City mulls historical resource status for former Odd Fellows home

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This article was published 12/06/2022 (928 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A former Independent Order of Odd Fellows Home that housed the elderly, orphans and others in need may be targeted for preservation.

A City of Winnipeg report notes planning, property and development director John Kiernan has nominated the structure at 4025 Roblin Blvd. to be added to the city’s list of historical resources, which would prevent its demolition. The nomination so far aims to protect the entire exterior and interior elements of the structure built in 1922, though not the green space around it.

“The director feels that the resource has heritage values that are likely to result in designation and that these are of widespread significance to the Charleswood community and to the City of Winnipeg,” the report notes.

The building is a good example of neo-classical or classical revival style, with a solid brick superstructure, local stone accents and reinforced concrete foundation typical of the early 1920s, according to city heritage experts. While its original windows have been replaced, “much of the building’s exterior building materials remain,” the report notes.

The building was renovated in 2001 to become the Assiniboine Links assisted living facility, according to the Manitoba Historical Society. That facility’s owners are appealing the designation, though the appeal letter doesn’t list their reasons for doing so.

If the appeal is granted by council’s property and development committee Tuesday, the nomination process will end.

If the appeal is denied, the city’s historical buildings and resources committee will evaluate the structure and recommend which, if any, “character-defining elements” warrant protection. The property and development committee would then consider those recommendations in a separate, future vote.

That vote would require council approval if the owner still opposes the designation.

— Joyanne Pursaga