240 Tache
Adaptive reuse of a historic church and hall in
St. Boniface into six private apartments and gardens.
240 Taché Avenue, September 2024
The Apartments at Philips Square
Unit 6 (1220 sf) will be available on December 15, 2025 for $2350 per month including high speed internet, access to gym, library, gardens, patio, and grill. Electrified onsite parking spaces and extra private storage units are available. More details below. Rental applications available here.
Philips Square is comprised of six private rental apartments on the main and garden levels of the former St. Philips Church and Memorial Hall, located at 240 Tache Avenue in St. Boniface. The square is within walking distance of the Marion, Provencher, and St. Mary’s Road retail and commercial districts, St. Boniface Hospital, Universite de Saint-Boniface, The Forks Market, museums, and parks. Conveniently located next to two Winnipeg Transit routes and a bike route, it’s a short cycle to the Red, Assiniboine, and Seine Rivers, just south of downtown Winnipeg. Philips Square is part of a vibrant walkable, liveable, and sustainable, mixed-use neighbourhood.
The two fully restored and renovated buildings are situated on a 16,000 sf parcel facing Coronation Park. The tyndalstone and red brick structures are bordered on three sides by lawn and gardens, including several century-old oak and elm trees, mature maple, pear, and spruce trees, a cotoneaster perimeter hedge, and boulevard lily beds. Three private enclosed garden spaces (for Unit 1, 2, and 6) on the east side of the property have patio surfaces with paving stone and pea gravel bordered by a perennial hedge.
The light-filled apartments of Philips Square range in size from 760 sf to 4700 sf, and include studio, one, two, and three-bedroom units, including two with mezzanine dens. There are two residences on the main level and four residences on the garden level. Each residence has in suite laundry, individual HVAC units and storage space. Units 1, 2, and 6 have private gardens, and Units 3, 4, and 5 have access to a larger common garden and outdoor seating areas. Unit 1 has two enclosed parking stalls, and units 2-6 have assigned electrified surface parking stalls with access to one guest/accessible stall. All six apartments have custom-built triple-glazed high-performing, environmentally sustainable Reynaers windows systems fabricated by GRENS. Currently, all units are leased, with Unit 5 becoming available on November 1, 2025 and Unit 6 on December 15, 2025.
Unit 1
Unit 1 is 4732 square feet with 3 bedrooms, 3 ½ baths with walk-in showers and one soaking tub (3 ensuite), 2 lofts (den, office, or guest room), 33’ vaulted timber ceiling, pendant lights and ceiling fans, historic stained and leaded glass windows on four elevations, original wood work and finishings, clear fir hardwood and oak flooring throughout, JennAir stainless appliances, in suite laundry, individual HVAC units and storage space, individual security system, central air, onsite storage room, direct access to private garden and patio with privacy fence, 2 enclosed heated parking stalls.
This apartment is located on the main floor of the former church (comprising the narthex, nave and chancel) where much of the historic architectural design has been preserved. The layout for this residence has been designed to capture the soaring 33’ high vaulted ceiling and the 100’ long east/west vista. The renovation of this historic space included the restoration of the original woodwork and furniture, windows, pendant lighting, and the 400-pipe Casavant organ. The space can accommodate larger private gatherings and receptions, including the occasional chamber concert for up to 60 guests, including the residents of Philips Square.
Unit 1 is currently leased.
Architectural renderings of Unit 1. Apartment is unfurnished.
Unit 2
Unit 2 is 1876 square feet with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths with tiled walk-in shower (ensuite) and bath/shower in guest bath, mezzanine office/den (or guest bedroom), large light-filled living and dining area, 18’ vaulted cedar ceiling with mid-century modern globe pendant lights, windows on four elevations including the magnificent 15’ x 16’ north window with upper Art Deco stained glass windows, interior red brick 18’ high feature wall, polished concrete floors with exposed granite and limestone aggregate, red oak hardwood floor in den, stainless appliances with induction stovetop and airfry oven, custom oak kitchen cabinets and black granite countertops and backsplash, in suite laundry, individual HVAC unit and storage space, central air, high-speed internet, individual security system, additional onsite storage room available, custom-built triple-glazed high-performing Reynaers windows systems, front and side entrances to apartment, direct access to private garden and patio with privacy fence, access to large common garden, 1 assigned electrified surface parking stall.
