Places

Buildings

St. Andrew's Place / St. Andrew's Elgin Avenue United Church

Address:425 Elgin Street
Use:Place of worship
Constructed:1975
Architects:IKOY

More Information

Discussion on the construction of St. Andrew's Place began in 1972 with local community-based groups, including Dr. Lloyd Axworthy and the Institute of Urban Studies at the University of Winnipeg. A group of students and professors underwent research with the community, looking into urban issues around the proposed site. The decision to build St. Andrews Place developed through these meetings, in concert with the Winnipeg Presbytery and members of St. Andrews congregation.

Aesthetically and in its treatment of form, St. Andrew's Place recalls English-Swedish architect Ralph Erskine's work at the Byker Wall housing development in Newcastle upon Tyne in the United Kingdom, in particular that project's Tom Collins Tower. The use of colourful awnings, which experienced a slight revival in the 1970s during the energy crisis and the advent of new materials, also recalls some work by the Danish architect Henning Larsen, an acknowledged influence of IKOY architect Ron Keenberg.

Significant Dates

  • 1968, First St Andrew's Church burnt in fire
  • 1968-1972, Congregation meets in temporary location
  • 1972, Plans develop with a Community Centre, intend to expand program to include an Urban Housing Complex
  • May 1974, Sod Turning Ceremony
  • 1975, Construction completed
  • May 9 1976, Opening service

Design Characteristics

Suburb:Centennial
  • At the time of construction, the complex included a reduced-rent housing complex, space for a church with a small permanent chapel, a multi-purpose space, a health clinic, thrift store, the Midland Credit Union, The Winnipeg Buyer's Club (a food co-op), the Independent Co-operative Enterprises (casual labour agency) and an Age and Opportunity
  • Steel frame construction
  • Colourful awnings

Sources

  • Bingham, Neil. A Study of the Church Buildings in Manitoba of the Congregational Methodist, Presbyterian and United Churches of Canada. Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Recreation; Historic Resources, 1987.
  • Sylas, A. A.. The Story of St Andrews United Church. Winnipeg, 1945.