Buildings

Clarion Hotel

Formerly:Manitoba Telephone Administration Building
Address:1445 Portage Avenue
489 Empress Street
Constructed:1959
Architects:Smith Carter

More Information

This T-shaped, six-storey structure was constructed in 1959 in order to assemble of the Manitoba Telephone System's administrative staff together in one facility. Until the early years of the 2000s the space housed more than 730 telecom employees. In 2001 the building was converted into a hotel. At this time the original modernist concrete exterior was greatly modified, expanded and reclad in coloured aluminum panelling. The hotel conversion cost was approximately $10 million.

Design Characteristics

  • Original modernist design featured the extensive use of concrete