The magnificent glass dome that caps the banking hall.

Built between 1910 to 1912, the former Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce building, now known as the Millennium Centre is located at 389 Main Street in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It is in the heart of Downtown and the Exchange District, a national historic site since 1997. One of many banks along Main Street once known as “Banker’s Row”, this particular building was the second regional head office for the the Bank of Commerce. At a time when Winnipeg was one of the fastest growing economies in North America, and was thus opulently designed to impress and even intimidate customers.

The building is an excellent example of the grand architecture that defined Winnipeg’s commercial core and its importance as a financial centre in the early 20th century. Designed by Darling and Pearson of Toronto, Canada’s leading architects, it is a fine example of a neo-classical design, and an expenditure of roughly $750,000. With its monumental edifice, the Bank of Commerce obtained the best Canadian-manufactured building materials available. The building’s structural design exhibited all the achievements of early 20th century technology. Reminiscent of the neo-classical style of construction, the first floor of the building features a gorgeous marble banking hall, capped by a magnificent dome 50 feet in diameter. Five significant 12-foot stained glass windows illuminate the building from 25 feet above floor level on the curved east wall. 

An office on the third floor of the building, the majority of which is still intact and awaiting restoration.

The Bank Manager’s office, now known as the Tapestry Room, is equally magnificent! It has original tapestry covering all four walls, walnut paneling, ornate fluted pilasters, modelled plaster panel ceiling, and a fireplace enclosed in a walnut mantelpiece highlighting the room. Visitors can also admire the quarter-cut oak floor, and a doorway frame with pilasters topped by a pediment. Currently, it makes an excellent spot for a small event or VIP space.

In 1969 the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce vacated the building and moved to the Richardson Building, and subsequently became completely unoccupied.  At a time when heritage buildings were not valued at all, this building along with the adjacent Hamilton building, were threatened by demolition to make way for a surface parking lot. Thankfully, the citizens of Winnipeg rallied for protection as they were fed up with the destruction of our tangible past and losing beautiful architecture. The public protest was successful and resulted in the rescue from demolition of these significant heritage buildings! The City of Winnipeg heritage bylaws were enacted in 1978, and one of the first buildings to receive municipal heritage designation in 1979.

Also in 1978 it lead to the creation of Heritage Winnipeg. A non-profit, charitable group created as a cooperative between the city and the province to represent the best interests of the public to help advocate to save threatened heritage buildings, as well as to work collaboratively to ensure their success in the future.

An archival exterior shot of the building.

Left unoccupied over many decades, in 2000 the building was generously donated by Marwest Management Canada to the newly formed 389 Main Street Heritage Corporation, a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to maintaining, preserving and restoring the Millennium Centre in a manner befitting its heritage status. Thanks to a large donation by the Bill & Shirley Loewen Foundation, the main floor was brought up to building code and held an official opening in June 2002 as a private and public event centre. Heritage Winnipeg currently operates and manages all events and continues to protect and conserve this historic building. The former banking hall, now known as Celebration Hall, is available for event rentals and we have hosted everything from weddings, concerts, movies, photoshoots, and corporate meetings.

Please consider donating to help keep this building open, and to make a positive difference for Winnipeg’s historic Millennium Centre and Winnipeg! Donors will receive a tax-deductible receipt from 389 Main Street Corporation.

More information about the Millennium centre

The Making of a Memorable Millennium: The Canadian Bank of Commerce
From the Official Blog of Heritage Winnipeg

389 Main Street: The Canadian Bank of Commerce
From the City of Winnipeg Historical Buildings Committee

389 Main Street – The Millennium Centre
From Winnipeg Places Blog

Millennium Centre: 389 Main Street
From Picture Your Winnipeg Wedding