1881 – Gerrie Block, Princess Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba

The Gerrie Block completed in 1881, was at the time Winnipeg’s largest building. Described by Parks Canada architectural guide ‘Second Empire Style in Canadian Architecture’ as “…one of a series of warehouses built in this district during the years of Winnipeg’s rapid expansion. The six attached brick structures known as Gerrie Block were erected by R. Gerrie and Company for wholesale mercantile purposes. In spite of the utilitarian function of the warehouses, the design is an attractive version of Second Empire, especially in the handling of the mansard roof with its cresting, patterned shingles and semicircular dormers. The potential monotony of the broad roof is relieved through the rhythmic articulation of individual units, punctuated by ribs and carved finials. Although economic considerations are evident in the careful use of the city lot and the modest ornamentation, Gerrie Block is, in the context of warehouse construction, a fashionable and well-appointed building.” Demolished in 1956, sometimes known as the Plymouth or Princess Block.