Old Winnipeg bank facade dusted off, turned into park archway
Facade of former Alloway and Champion Bank repurposed, donated by The Winnipeg Foundation
A facade from an old bank that was collecting dust in storage for decades has been turned into a striking new archway in Winnipeg.
The Alloway and Champion Bank building used to stand at 362 Main St., William Forbes Alloway, one of the founders of the bank, later established The Winnipeg Foundation in 1921 with a donation of $100,000.
Richard Frost, CEO of The Winnipeg Foundation, said the organization funded the creation of the new Alloway Arch to honour the organization's founder and his contributions to the community. It was unveiled Tuesday in the Railside Lot east of the Via Rail Station.
"We are honoured to use this important public space," Frost said in a release
"For centuries, the forks of the Red and Assiniboine rivers has been a meeting place. Today, it's where Winnipeggers come for community celebration, to enjoy the beauty of our city in all seasons, and — thanks to the Canadian Museum from Human Rights – it's also a place for learning, reflection and hope."
The structure is now open to the public.