Buildings

Strathcona School

Address:233 McKenzie Street
Use:Educational
Original Use:Educational
Constructed:1962
Architects:W. I. Enns, divisional architect
Contractors:Winnipeg Construction Co.

More Information

The Baron Strathcona was otherwise known as Donald Smith (1820-1914), the prominent Canadian railway builder. This is the second school by that name on this site; the first Strathcona School was opened in 1905 and demolished after this new school was operational in 1963.

Design Characteristics

Suburb:William Whyte
  • It is a beautiful elementary school that tucks in perfectly with the street in the residential neighbourhood it serves
  • The front facade has two sections flanking a lower entrance link that is made inviting with the use of long windows and crisp details in dark brown brick and white trim; a small garden against the wall further softens the appearance
  • The plan has not been altered from 1962; it forms a modified H shape with the entrance bay and hallway in the centre
  • The academic wing is two storeys high with a regular window pattern that gives each classroom a larger and smaller window; the windows have minimal white frames but are separated vertically by bright white spandrels
  • The opposite side has the multi-purpose room and has only plain walls in the dark brick
  • The school seems to be in an excellent state of maintenance; the yard and surrounding boulevards have many large trees