Winnipeg's west downtown enjoys revival

The Jets are bringing a buzz back to Winnipeg's core but a little down Portage Avenue, on the edge of the downtown and the cusp of the West End, another revival is happening.

Several new buildings have gone up while long-vacant buildings are also being renovated and new businesses moving in.

Much of the new construction is owed to the University of Winnipeg's expansion projects — the Buhler Centre, Richardson College for the Environment and Science Complex, and McFeetors Hall.

Stella's Cafe and Bakery recently opened on the main level of the Buhler Centre, while a non-profit, licensed restaurant called Elements is set to open in the Richardson facility.

Just down the block from that facility, the doors opened this week to Pop Soda, a cafe and gallery in a former billiard hall that has been empty for many years.

Filled with retro furniture, the cafe at Portage Avenue and Furby Street offers a book exchange, licensed beverages, and food by chef Pelligrino Santorelli.

"I'm always looking for a new place to study and I was excited about having a coffee place nice and close [to the university]," said U of W student Josh Walker, who was also pumped the cafe offered free wireless connection.

"I've lived here for 3 years and this has been an empty space, so it's really nice they've utilized it in an amazing way," said university student, Meghan Elliott, who was also sampling Soda Pop's offerings.

Across the street and a block down, a long-empty location of a former McDonald's restaurant is being remade into other fast-food outlets — Harvey's and Pizza Pizza will share the space.

A Starbucks and a Garbonzo's Pizza Pub are also about to open in the old Greyhound terminal, which the U of W has turned into The AnX, a 38,000-square-foot space that will also be home to walk-in medical clinic, computer store, and MTS Connect store.

The university's 6,000-square-foot bookstore is the anchor tenant.