Tucked into what was once known as Newspaper Row, the Telegram Building at 70 Albert Street has always been a hub of activity and information. Built in 1884 for dry goods merchant Robert Jones Whitla, it was one of the very first warehouse buildings in the Exchange District. Ottawa architect William Hodgson designed the Italianate-style building with detailed brickwork, decorative entablature, and an angled corner bay. The Telegram Building’s ornate details set it apart from the Romanesque-style warehouses that soon followed. The four-storey wonder is made from yellow ochre brick with a rough-hewn limestone foundation. Many of its original features, like cast-iron and wooden columns and stretches of the original wood floors, have been lovingly preserved. Its official heritage designation, received in 1980, ensures that the building will be protected for years to come.
The Telegram Building is aptly named after the Winnipeg Telegram, a newspaper which called the building home from 1899 to 1920. The conservative-leaning newspaper started as a weekly in 1894 and became a daily publication in 1898 to compete with the Manitoba Free Press and the Winnipeg Evening Tribune. The Telegram shared the block with its competitors, earning the area the title “Newspaper Row”. Known for its innovative approach, The Telegram was ahead of its time, with an automated printing press and modern layout. The paper was eventually purchased by the Tribune in 1920, and the building has since hosted a series of distributors and manufacturers.
Though the printing press is gone, the Telegram Building hosts a new generation of creators and entrepreneurs today. On the bottom floors, you’ll find local retail shops, while the upper floors are lined with artists and photography studios. From skateboards to ceramics, the businesses inside bring fresh energy and ideas to the historic space, honouring its history as a creative epicentre in Winnipeg.
Explore the local shops that continue to shape the Telegram Building’s legacy.
Vantage Vintage Boutique
Vantage Vintage Boutique is owned and operated by Michael Duchon and Joshua Alderson, two vintage lovers with an eye for timeless style. The shop features a handpicked collection of high-quality, sustainable, authentic vintage clothing. Specializing in pieces from the late 1800s to the 1980s, they focus on garments that stand the test of time, both in style and craftsmanship.
Vantage Vintage is a refreshing alternative to fast fashion, providing standout pieces that can elevate any wardrobe. All pieces are meticulously cleaned and restored to meet the duo’s strict standards for quality and uniqueness. Whether you’re a vintage collector looking for something specific or exploring for the first time, Michael and Joshua are eager to help you find unique pieces that reflect your personal style.
70 Albert St, Unit 210
Instagram: @vantagevintagebtq
Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/vantagevintagebtq/
Opale Boutique
Opale Boutique is full of wonders for those drawn to earthy, eclectic styles. The boutique offers a selected collection of second-hand and consignment clothing, jewelry, crystals, home decor, and gift items. Their products cater to aesthetics like Boho, Cottage Core, Lagenlook, Coastal, and Cowgirl Farmhouse, with plenty of other eclectic pieces thrown in the mix. Owner Ruby Kast recognizes the importance of shopping locally and aims to provide a unique shopping experience that blends fashion with individuality. Check them out Tuesday through Saturday from 12pm to 6pm.
70 Albert Street
Instagram: @opale_wpg
Sk8 Skates
Sk8 Skates has been at the heart of Winnipeg’s skateboarding scene since 1987. Founded by Steve Harnish and Klaus Hoffman, the shop has always been a place built by skateboarders for skateboarders. It’s now led by Fane Smeall, who continues to support the local scene through events, mentorship, and a deep love for the sport.
Inside the shop, you’ll find a solid lineup of skate gear from brands like Dime, Polar, Quasi, Thrasher, and Spitfire, alongside their own iconic Sk8 Skates merch. Shop for a streetwear-inspired look, grab some gear for boarding, or check out their limited-edition drops and hard-to-find decks. When you shop at Sk8 Skates, you’re supporting a local shop and contributing to a community hub that has helped shape the skateboarding culture in Winnipeg for almost four decades.
68C Albert Street
Instagram: @sk8skates
Website: https://www.sk8skates.com/
Two Macaws
Two Macaws is a new addition to the Telegram building, offering ethically sourced artisan goods and handpicked pieces from across the globe. Thoughtfully curated with an eye for craftsmanship and cultural richness, their offerings span handmade textiles from India and Peru, incense and ceramics from Vietnam and Mexico, bronze castings, block-printed Kalamkari fabrics, alpaca wool garments, and intricate beaded jewelry. You’ll also find art and storytelling traditions from communities like the Shipibo, Cherokee, and Matses, as well as pieces from regions like the Himalayas, Yellowknife, the Andes, and Florence. Every item carries a story, and Two Macaws brings those stories to life.
68B Albert Street
Instagram: @twomacaws
Pottery Empire
Pottery Empire is a working pottery studio and shop where art, science, and a whole lot of clay come together. Founded by Lisa Lawrence, a lifelong creative with a love for “mucking in clay,” this space is dedicated to handmade ceramics that are as functional as they are beautiful. The selection of wheel-thrown mugs and bowls, one-of-a-kind planters, vases, and intricately carved pieces are all made with love on-site. Every piece at Pottery Empire is a celebration of slow-made goods and the magic of working with your hands. Whether you’re a collector, gift-giver, or just someone who appreciates the feel of a good mug, it’s a spot worth exploring.
70 Albert Street
Instagram: @potteryempire