Vignettes
/ The Exchange
District
/ Albert
Albert Street Business Block
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On the west side of Albert Street near Notre Dame Avenue,
sits an unassuming mixed-use structure that began as a
residence in 1877. Built by local contractor J.J. Johnston
for $2,000.00, the building was established as a rental
property by John O. LeCappellain who operated a wholesale/retail
hardware business on Main Street in 1877-78.
To take advantage of a speculative property boom in March
1882, LeCappellain moved the house several feet to the south
to make way for the construction of a long, narrow, two-storey
business block. The Manitoba and North West Loan Co. assumed
title to the site in 1885 when LeCappellain ran into financial
difficulties.
