1904 – Eaton’s Department Store, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Architect: John Woodman

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For years the focal point of downtown Winnipeg, the former Eatons Department Store was demolished to make way for a much criticised entertainment complex (at the time). Fortunately the linked Eaton Place building has been spared. The photographs here were taken in December 2002 as demolition was underway. Originally the building was eight storeys in height with an elaborate cornice.

Some of the fine details of the now ruined shopfront can be seen, including the decoration carving and the fine bronze window frames. Like many other buildings of the period Eatons was built around a steel structure with a brick facade added as cladding. Two materials, red brick and Bedford stone were used with simplicity; in modular fashion expressing the steel frame structure behind. Forty-two large plate glass show windows, one bay width each lined the ground floor.