Formerly: | Wiley Mercury Sales |
Address: | 555 Empress Street |
Architects: | Green Blankstein Russell |
Firms: | Green Blankstein Russell |
Contractors: | G. A. Baert Construction Ltd. |
555 Empress was built to house the car dealership of former Winnipeg Blue Bombers guard Al Wiley, whose previous dealership was located on Colony Street. As with Polo Park shopping mall on the opposite side of Empress Street, Wiley Mercury Sales was designed by Green Blankstein Russel Associates (GBR). An added advantage to the dealership location was that it offered customers the option of shopping at Polo Park while their vehicle was being serviced. The initial cost estimate from GBR was $350,000, with a final price tag of $750,000 in 1965.