building Report No. 88-110.

Reason for Designation
The Postal Station B was designated "Recognized" because of the quality of its design and execution. It provides a solid architectural expression of federal government presence. In addition, it has a positive impact on the built environment of Main Street in Winnipeg.

The architecture of the two façades, which face the street and are linked by the former main entrance located on the angled corner, is inspired by the Renaissance style. This classical order establishes a government presence, which became increasingly necessary in the beginning of the century when the population of this district of Winnipeg grew considerably. Postal Station B is therefore an essential point of reference for the historic continuity of this residential area.

The interior of this building has undergone many modifications and its entrance on the corner has been blocked off. However, the division of space on the main floor has remained unchanged, despite changes to the finishes and the addition of a hung ceiling, which conceals the capitals of the columns. As a result of this new ceiling, the transoms of the lower bays have been blocked.

Character Defining Elements
The heritage character of Postal Station B lies in its street façades and in some interior features of interest such as the columns and their capitals, the plan and counters of the ground floor.

The classical order of these facades is seen in the rusticated stone first floor, a brick second floor with quoins and an entablature. All this masonry, well selected and executed, has easily stood the test of time and merits proper maintenance. If repointing is necessary, traditional methods and materials should be used.

The decorative details of the entablature should be preserved for as long as possible or faithfully reproduced, if this is deemed necessary. Given the layout of this building, the re-opening of the former main entrance on the corner is desirable.

Any major interventions to the interior should be preceded by investigations to identify historic elements and features for incorporation into new design. For instance, removal of the suspended ceiling from the ground floor could be studied. By so doing, these public places would regain their original height, the capitals of the columns would be revealed and the building would be lit by natural lighting from the transoms of the bays.

It would be desirable for this building to continue to house Postal Station B as well as other community services. In so doing, its architectural qualities and traditional social role could be better protected.