Exchange District in Winnipeg, Manitoba — Canada’s Prairie Region (North America)
Union Bank Building
⎯⎯⎯
L’édifice de la Union Bank
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 16, 2022
1. Union Bank Building /
L’édifice de la Union Bank Marker
L’édifice de la Union Bank Marker
Constructed in 1903-1904, this building is Western Canada's oldest skyscraper. It combines the technology of steel framing, a rich exterior and an elegant interior to project a sense of modernity and entrepreneurial success. These qualities reflected the image intended by its original owner, the Union Bank of Canada, which played an important role in financing the development of the West. In the sophistication of its architecture, this headquarters building points to Winnipeg's central position in the rapidly expanding economy of turn-of-the-century Canada.
Construit en 1903-1904, cet édifice est le plus vieux gratte-ciel de l'Ouest canadien. Il projette par la combinaison d’une charpente en acier, d’un extérieur opulent et d’un intérieur élégant, une image de modernité et de réussite commerciale. Ainsi le souhaitait son premier propriétaire, la Union Bank of Canada, un des principaux agents de financement du développement de l'Ouest. Par son architecture recherchée, ce du siège social témoigne de la position-clé de Winnipeg dans une économie canadienne en pleine expansion au début du XXe siècle.
Erected 1999
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Historic Sites and Monuments Board series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1904.
Location. 49° 53.921′ N, 97° 8.367′ W. Marker is in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It is in the Exchange District. It is on Main Street (Manitoba Route 52) just south of William Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Marker is mounted beside the sidewalk, at the southeast corner of the subject building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 504 Main Street, Winnipeg MB R3B 0T1, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Manitoba’s Historic Winnipeg. It is also in the Prairies. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, and Rupert’s Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 16, 2022
2. Union Bank Building /
L’édifice de la Union Bank Marker
L’édifice de la Union Bank Marker
Regarding Union Bank Building / L’édifice de la Union Bank. Canada Register of Historic Places (2003/02/25).
From the Canada Register Statement of Significance:
The former Union Bank Building/Annex is located on the west side of Main St. at the point where it curves southwards from Winnipeg's historic City Hall. Together with the Confederation Life Assurance Building (also a skyscraper and National Historic Site) across Main Street on the east side, the UnionBank comprises the towering gateway to Winnipeg's historic financial district. It is composed of a 10 storey tower with a single storey annex on the southern edge of the building.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 16, 20223. Union Bank Building (east elevation)(marker is mounted at southeast [left] corner)
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Union Bank Building
Also see . . .
1. Former Union Bank Building and Annex National Historic Site of Canada.
Winnipeg's former Union Bank Building/Annex National Historic Site was designated in 1996 because:(Submitted on January 30, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
• its main block, erected in 1903-04, is the first skyscraper in western Canada and illustrates many of the architectural and engineering developments of its time;
• the building speaks to the key role played by finance in the expansion of the West in the period 1896-1914, while the takeover of the Union Bank by Royal Bank in 1925 is illustrative of the process of regional alienation;
• its siting at the northern edge of the financial district made it an important civic and corporate symbol of the role of Winnipeg and of the Union Bank in the economy of the West.
2. Former Union Bank Building.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 16, 2022
4. Union Bank Building
(northeast elevation)
(northeast elevation)
Designed by the Toronto architectural firm of Darling and Pearson, this bank follows the classical palazzo model, one of two Beaux Arts-inspired forms used for early skyscrapers — buildings of greater than 5 storeys supported entirely by a structural iron or steel frame. It was built on a floating platform by the George A. Fuller Construction Co. of New York. In 1921 a single storey annex was added to the original 10 storey tower to accommodate the Union Bank's savings department. From 1925-1966 this building was occupied as the main branch of the Royal Bank in Winnipeg.(Submitted on January 30, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 30, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 245 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 30, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
