Ashdown Warehouse

In Winnipeg's Gorgeous Exchange District

Ashdown Warehouse is situated in the historic Exchange District of downtown Winnipeg and encompasses nearly half a block within this national historic site. Ashdown Warehouse was built between the years of 1895 and 1911. Located on Bannatyne Avenue the building was a product of hardware dealer James Henry Ashdown, who was considered the “Merchant Prince”. James Henry Ashdown’s retail territory extended across Western Canada and made him one of Winnipeg’s early millionaires.

Initially the building was built only three stories high and between 1896 and 1900 a fourth floor was added above the third floor arches. In 1902 a fifth and sixth floor was added, completing the construction of the building.

Ashdown Warehouse`s design is recognized as being Richardsonian Romaneque style and utilized mill construction methods. Examples of this architecture can be seen from the street level and continue through the corridors to the interiors of the residential units. The high basement walls are clad in rusticated stone and walls of solid brick minimally decorated by rusticated stone sills, lintels and belt courses, and arched brickwork along the walls. Arched bay windows can be seen on all elevations and there are rounded arch openings on the Bannaytne and Rorie facades. Heavy interior timber framing (beams and posts) and exterior brick walls that have been left exposed.

In 1988 the building was converted for residential use with Ashdown Warehouse being the first structure in the Exchange District to undergo a conversion to residential condominium units. The condominium units were sold as a ‘loft style’ design, featuring 12 foot ceilings, sizes ranging from 900 to 2000 square feet, and with most units having the feature of interior windows providing additional light from the six story atriums. Starting on the second floor the interior space boosts ten atriums providing additional natural light and green space with well-manicured plants.

The Ashdown Warehouse is conveniently located in the heart of the Exchange District, within walking distance of the Manitoba Museum, Manitoba Theatre Centre, Centennial Concert Hall, The Forks, Shaw Park, MTS Centre, Red River Community College Downtown Campus, The University of Winnipeg, shopping malls, and numerous restaurants and pubs. Ashdown Warehouse also has commercial space on the main floor including restaurants and salon services.