Artis Real Estate Investment Trust (Artis REIT) held the pre-grand opening of its 40-storey 300 Main rental tower in downtown Winnipeg October 30, pushing the city’s height limits and testing the top of the rental market.
300 Main, with 395 rental apartments, is Winnipeg’s tallest residential tower and, proponents claim, “unlike anything” the city has ever seen. The complex features a concierge, 24/7 onsite staff security, keyless entry and a 40th floor lounge that includes a games room, kitchen and other entertainment spaces. It also has a second-floor outdoor patio featuring multiple barbecues, a pizza oven, fireplaces and pet playground.
300 Main is steps from Winnipeg’s infamous Portage and Main intersection, considered the centre of the city. It officially opens November 1.
The area is also the centre for crime in Manitoba, with police reports 57 per cent higher than the national average, according to RCMP data.
The city is finally moving to potentially remove pedestrian barriers at the intersection, which have been in place since 1979. The concrete barriers were part of developer deal meant to direct pedestrians to an underground shopping mall and to allow freer traffic flow.
Speaking from the 40th floor at 300 Main, Kim Riley, chief operating officer, Artis REIT, said Artis was “proud to be a part of the downtown revitalization.”
Rents at the new purpose-built rental will tower over the average in Winnipeg. 300 Main rents start at $1,910 for a one-bedroom apartment and from $2,125 for two-bedroom unit. The average rent in downtown Winnipeg is $1,240 per month, according to a Zumper survey released October 30, 2023.
The higher rents are justified, said Brenna Morfitt, a senior director of construction, development and marketing at Artis REIT.
“300 Main is unlike anything Winnipeg has seen before,” Morfitt said. “This development puts Winnipeg in line with other major cities residential offerings where modern living is essential to growth and safety.”
