right> King @ Bannatyne, Ryan Block

It was a surprise to see this building resurected, after a fire in 1991, Ken Reiss, owner, neglected it for many years hoping to have it's historical status delisted so it could be demolished. Insurance money was apparently used to pave the parking space next door. The building, together with the parkade look great.

This office-warehouse was built in 1895 for Thomas Ryan, a journeyman shoemaker from Perth, Ontario. Typical of many arrivals, Ryan had arrived in Winnipeg in 1874 with $70 in stock and a desire to improve his lot. He soon partnered to form McFarlane and Ryan, one of the city's first shoe merchants. Ryan purchased the business two years later, and established Thomas Ryan Boots and Shoes.

The business prospered, and in 1883 Ryan moved to a new store at 492 Main Street, the city’s first structure featuring all stone construction and an electric passenger elevator.

Ryan embarked on a political career, sitting as a city alderman from 1884 to 1888, and included a one-year term as Mayor. His position created opportunities and after selling the retail operation to his brother George in 1889, he shifted into wholesale. His wholesale operation prospered and by 1895 required a new warehouse.

The structure was built on the southwest corner of King Street and Bannatyne Avenue. Designed by Hugh S. Griffith in the Richardsonian Romanesque style common in the warehouse district, the building was originally three storeys in height and displays the main elements of the Richardsonian Romanesque style.

Entrances occur on King and Bannatyne and a loading door is on the west elevation. The main-floor interior features offices and sample rooms.

In 1903, Ryan commissioned Griffith to extend the warehouse upward one storey. Ryan relocated in 1906-07 to a new facility at Princess Street and Notre Dame Avenue, more than tripling his storage capacity. Ryan opened branches in Calgary and Edmonton and maintained eight travelling salesmen. Ryan retired in 1928 and the business ceased operations. He died in 1937 at age 86.