Manitoba Municipal Heritage Site No. 15

Schwartz House
245-10th Avenue NW,
Altona

Schwartz House
Designation Date: July 12, 1988
Designation Authority: Altona (Town)
Present Owner: Altona (Town)

The Schwartz House is a fine example of the kind of substantial dwellings prosperous families, such as that of businessman Johann Schwartz of Altona, could finance off the booming rural Manitoba economy in the early twentieth century. Schwartz established several lumberyards and grain elevators within and outside the province. His exceptional home, at one time Altona's largest, is based on a simple four-square design with an elaborate roof, dynamic main facade enlivened by multiple surfaces, wooden details and a porch, and large open spaces defined by natural lighting. The roomy structure also is noted for its long association with the Elim Bible Institute, a Mennonite school that adapted the premises for classroom and residence use.