Good news for the heritage community: after 10 vacant years, the Rubin Block (270 Morley Avenue) has been purchased by the Fisher River Cree First Nation. Through multiple partnerships including with the University of Winnipeg Community Renewal Corporation, Fisher River plans to rehabilitate the building for 13 residential units along with a community resource space.

The Rubin Block was built in 1914, and was designed by Winnipeg Architect, Maxwell Blankstein. It was designed as a mixed-use space with residential suites and commercial space. As a middle-income apartment block, the Rubin was a more affordable option than luxury apartments such as the Roslyn Courts at 40 Roslyn Road. Rubin Block’s lower and upper floors were visibly divided on the exterior façade with a metal cornice, highlighting the many uses for the building.

Sadly, the Rubin Block has been vacant since 2014 when it was again threatened by fire. Since then, Heritage Winnipeg has worked closely with members of the Fort Rouge community in an effort to protect the building. Over the years, there have been many community meetings and rallies, attempts to get the owner to sell, and a 2020 petition which amassed almost 1,500 votes demanding that the city once again use the building for much needed affordable housing, putting an end to the urban blight in the neighbourhood. Unfortunately Rubin Block is not a designated heritage resource, which has put it at further risk of deterioration and possible demolition over the years. Heritage Winnipeg and the Fort Rouge community have spent the last decade stressing the importance and potential that this building holds for the community!

Rubin Block in the summer of 2022. Heritage Winnipeg

Fortunately, Fisher River Cree First Nation has stepped in to provide the building with a renewed life. It has been Heritage Winnipeg’s hope for this building that it would become fully occupied and again be a vibrant part of the community, while staying financially viable. Fisher River’s plans are reflective of this goal, providing a safe space for the indigenous community, and a steady financial income for the First Nation. While Rubin Block’s interior will need to be gutted to address asbestos and mold, an effort will be made to preserve as much of the character-defining elements as possible.

We are grateful to Fisher River Cree First Nation and all their partners for taking on this rehabilitation project, and we look forward to seeing it once again become an integral part of the community!

Sources:

“270 Morley: Rubin Block/Morley Apartments”, City of Winnipeg Historical Buildings & Resources Committee, December 2017.

“Fisher River Cree Nation to restore century-plus old building on Osborne Street” CBC News, 21 July 2024

Frank, Matthew. “Redevelopment of historic Rubin Block underway in South Osborne” Winnipeg Free Press, 23 July 2024