Unit 2 is currently leased.
Architectural renderings of Unit 2. Apartment is unfurnished.
Unit 3
Unit 3 is 920 square feet with 1 bedroom, 1 bath with tiled tub/shower, large open living and dining area, windows on north and south elevations, including large 7’ x 5’ window on south elevation and two north windows onto front garden, polished concrete floors with exposed granite and limestone aggregate, 12’ ceiling, stainless appliances with induction stovetop and airfry oven, custom oak kitchen cabinets with black countertops and backsplash, eat in island, recessed LED lighting throughout, in suite laundry, individual HVAC unit and storage space, central air, individual security system, high-speed internet, additional onsite storage room available, custom-built triple-glazed high-performing Reynaers windows systems, access to large common garden and outdoor seating area, 1 assigned electrified surface parking stall.
Unit 3 is currently leased.
Architectural renderings of Unit 3. Apartment is unfurnished.
Unit 4
Unit 4 is 1085 square feet with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath with tiled tub/shower, open concept kitchen/dining/living space, bedrooms have full room width and height closets, windows on north and south elevations, including two large 7’ x 5’ windows on south elevation, two north windows on front garden, polished concrete floors with exposed granite and limestone aggregate, 12’ ceiling, stainless appliances with induction stovetop and airfry oven, custom oak kitchen cabinets with black granite countertops and backsplash, eat-in island, recessed LED lighting throughout, in suite laundry, individual HVAC unit and storage space, central air, individual security system, high-speed internet, additional onsite storage room available, custom-built triple-glazed high-performing Reynaers windows systems, front and rear entrances to apartment, access to large common garden and outdoor seating area, 1 assigned electrified surface parking stall.
Unit 4 is currently leased.
Architectural renderings of Unit 4. Apartment is unfurnished.
Unit 5
Unit 5 is 760 square feet and is an oversized studio apartment with 1 bath with titled tub/shower, open concept plan, windows on south and east elevations, polished concrete floors with exposed granite and limestone aggregate, 11’ ceiling, stainless steel appliances with induction stovetop and airfry oven, custom oak kitchen cabinets with black granite countertops and backsplash, eat-in island, recessed LED lighting throughout, in suite laundry, individual HVAC unit and storage space, central air, individual security system, high-speed internet, additional onsite storage room available, onsite storage room, custom-built triple-glazed high-performing Reynaers windows systems, front and rear entrances to apartment, access to large common garden and outdoor seating area, 1 assigned electrified surface parking spot.
Unit 5 is currently leased.
Architectural renderings of Unit 5. Apartment is unfurnished.
Unit 6
Unit 6 is 1220 square feet with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths (one with walk-in shower ensuite; one with a tub-shower combo), large light-filled living and dining area, windows on four elevations, polished concrete floors with exposed granite and limestone aggregate, 9’ ceiling, stainless appliances with induction stovetop and airfry oven, custom oak kitchen cabinets with black granite countertops and backsplash, eat-in island, recessed LED lighting throughout, in suite laundry, individual HVAC unit and storage space, central air, individual security system, high-speed internet, additional onsite storage room available, custom-built triple-glazed high-performing Reynaers windows systems, bedrooms have full room width and height closets, direct access to private garden and patio with privacy fence, access to large common garden, shared gym, community reading room, and 1 assigned electrified surface parking spot.
