Other Name(s)
McGregor Street Armoury
Armoury
Manège militaire
Links and documents
Construction Date(s)
1914/01/01 to 1915/01/01
Listed on the Canadian Register:
2008/06/26
Statement of Significance
Description of Historic Place
This monumental armoury is distinguished by its simple Tudor-Revival façades and large drill hall. Its stepped parapet profiles, low arched troop door and corner towers recall medieval military motifs. Constructed of brick with decorative stone trim, the building stands in generous grounds. The large, buff-brick and limestone building is distinguished by sturdy corner towers and a low arched entrance on its main façade. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.
Heritage Value
The McGregor Street Armoury is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental value.
Historical Value
The McGregor Street Armoury is associated with the reform and expansion of the volunteer militia in Canada under Sir Sam Hughes. Hughes instigated the development of standard plans to aid in the efficient implementation of an intensive armoury building program. The armoury reflects a government policy to supply arms to all militias and to construct good local training facilities.
Architectural Value
The McGregor Street Armoury is a very good example of the Tudor Revival style as evidenced by its sturdy towers and low arched entrance. The fortress motifs, characteristic of Canadian armouries, are featured in its stepped parapet profile, low arched entrance and corner towers. The large, unobstructed interior of the drill hall and the axial planning inspired by the Beaux-Arts style demonstrate a very good functional design.
Environmental Value
The McGregor Street Armoury is compatible with its urban streetscape setting and is a well-known landmark in the region.
Sources: Armoury, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Federal Heritage Building Review Office Building Report (SCR), 94-023; Armoury, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Heritage Character Statement, 94-023.
Character-Defining Elements
The following character-defining elements of the McGregor Street Armoury should be respected.
Its Tudor-Revival style and fortress motif, the very good functional design and very good
craftsmanship, for example:
- the monumental scale and massing consisting of a principal block, sturdy, square corner
towers, and a low arched entrance leading to a large drill hall;
- the steel truss structural system that spans the large, uninterrupted space of the drill hall;
- the exterior materials such as the smooth surfaces of the brick and limestone façades,
the ashlar treatment of the masonry, and the decorative detailing which contribute a
decorative element to the building’s fortress like appearance including the stepped
parapet profile, decorative balustrade and the carved stone scrolls and shields;
- the symmetrical relationship of the multi-paned sash windows and doors with transoms.
The manner in which the McGregor Street Armoury is compatible with the character of its urban streetscape setting and is a regional landmark, as evidenced by:
- its Tudor Revival style, medieval motifs and materials which harmonizes its surrounding streetscape;
- its high visibility, due to its large scale and prominent location;
- its well-known, ongoing role as an armoury in the City of Winnipeg.
Recognition
Jurisdiction
Federal
Recognition Authority
Government of Canada
Recognition Statute
Treasury Board Heritage Buildings Policy
Recognition Type
Recognized Federal Heritage Building
Recognition Date
1994/10/17
Historical Information
Significant Date(s)
n/a
Theme - Category and Type
Function - Category and Type
Current
Historic
- Defence
- Armoury or Drill Hall
Architect / Designer
H.E Matthews
Builder
n/a
Additional Information
Location of Supporting Documentation
National Historic Sites Directorate, Documentation Centre, 5th Floor, Room 89, 25 Eddy Street, Gatineau, Quebec
Cross-Reference to Collection
Fed/Prov/Terr Identifier
6483
Status
Published
Related Places
n/a