Buildings

Confederation Life Building

Formerly:Confederation Life Building
Address:390 York Avenue
Use:Offices
Original Use:Offices
Constructed:1959–1960
Other Work:1986, Exterior and interior alterations
Architects:Schafer Plumton & Nipper
Firms:Schaeffer Plumton and Nipper, later Plumton Nipper & Associates (Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Winnipeg)
Contractors:Fraser Construction Co. Ltd.

More Information

Designed by Schaeffer Plumton and Nipper of Minneapolis and Winnipeg, 390 York Avenue was built between 1959 and 1960. Originally built for use by the Confederation Life Association, a national insurance company, the building is again in use as an insurance office.

The small one storey building was constructed with a brick exterior and large display windows. In 1994 the ownership of the building went to the Garriock Insurance Company. The business continues to operate out of the building.

Design Characteristics

  • Plan area: 5,000 sq. ft. (464.5 sq. m)
  • Gross floor area: 6,000 sq. ft. (557.4 sq. m)
  • This modest single storey building was constructed with a partial basement, masonry and steel construction, reinforced concrete, brick facing, steel and glass walls, and a concrete floor
  • Notable modern elements include the expansive glazing along the street-facing elevation, the conservative height of the building and a lack of exterior ornamentation