THE ELSWOOD

The project is a seven-storey residential development located at 269 River Avenue in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The site is a unique parcel tucked behind existing developments on the south side of the Assiniboine River in the Osborne Village area. The development consists of a new 125,000 sq. ft. building containing 147 dwelling units, along with a main-floor lobby, tenant fitness room, leasing office, and a combination of enclosed, covered, and surface parking.

The residential program is designed to support a range of housing options in terms of unit type, tenure, and size. The building includes a mix of one- and two-bedroom units, all featuring in-suite laundry. The design intent is to expand housing opportunities in the area while remaining sensitive and complementary to the existing scale, character, and uses of the surrounding community. The building is situated within an established neighbourhood that supports higher-density, pedestrian-oriented development.

The building is organized in an L-shaped configuration, oriented along the length of the site and parallel to the Assiniboine River. Primary site and building access is from River Avenue along the west property line. The main entrance lobby is located near the southwest corner of the site to provide clear visibility and convenient access from the street. Landscaped outdoor spaces are integrated throughout the site, including gathering areas along the west side of the building and seating at the northeast corner overlooking the river.

Building support services include a common fitness room, an indoor lobby with seating, indoor bicycle storage, and a secure outdoor amenity space accessed west of the main entrance. Vehicular access is limited to a single driveway from River Avenue along the west property line. The main-floor parkade is accessed from the north side of the building, with additional parking located along the north, east, and south edges of the site.

Michael was the Partner in charge from 2024 through 2025 while at Cibinel Architecture, through completion of the construction documents phase. Acht Architecture Inc. subsequently assumed responsibility for the remaining project phases, with Michael Acht continuing as Architect.

Client / Freedhome Developments and Brokenhead Ojibway Nation
Location / 269 River Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Architecture / Cibinel Architecture [Predesign – Construction Documents]
Architecture / Acht Architecture Inc. [Construction Admin.]
Michael Acht Role / Partner in Charge
Building Area / 125 000 SF
Cost / $35m
Completion / 2027

Construction Manager / Akman Construction
Structural / LDA
Mechanical / Epp Siepman Engineering
Electrical / Epp Siepman Engineering
Energy Modelling / Epp Siepman Engineering
Civil / Barnes & Duncan
Landscape / McGowan Russell Group

Press /
https://www.winnipeg.ca/building-development/
https://www.cbc.ca/news/
https://brokenheadojibwaynation.ca/
https://www.ctvnews.ca/winnipeg/
https://nihc-cnasa.ca/
https://globalnews.ca/news/
https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/

Photo Credit / Renderings courtesy of Freedhome Developments Ltd and Brokenhead Ojibway Nation