Unit 6 will become available for lease on December 15 for $2350 per month, which includes high speed internet, access to the gym, library, garden, and courtyard. Electricity and water are paid by the renter. Electrified onsite surface parking space is available at $125 and extra private storage unit is available for $100 per month.
Architectural renderings of Unit 6. Apartment is unfurnished.
The Gardens
“A society grows great when old people plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” Greek proverb
Since the restoration began in March 2022, the gardens have been an ongoing labour of love. Several century-old oak and elm trees have graced the site for generations. Recent additions include maple, pear, and spruce trees, a cotoneaster perimeter hedge, boulevard lily beds, and a series of flower gardens that include lilacs, hydrangeas, and roses. Three private garden spaces (for Unit 1, 2, and 6) on the east side of the property are paving stone and pea gravel bordered by grape vines and a wooden fence. The gardens are contemplative spaces, but also seek to be a sponge to help protect the three nearby rivers by reducing stormwater runoff. Click for larger views.
The Restoration Project
“New ideas need old buildings.” Jane Jacobs
For this historic adaptive reuse project, the footprint and facades of the 1904 historic St. Philip’s Church and 1959 memorial hall have been preserved, including the original stained glass windows, interior woodwork and finishings, and the red brick and tyndalstone facade and foundation. All along it was the owners’ intention to maintain and restore the existing facades and footprint of the former church and hall as part of the renovation and conversion project. This is a critical part of the exercise of adaptive reuse – saving, restoring, and reusing the building and its fabric through smart and sustainable adaptation. The restoration projection included the repointing and repair of the exterior brick and stone facade and foundation, and the revitalization of the gardens. As well, the old storm windows were replaced with energy efficient triple-glazed units, contributing to an improved HVAC system while protecting the historic stained glass windows. The newly drawn elevations of the two buildings celebrate 120 years of design, building, and community, and offer a new look at the splendid forms of limestone, brick, and stained glass.
Elevations of the historic church and memorial hall, AtLRG Architecture, 2022
History of St. Philips Church
The historic St. Philips Anglican Church and Memorial Hall is located at the corner of Taché Avenue and Eugenie Street in Winnipeg. The church, facing Coronation Park, has stood on this site since 1904 when it was first constructed by the Rat Portage Lumber Company. The corner stone was laid in 1904 by Lady Agnes Schultz, president of the Council of Women of Winnipeg, and wife of the former Lt. Governor of Manitoba. The church opened for services the following spring, and a special concert was held on April 3, 1905. With a declining congregation, the church was closed and deconsecrated during the pandemic, and was offered for sale. Without any heritage designation to protect the structures from demolition, we decided to purchase the property – with the goal to save, restore, and convert the existing buildings into six residences, including one for ourselves. In 2021, over twenty historically significant buildings were demolished in Winnipeg — and this rapid pace of demolition has resulted in many architecturally noteworthy buildings being torn down over the years. We did not want to see the same fate come to the former St. Philips Church and Hall.
The Architects of Philips Square
St. Philips Anglican Church was designed in 1904 by the celebrated Toronto architectural firm, Darling and Pearson, who partnered with Winnipeg architect, Walter Percy Over. In 1928, Parkinson and Halley Architects designed an addition to the church comprising a chancel and side transepts at the east end. In 1959, Winnipeg architects, Pratt Lindgren and Associates Architects were commissioned to design the memorial hall adjacent to the northeast corner of the church.
Darling and Pearson Architects, the architects of the church, were known as Canada’s bank architects. In the first decade of the twentieth century, they formed a partnership with Winnipeg architect, Walter Percy Over, and opened a Winnipeg office, Darling, Pearson and Over. The firm designed several major buildings in the city, including the Canada Life Assurance building, Union Bank Building, and the Grain Exchange Building. They also designed two churches in the city: St. Philips Church in 1904, and Broadway First Baptist Church in 1906.
