Few buildings from the 1880s remain along Winnipeg’s Main Street, but those that do reflect a story of wealth, civic growth, and highly ornamental architecture.

The Macdonald Block, opened in 1883, built directly south of the Fortune Block – was deliberately designed as a visual twin of its northern neighbour. Both are High Italianate in style, with detailed brickwork around the arched windows. At the time of construction, a detailed tin cornice lined the roof. It is believed that Charles Mancel Willmot and George W. Stewart designed the MacDonald Block. Willmott and Stewart designed the Fortune Block a year earlier, and styles of both buildings are startlingly similar.

Owner Alexander Macdonald was one of many capitalizing on the demand for rental spaces in Winnipeg. Shortly after the Macdonald Block opening, he purchased the Fortune Block.

The ground floor initially had large display windows, since replaced by smaller windows and stone walls. Upper floors remain largely unchanged.

The interior has undergone multiple changes. In 1903, the building was transformed into the Commercial Hotel. Located along a major road near Union Station, the Commercial Hotel enjoyed early success and operated until 1980.

In 2018, the Fortune Block and Macdonald Block underwent significant renovations.