This three-storey brick and stucco hotel on Nairn Avenue in Winnipeg, measuring 66 feet by 86 feet, was designed by local architects James Chisholm and Colin Campbell “Cam” Chisholm. It was built in 1914 by contractor William James “Billy” Holmes for hotelier John Beaman at an initial cost of about $50,000. The total had risen to about $125,000 by the time of completion. In its original configuration, the main floor housed a restaurant and beer parlour while the top two floors contained 50 bedrooms.
In 1928, alterations to the hotel were completed at a cost of $8,000 and, in 1929, it was purchased by hotelier Fred W. Hammer. It was later owned by Shea’s Brewery in the 1940s.
La Salle Hotel (April 2018)
Source: George Penner
La Salle Hotel from the Red River (March 2020)
Source: Rose Kuzina
La Salle Hotel (September 2023)
Source: Jordan MakichukSite Coordinates (lat/long): N49.90583, W97.11040
denoted by symbol on the map above
See also:
Memorable Manitobans: James Chisholm (1841-1920)
Memorable Manitobans: Colin Campbell “Cam” Chisholm (1883-1936)
Memorable Manitobans: William James “Billy” Holmes (1871-1951)
Memorable Manitobans: John Beaman (?-?)
Memorable Manitobans: Fred W. Hammer (?-?)
Manitoba Business: Shea’s Brewery
City of Winnipeg Building Permit 1536/1914, City of Winnipeg Archives.
“Ask two more liquor permits,” Winnipeg Tribune, 21 August 1914, page 5.
“Many costly and magnificent structures mark great future,” Manitoba Free Press, 16 January 1915, page 10.
“Recent permits,” Manitoba Free Press, 17 March 1928, page 43.
Winnipeg fire insurance map, #369 January 1957, City of Winnipeg Archives.
La Salle Hotel, 346 Nairn Avenue by Murray Peterson, Peterson Projects, December 2009.
We thank George Penner and Rose Kuzina for providing additional information used here.
This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough and Jordan Makichuk.
Page revised: 29 June 2025
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