Kenneth Pratt and Stewart Lindgren of Pratt Lindgren and Associate Architects designed St. Philips Memorial Hall, which opened in 1959. Stewart Lindgren later served as the president of the Manitoba Association of Architects in 1962, and was elected as a Fellow of the RAIC.
American architect Susan Henderson carried out the design development for the current renovation project. Chris Wiebe and Dirk Blouw of AtLRG Architecture of Winnipeg produced final designs. Winnipeg Building & Decorating, led by Gerry Harms and Greg Penner, oversaw the renovation project.
St. Philips Church
Darling and Pearson Architects, 1904
St. Philips Church
Parkinson and Halley Architects, 1928 addition
St. Philips Memorial Hall
Pratt Lindgren Architects, 1959
A Century of Architectural Styles
The 1904 design of St. Philips Church by Darling and Pearson Architects reflects a clear adherence to the Late Gothic Revival style, which was a popular style for church architecture in Canada between 1850 and 1940. This includes the treatment of the façade, layout of the narthex, nave and chancel, and the interior finishings and woodwork. The building is clad in local Tyndalstone and red brick, with prominent buttresses, exposed heavy timber trusses, a soaring nave (rising up 33’) with leaded glass windows, and two large stained-glass windows terminating the east and west facades.
The St. Philips memorial hall, designed by Pratt and Lindgren Architects in 1959, is situated adjacent to the church at the northeast corner. The memorial hall is an elegant, modernist response to the Gothic Revival styled church. It utilizes the same limestone and red brick materials for the foundation and façade, and respects the overall scale and proportions of the church. The main hall, with its 18’ high ceiling with curved glulam cedar trusses, was the site for parish meetings, brownies, girl guides, cub scouts, community gatherings, and countless church teas and suppers.
Historic Stained Glass Windows
Meikle Stained Glass Studio of Toronto (and Glasgow) created the large east and west windows of the former church. These two stained-glass windows actually replaced the original stained glass windows after the two world wars to commemorate the men and women from the congregation who served and died in the conflicts. Saints Timothy and Philip flank the risen Christ in the east window, while the Nativity scene dominates the west window. The great west memorial window of Holy Trinity Church in Winnipeg has a similar Nativity scene by the Meikle Studio. William Meikle founded the Glasgow firm in 1838, and his grandson William Meikle III (1870-1953) established the studio in Toronto. The Glasgow firm also worked with the celebrated Scottish designer and architect, Charles Rennie McIntosh, whose stylistic influence can clearly be seen in the 24 Art Deco stainted glass windows of the church nave, installed in 1904.
In the Memorial Hall, 12 reclaimed leaded glass lancet windows grace the upper register of the great north window Unit 2. These Art Deco windows were designed by Ford Brothers Studio for a church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and date to 1920. The reconfiguration of the 12 lancet windows into two six-window oak framed windows was designed by Joshua Tollefson of JDT Stained Glass and Architecture Studio in St. Paul, Minnesota.
West stained glass window; north and south stained glass nave windows; east stained glass window
The Neighborhood
Norwood Grove is in South St. Boniface where restaurants, cafes, bakeries and coffee shops cluster along Taché Avenue and Marion Street. Philips Square is on the corner of Taché and Eugenie, with the other corners anchored by the Forum Art Centre, Coronation Bowling Centre, White Lion Gym, and Coronation Park. In the two blocks north is Thyme Cafe and Books, Le Croissant, Nola, Bar Accanto, The Wood Tavern, Pauline, Fortify, and Pasquale’s Italian Ristorante. Within a five-minute bike ride is The Forks and Provencher Boulevard. Click images above for larger views.
Despite all of these urban amenities, Winnipeg’s three rivers are each within walking distance of 240 Tache. The Red River to the west and north, The Assiniboine to the north, and the smaller Seine River, pictured below, to the east.
For more information on individual units and availability please write: info@240Tache.ca. Visit Philips Square on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to learn more about this historic adaptive reuse project.
Philips Square 