1913 – Third Placed Design for City Hall, Winnipeg

In early 1913, thirty-nine designs were submitted in competition to design a new civic centre, including this design by local architect John D. Atchison. Atchison, originally from Chicago, designed many building in the city. The winning entry was never constructed. Atchison’s design statement is as follows:

The building shown is designed to cover the whole site available. The main idea of the design is to produce a City Hall which shall combine both monumental and modern commercial design m one building without losing any sense of dignity and harmony between the parts. The side elevation shown will explain this at once.

The approach to the main entrance floor is by an imposing flight of steps and leads through a spacious vestibule to the rotunda. From this rotunda direct access is obtained to the main staircase and to the elevators on each side in groups of three, which arrangement gives immediate service to any person requiring them. The main staircase runs from theground floor to the second floor, and gives the necessary dignified and direct approach to the conference room, council chamber, and executive offices. The conference room is placed in a commanding position at the front of the building with balcony leading from same, and is given this prominence because it will be the room used for all civic receptions, and is of the first importance. The council chamber is on the same floor as the above with ante-room and gallery for public. It is monumental in design and surrounded by committee rooms and retiring rooms for the aldermen. The office of the mayor and board of control are also placed on this floor and with easy access to the conference room and council chamber. The plans explain fully the disposition of the remainder of the departments, but attention is called to the position of the tax department on the main entrance floor. It is located in an ideal position for the easy access of the public.

The rear portion of the building is treated as a modern office building. The entrance at both ends leads into a spacious central corridor from which stairs and elevators pass to all floors. It has been the endeavor to provide large open spaces for the big departments and this has been possible at the rear as shown on the plans.

If it is found necessary to build only a portion ofthe building at present, this rear portion is entire in Itself and could be constructed independent of the remainder. An attic storey is provided which will accommodate the extra space required under the conditions. The plan of this is not shown.

King street passes through the building and is made 60 ft. wide and unobstructed as required by the conditions. A light well is placed over the street which relieves it from becoming dark and objectionable. The tower is placed on the main axis of the front portion of the building and is carried to a height which will give it a commanding position over all buildings in the city.

The first story will be of dark grey granite and the upper stories of Manitoba limestone. The spandrils to windows on side elevations will be bronze. The cubic contents of the building is 5,933,000 feet, which at 50 cents a cubic foot amounts to $2,966,500.00.

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