Portage and Main 1960s

For many decades Portage and Main was not exactly iconic in look. There was certainly the majestic Bank of Montreal branch pointed at the street on the southeast corner. CN offices, the McIntyre Block and the Childs Building were on the northwest corner. On the southwest corner was the Canada Life and Rowand block that housed several businesses including CP ticket offices.

The corner with nothing on it was where the future Richardson Building now stands. At one time a gas station occupied the corner but in the 1960s, it was a surface parking lot. Looking down Portage Avenue, the Coca Cola clock sign was clearly visible a long way off.

By 1970, the entire corner was transformed with the new headquarters for Richardsons as well as their family owned luxury hotel Winnipeg Inn plus a parkade.