1916 – Scheme for Eaton’s Store & Warehouse, Winnipeg
Massive scheme that was planned for redeveloping the existing store and mail-order warehouse. More monumental in style than the existing store. Total predicted cost to be over six million dollars.
Work Started on the Extensive Winnipeg Building Program of the T. Eaton Co.
“On March 3, the T. Eaton Co. Limited, of Toronto and Winnipeg, submitted to the Winnipeg city council for approval, plans and specifications for a mammoth twelve storey building, and extensions and improvements to the existing premises. The plans were referred to a joint committee of the Water Works and Fire, Water and Light committees, since the permit would have to be a special one, due to the fact that the building could not conform to the present building bylaw of the City of Winnipeg, which states that no building shall be higher than 108 ft., whereas the plans for the new building call for a height of 213 ft.
This excessive height for a twelve storey building is due to the fact that the owners insisted upon special attention being paid to the matter of ventilation. From floor to ceiling, the basement is 18 ft.; ground floor, 20 ft., which is equal to two storeys in an ordinary office building; the second and third floor, 18 ft.; the next five, 17 ft.; and the balance 16 ft. There were a few other minor details which were not in conformity with the building by-law, but the plans were passed by the special committee of the Winnipeg city council. Speaking on behalf of the Timothy Eaton Co., Mr. McGee assured the council that, not only would the premises when completed be a credit to Winnipeg, but the firm had undertaken to do everything possible to make the store the finest on the American continent.
The scheme comprises a series of connected structures, twelve storeys in height, replacing the present nine storey building. When complete it will take in the whole area of the city block, between Graham Ave., St. Marys Ave., Donald and Hargrave Streets. Two bridges, 3 ft. from the ground and nine storeys high, and sundry tunnels under streets, will connect the buildings. The bridge across Graham Ave. will be a means of life saving by allowing communication from one building to the other in case of fire. The work is to be done in units with the entire scheme extending over a period of eight or ten years. The whole proposition will involve an expenditure of approximately $6,000,000.00.
The plans and specifications for the building were prepared by Graham & Burnham, architects, Chicago. The building is to be Tyndal stone from the ground to the top of the second storey; the remaining storeys to be of buff face brick. The structures will be fireproof, with stairs and elevators enclosed, sprinkler system, conveyor, and the most modern equipment for department store convenience. Water storage to the extent of 150,000 to 200,000 gallons will always be available, and the pumping facilities will be of the most up to date kind.”
Engineering and Contract Record, May 17 1916
Published March 10, 2026
