This is another excellent example of the U of W acting as a good corporate citizen. I have first hand knowledge of the United Army Surplus building as I was part of a retail outfit negotiating to become a part of a refitted United Army Surplus building. That refit was not feasible given the condition of the building.By: Geoff Kirbyson, Winnipeg Free Press
THE University of Winnipeg has taken a trio of giant steps toward improving the delivery of student services on its campus and doing its part for downtown revitalization.
The school's board of directors passed three resolutions Monday night giving president Lloyd Axworthy the green light to demolish the abandoned United Army Surplus building, pursue development opportunities on that site (on the southwest corner of Memorial Boulevard and Portage Avenue) and redevelop the Greyhound bus terminal into a one-stop shop for student services.
Axworthy said demolition of the United Army store, which was forced into bankruptcy in the summer of 2007 after operating for more than six decades, could begin in as little as a couple of weeks. What eventually rises from the rubble -- for occupancy in the fall of 2010 -- will depend on partnerships that the U of W is able to sign, he said. Current plans consider anything from two to six storeys (sic). Read full story here.
With the bus depot moving to the Airport it makes great sense for the U of W to take over that building and to build across the street.
