A Winnipeg mid-rise housing complex known as “Pumphouse” has been named one of the top five buildings in the Americas by the Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize (MCHAP.) Designed by 5468796 Architecture, the building has been described as “a bold reinvention” of Winnipeg’s historic James Avenue Pumping Station

“We are absolutely thrilled to see Pumphouse recognized as an MCHAP finalist,” said Sasa Radulovic, co-founder of 5468796 Architecture. “It’s an honour to be named alongside such extraordinary projects, and to have a multifamily residential project highlighted in a program that champions architecture’s power to shape cities, communities, and culture in meaningful ways.”

Built in 1906 to improve the city’s water supply system, the original pumping station closed in 1986 prompting multiple redevelopment attempts. None were successful until 5468796 Architecture’s vision came to life, turning the industrial landmark in Winnipeg into a dynamic, mixed-use hub that embraces the site’s industrial past and integrates two mid-rise rental housing buildings that float on slender columns.

“What is most exciting about the Pumphouse nomination is the recognition from the international design community that purpose-built rental housing can still be seen as capital A architecture,” said Radulovic. “It is immensely encouraging both to our studio and to the practice of constructing housing in Canada that Canadian multifamily housing can be celebrated alongside museums, ecological preserves and exquisite commercial spaces as driving the practice of design.”

In addition to the Pumphouse project, 5468796 Architecture is currently working on housing in Halifax, Toronto, Guelph, Edmonton, Calgary, Surrey, Victoria and Winnipeg.