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December 10, 2019 10:28 am back to news

Top 5 Things to Know About ‘Transform201’

The mercury might be dropping in the 204 but have no fear because 201 is bringing the fire in December. Earlier this month, our project team in Winnipeg officially kicked-off “Transform201”, an extraordinarily bold renovation plan to Winnipeg’s #1 business address. Now, we know it’s a busy time of year – endless hockey or dance practices, Disney + and Netflix binges, early Christmas shopping  – so we’ve packaged up our own early Christmas gift for you – the “Top 5 Things You Need to Know About Transform 201”

#5 What’s in a Name

If you’ve read this far, your first question probably is “what is ‘Transform 201?!” Our short answer is that Transform 201 is a bold transformation project that will see dramatic enhancements to the tower’s main entrance and lobby, as well as the creation of BMO Bank of Montreal’s new main-floor branch.

However, the physical changes coming to 201 Portage are merely scratching the surface of what “Transform 201” is all about. This is about energy; about creating a new vibe and experience our tenants and guests can feel the minute they walk through the doors of 201 Portage. With modern new amenities, captivating programming and a dramatic new entrance, 201 Portage is setting out to redefine everything you’ve come to expect from a traditional office tower.  

#4 The Game Plan

  • Remediation work has already started behind the scenes on the main floor, 2nd floor, and back of house in 392 Main Street (the building within the building). This work will continue over the next month and wrap up in January.
  • Construction hoarding is now up on the exterior around Portage & Main.
  • Work will begin in the main lobby early in the New Year and is estimated to be complete by the end of 2020.


#3 The Best of the Best.

The Bombers have Andrew Harris and Willie Jefferson. The Jets have Blake Wheeler and Patrick Laine. Success happens when you combine talent, leadership, and opportunity. For “Transform201” we are thrilled to have partnered with the global design experts at Stantec, and the construction leaders at Stuart Olson to be the captains of our “Transformation Squad”.

These two powerhouses have been leaving their mark on the ‘Peg for more than 50 years – and their resumes speak for themselves. Their track record of revolutionary projects include:



#2 Trivia to Use Around the Office

The new lobby floor, made of beautiful stone tile, was mined in Iran, cut in Italy, and polished in Montreal before being installed at 201 Portage.  This is 12,000 km, which is equal to 857 trips down Portage Ave!

Stuart Olson will be installing roughly 40,000 lbs of drywall, equal to 2x the combined weight of the Jets and Blue Bombers rosters.

In order to accommodate the new vestibule, piles will be installed in the existing concourse.  These piles will be dug by hand, without the use of a piling rig.

In our ongoing commitment to sustainability, every effort is being made to divert recyclable items from the landfill (i.e. concrete, granite, tile, gypsum board, steel, glass and aluminum.)


And the #1 thing you need to know about “Transform 201” is…

#1 It’s all About YOU.

Plot twist – the entire ‘Transform201’ project is driven by YOU! Each piece of curtain wall glass, every drywall screw, and every turn of the drill will be done to improve your workday experience and give you a product you will brag about to your other colleagues and partners. We’re all in this together, and it’s our priority to ensure any changes or potential inconveniences are clearly communicated and to minimize the project’s impact on your work environment. Remember – the inconvenience is temporary,  but the improvement is permanent!

Throughout the project, we encourage you to join the conversation by following us on LinkedIn, Instagram & Twitter, and directing questions, concerns or suggestions to Harvard Service at 204.988.1066.