Justice

Title: Justice
Address: York Avenue and Kennedy Street Map
Unveiled: 1985
Artist: Gordon Reeve

Background

Justice was chosen along with four other works in 1982 to adorn the extension to the Law Courts building.

At a cost of $48,000 the 15 ton stainless steel sculpture stands 9 meters in height, each of it's pivoting arms span 12 metres. Reeve produced the work in Sweden and had it shipped back to Winnipeg aboard a Canadian Pacific ship.

The size of the sculpture caused production delays. Though the Law Courts opened in April 1985, Justice was not installed until August 31st of that year.

Reeve was, and is, a fine arts professor at at the University of Winnipeg. Another large work of his is Agassiz Ice at Assiniboine Park unveiled in 2008.

1985: final installation

c 2009

Downtown Places: The Bay Parkade

Place: The Bay Parkade
Address: 301 Memorial Boulevard Map
Opened: October 1954
Architect: Unknown
Website

Background

The Bay Parkade opened on Friday, October 29 at 9:30 am to the sounds of the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery Band. Initially it was just three levels.

Pre-Parkade circa 1951:

Three level circa 1955:

Three level circa 1962:

Four level circa unknown:

Billed as 'something Winnipeg has never seen before', on the day before opening illustrated instructions on how to properly use the facility appeared in the Winnipeg Free Press. Service was pretty nifty: it included an attendant to come to your window and give you a ticket, attendants to wave you into the open spots and the store delivered your parcels to your car for you !

WFP Oct 28, 1954

The Parkade was just one of the items in the multi-million dollar revitalization of the flagship store that year. A men's and ladies lounge were added, the main floor was expanded and a new loading dock was built. The sixth floor was opened to customers as a furniture showroom and, of course, featured the new 'Paddle Wheel Buffet' restaurant.

Also see Bryan Scott's take.

Santa Parade Nov 14, 2009

This weekend is the 100 the edition of the Santa Parade. For route, times etc.

Here's a couple of pics from last year !

Downtown Places - 333 Portage Avenue

Place: Former Bank of Commerce

Address: 333 Portage Avenue Map
Opened: November 1958

Background

Though quiet today, the north-west corner of Portage and Hargrave was the scene of Winnipeg's most disastrous fires. On June 8, 1954 in the gusty, early hours of the morning The Times Building caught fire. Five buildings and hundreds of businesses were lost. One saving grace was that the gigantic Eaton's building across the street was spared thanks to the efforts of staff and firefighters.

In 1958 the Canadian Bank of Commere (now CIBC) established a branch on the site. Modern, sleek with lots of natural light and even a drive through banking teller made it a simple but impressive structure.

WFP Nov 8, 1958:

In the 1990's CIBC closed the branch and since then it has been a nightclub and a temporary Royal Bank location while the Hydro Tower was being built. It's latest incarnation will be as host to APTN's portion of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games coverage.

Related:
The Great Time Building Fire - Wpg Time Machine
Times Building Fire - Wpg Fire Museum
APTN To Televise Diverse Coverage - CTV Olympics

Downtown is Going Japanese !

The other day I noticed a sign going up on Newport Centre, where the Fyxx used to be, for Samurai Japanese Restaurant.

A block away in Portage Place's food court Bento Sushi Express is now open in the old King Pie location.

Main and Alexander - United Way Headquarters

Project: United Way Headquarters
Address: Main Street and Alexander Avenue Map
Status: In Process. Completion Summer 2010
Cost: $10m
Size: 3 Storey
Background

The United Way has been headquartered in leased space at 5 Donald Street for 25 years. In May 2009 they announced a deal with the federal, provincial governments and CentreVenture to break ground on a new, standalone, headquarters at Main Street and Alexander Avenue.

August 2009

Oct 2009:

Nov 2009:

Nov 2009:

Related
United Way of Winnipeg Homepage
United Way Relocation a Reality United Way Media Release
Gov't of Canada Infrastructure Announcement

Nov 2009:

Walkway Expansion Continues

Project: Downtown Skywalk Expansion
Address: St. Mary Avenue
Status: In Process. Completion for Spring 2010
Cost: $8.4m

Background

This 625 foot expansion to the skywalk system will link City Place to the Delta Hotel and Convention Centre. Eventually it will connect through to The Bay completing the walkway loop of downtown.

Related:
PCL Constructors expanding Winnipeg Skywalk system - Journal of Commerce
Walkway Expansion News Release - City of Winnipeg