Childs Building
211 Portage Avenue

The Childs Buildng (formerly McArthur) stands at the most prominent intersection of the city. Combined with the unusual shape and height of the edifice, this building is one of Winnipeg's most instantly recognized landmarks. This slender, elegant and gleaming white building presents an elegant facade from all approaches.

The trapezoidal shape of the Childs Building stemmed largely from the subdivisions of land that took place in the 1860s when the first town lots were surveyed. Though of an unusual shape, this property was among the most expensive in Canada. When construction on the building was completed, it was the tallest standing building in the city at 159 feet and 6 inches (twelve floors).
The Childs Building was designed by John H. G. Russell and remained one of Winnipeg's leading professional office locations for years. It remained the haven for some of Canada's most notable firms, namely Dingwall's Jewellers and Pratt and Whitney Aircraft.

The Childs Building was one of a handful of tall office structures erected in Winnipeg during the wheat boom prior to World War I. The Association with J. D. McArthur, the original owner, is of particular interest because of his association with Canadian railway enterprises. Though not structurally innovative in design, the Childs Building is well-known because of its shape, height, colour and location.