Winnipeg Architecture Foundation

Places

Buildings

University of Winnipeg Theatre Building

Formerly:Salvation Army Citadel
Address:400 Colony Street
Use:University of Winnipeg Theatre Building
Original Use:Salvation Army Citadel
Constructed:1960
Other Work:1989, Exterior renovations
1999, Interior renovations
2000, Addition
Architects:George A. Stewart
Engineers:Crosier Krauss & Greenberg
Donald Fraser Michie
F. Mooibroek

More Information

Local architect George A. Stewart designed the former Salvation Army Citadel at 400 Colony Street. Now home to the University of Winnipeg’s Theatre and Film Department, it houses a production space for students and community groups.

The Salvation Army sold the Citadel to the University of Winnipeg in 1999. The building housed shared offices for the theatre and film department before it was transformed into a theatre and film centre. While the project was delayed several times, in 2006 Canwest Global Communications Corporation generously contributed to the transformation of the building into a state-of-the-art film production and theatre space. The building was completely renovated, including a large three level addition, designed by local firm Smith Carter Partners. The entrance has been changed to face the university on Balmoral Street, tying the complex to the larger campus. The new complex opened on March 3, 2009 and was renamed the Canwest Centre for Theatre and Film.

Significant Dates

  • 1961-1998: Salvation Army Citadel/ Divisional Headquarters
  • 2000: University of Winnipeg Theatre and Film Department

Design Characteristics

  • Plan area: 8,915 sq. ft. (828.2 sq. m)
  • Gross floor area: 25,859 sq. ft (2,403.3 sq. m) or 28,995 sq. ft. (2,693.64 sq. m)
  • Constructed in 1960, this four-storey building features a reinforced concrete foundation, a steel frame, and limestone and brick exterior cladding.
  • The original entrance sits below an inverted canopy on Colony Street, and was accessed by several concrete steps.
  • A large expanse of glass and coloured paneling can be found above this entranceway, punctuated by exposed concrete mullions.

Sources

  • "Academia Meets Film." University of Winnipeg Journal (Fall/Winter 1999/2000): 2.
  • Collins, Robert. The Holy War of Sally Ann: The Salvation Army in Canada. Saskatoon: Western Producer Prairie Books, 1984.
  • Denbow, Paula. "Room to Grow." University of Winnipeg Journal (Spring/Summer 1999): 8-9.
  • Martin, Nick. "Province helps U of W with extension plans." Winnipeg Free Press, April 22, 1999. A3.
  • Moyles, R.G.. The Blood and Fire in Canada: A History of the Salvation Army in the Dominion 1882-1976. Toronto: Peter Martin Associates Ltd., 1977.
  • Prokosh, Kevin. "Theatres putting on bright new faces." Winnipeg Free Press, May 16, 2000. D7.
  • "'Scattered' Salvation Army Moving Into a New Home." Winnipeg Tribune, December 2, 1960. 5.
  • "Stone-Laying of Manitoba Divisional Headquarters and Citadel Building, Winnipeg." The War Cry (Canada and Bermuda) No. 3971 (December 31, 1960): 9.
  • Manitoba Culture Heritage and Recreation, Historic Resources Branch. The Salvation Army. Winnipeg: the authors, 1986.

Locations of Supporting Information

  • Provincial Archives of Manitoba, Stewart McKiechan Collection
  • Winnipeg Millenium Library
  • University of Winnipeg Archives
  • City of Winnipeg Archives
  • The organization's national archives is located in the George Scott Railton Heritage Centre in Toronto