​Year:  2025
Location:  Winnipeg
Client: UWCRC2.0 (University of Winnipeg Community Renewal Corporation)

Benard House, located in Winnipeg’s Central Park neighbourhood, is a transformative transitional housing project offering refuge and renewal for Indigenous and newcomer women and children escaping gender-based violence. With 11 units and 28 bedrooms, the facility provides not just shelter, but a foundation for healing, stability, and empowerment.

The project blends heritage preservation with modern construction. Eight units are housed in a newly built structure, while three additional units occupy a restored historic home originally built in 1903. As a municipally designated heritage site, Benard House honors the architectural legacy of the city while serving urgent contemporary needs. This fusion of old and new reflects a commitment to inclusive, community-focused urban development.

In addition to housing, the facility includes office spaces for support staff and service providers, ensuring on-site access to critical resources. A large meeting room offers space for workshops, group programming, and community gatherings. The building also features a rooftop space overlooking Central Park, providing residents with an accessible outdoor area.