The Legislative Building – A Symbol of Winnipeg’s History and Grandeur

by | Oct 7, 2023 | Architecture

Choose a Winnipeg building from the list below. I
Winnipeg Buildings to choose from:
• University of Winnipeg, formerly Wesley College, 1896.
• Bank of Montreal, 335 Main Street, 1911-13.
• Legislative Building, 440 Broadway, 1913-1920.
• Canadian National Railway Station, 123 Main St., 1909.
• Paris Building, 259 Portage Avenue, 1915-1917 or Electric Railway Chambers, 213 Notre Dame Avenue.
• Thunderbird House, 715 Main Street, 2000.
• John A. Russell Building, University of Manitoba, 84 Curry Place, 1959.
• The Winnipeg Art Gallery, 300 Memorial Boulevard, 1971 OR Qaumajuq, 2021.
• University Centre (University of Manitoba Student Union Building), University of Manitoba, 65 Chancellor’s Circle,
1966-69.
• Migizii Agamik, University of Manitoba, 114 Sidney Smith St., 2008.
• A building of your own choice, but you must clear it with me first.
PART A: TOMBSTONE OF BUILDING (One page).
1. Provide tombstone information on the building (name, architect, address, date) at the top of the page. Include two
photographs of the building (1) full face of the facade (2) detail of material (taken by yourself if possible).
2. Under image 1, you will provide all the citation information on the building in caption format.
3. Between the images write the following: Materials: (brick, wood, concrete, stucco, terra cotta tile, etc.
4. Under image 2, identify yourself as the photographer, detail of building, date etc. in caption format.
Part B: (500 -750 words) RESEARCH ESSAY FORMAT – DOUBLE-SPACED; FONT 12 (DO NOT INCLUDE HEADINGS)
a) HISTORY: Identify and give a brief history of the architectural style, with examples of precedents. Include proper building
name, architect, location and date.
b) CHARACTERISTICS: Describe the architectural style’s characteristics and apply this to your building, providing detailed
examples. Provide some discussion on the architect and her/his work and give examples of other projects that they have
completed.
c) MATERIALS: Do further research on the façade/exterior of your building from a materials perspective. Your analysis should
include an identification and contextualization of the material.
Questions you might think about include: define the material; where was it made or quarried, what companies were involved; is there any
interesting history about the material?
I expect at least 5 academic sources from the library/reading list in your bibliography.

 

Sample Answer

Sample Answer

 

Tombstone of Building
Building: Legislative Building
Architect: Frank Worthington Simon and Henry Boddington III
Address: 440 Broadway, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Date: 1913-1920

Image 1: Legislative Building
Image 1: Full face of the facade of the Legislative Building

Image 2: Legislative Building
Image 2: Detail of the material on the Legislative Building

Materials: Tyndall stone, granite, marble, bronze

Image 2: Legislative Building
Image 2: Detail of the material on the Legislative Building (Photographer: Your Name, Date: YYYY-MM-DD)

Research Essay: The Legislative Building – A Symbol of Winnipeg’s History and Grandeur
The Legislative Building in Winnipeg, Manitoba, stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and architectural grandeur. Designed by architects Frank Worthington Simon and Henry Boddington III, the building was constructed between 1913 and 1920. It showcases the Beaux-Arts architectural style, a style that drew inspiration from classical architecture and flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

History of Beaux-Arts Architecture
Beaux-Arts architecture originated in France and quickly spread to other parts of the world, including North America. It was characterized by its grandeur, symmetry, and use of classical elements such as columns, domes, and elaborate ornamentation. The style aimed to create harmonious and visually appealing buildings that reflected a sense of order and proportion.

The Legislative Building in Winnipeg embodies these characteristics of Beaux-Arts architecture. Its symmetrical design, grand entrance with columns and a dome, and intricate detailing all contribute to its imposing presence.

Characteristics of the Legislative Building
The Legislative Building is a prime example of Beaux-Arts architecture in Canada. Its symmetrical layout is evident in its facade, which features a central dome flanked by two wings. The exterior is adorned with decorative elements such as sculptures, reliefs, and friezes. These intricate details showcase the craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into the building’s construction.

The architects, Frank Worthington Simon and Henry Boddington III, were both prominent figures in Canadian architecture during the early 20th century. Simon was known for his work on various government buildings, while Boddington had a particular interest in classical architecture. The collaboration between these two architects resulted in the creation of the Legislative Building, which remains an iconic landmark in Winnipeg.

The architects’ attention to detail can be seen in their selection of materials for the building’s facade. The Legislative Building is primarily constructed using Tyndall stone, a locally quarried limestone known for its durability and distinctive cream color. The use of Tyndall stone gives the building a sense of permanence and elegance. Additionally, granite and marble are employed in various decorative elements throughout the facade, adding to its visual appeal.

Bronze is another material prominently featured in the Legislative Building. The doors and sculptures adorning the exterior are made of bronze, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication to the overall design.

Significance of Materials
The use of Tyndall stone in the Legislative Building holds historical and cultural significance for Winnipeg. Tyndall stone is unique to Manitoba and has become synonymous with the city’s architecture. Its use in prominent buildings like the Legislative Building showcases Winnipeg’s local resources and craftsmanship.

The Tyndall stone used in the Legislative Building was quarried from Garson, Manitoba. The quarry played a crucial role in supplying the stone needed for various construction projects in Winnipeg during that period. The use of locally sourced materials not only supported the local economy but also added a distinct regional identity to the building.

In terms of interesting history about the material, Tyndall stone gained popularity after the Great Fire of 1866 destroyed much of Winnipeg’s downtown. The fire prompted city officials to enact strict building codes that required fire-resistant materials like stone. Tyndall stone emerged as an ideal choice due to its durability and fire-resistant properties.

Conclusion
The Legislative Building stands as an architectural marvel in Winnipeg, showcasing the grandeur and elegance of Beaux-Arts architecture. Designed by Frank Worthington Simon and Henry Boddington III, it embodies the characteristics of this style through its symmetrical layout, intricate detailing, and use of materials such as Tyndall stone, granite, marble, and bronze. The building’s significance extends beyond its architectural beauty; it represents Winnipeg’s history, showcases local craftsmanship, and serves as a cultural landmark for the city.

 

 

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