Despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on commercial spaces worldwide, there’s still ample evidence of a need and desire for high-quality commercial office buildings—and one need look no further than the renovations underway at 201 Portage to get a glimpse of what the future holds as more people head back to the office.
Completed in 1990 as the TD Centre and later known as CanWest Global Place, the 33-storey, 47,000-square metre tower at the northwest intersection of Portage and Main in downtown Winnipeg went under new ownership in 2014. Rebranded as “201 Portage,” the Class A office building is now undergoing major updates. Owned by Harvard Developments, the project is envisioned as a bold transformation to enhance the experience of tenants and their guests.
Building on over 30 years of history
While a new skyscraper at 300 Main ended 201 Portage’s 31-year reign as Winnipeg’s tallest office building earlier this year, the former TD Centre has lost none of its prestige—and with its recent updates, 201 Portage is poised to continue to attract high-class commercial tenants. Among its current tenants are such major firms as RBC Dominion Securities, Taylor McCaffrey LLP, Global Winnipeg, Parrish and Heimbecker Limited and Investors Group. Additionally, BMO Bank of Montreal has a new branch in the main floor of the building.
Strikingly constructed, with steel framing surrounding a reinforced concrete core and with its façade dominated by a curved glass curtain wall that rises from the third floor to the 33rd, 201 Portage is undergoing considerable upgrades to its interior. The main entrance and lobby are the focal points of the renovation, highlighted by a new stone tile floor, updates to the elevator system and contemporary finishes. Stantec is the project’s design leader, while Stuart Olson is carrying out the construction processes. The project leaders are committed to sustainability, and making efforts to ensure recyclable materials are kept out of landfills.
Also part of the renovation plans is a reimagination of the property’s main courtyard, which has played a role in Winnipeg’s revised downtown as a popular spot for al fresco lunches and coffee breaks. The courtyard also hosts a variety of events and performances, bringing additional visitors to the area and bolstering 201 Portage’s reputation as a downtown destination.
In keeping with the aim to establish 201 Portage as a first-rate environment for employees who work for the property’s numerous tenants, the site offers access to a number of appealing amenities, including a fitness centre with changing rooms and showers, a 185-square metre food court anchored by Mercatino, 812 parking stalls and more. The building is also connected to the Winnipeg Skywalk, offering comfort, convenience and access to many dozens of downtown businesses.
With spaces still available for lease, 201 Portage offers an opportunity for businesses of all types to benefit from a level of exposure that’s only possible in an iconic, newly renovated downtown office building. Give your employees an inspiring, highly modern work environment along with shopping, dining, fine arts programming and much more!
