Photo description:

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Saturday Special, Merchants Corner Selkirk Avenue at Andrews St. Feature story on the new Merchants Corner (formerly Merchants Hotel), Inside and outside the once-notorious now newly renovated building that’s having a grand opening Saturday. Photo of corner classroom space which used to be the entranceway and bar area of the Merchants Hotel. It’s touted as an innovative educational, student housing and retail complex - a beacon of hope for the community and a tipping point in the future for Winnipeg’s inner city – socially and economically. The new facility features 30 units of affordable housing and will be an educational hub hosting the University of Winnipeg’s Department of Inner-City Studies and CEDA-Pathways to Education program. Carol Sanders story – EMBARGOED TIL SATURDAY. April 24, 2018