For religious orders in Manitoba, the small rural communities of the prairies offered a dream location, to settle away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. For the Sisters of the Holy Names of Joseph and Mary, the community of St. Pierre-Jolys was a fitting location for their new convent.

Between 1896 and 1897 contractors set to work. Prominent St. Boniface architect J.A. Senecal designed the convent in the Second Empire style. This was an architectural style popular with French Catholic religious groups across Manitoba, and originated in France during redevelopment efforts under the reign of Napoleon III.

The style is characterized by a mansard roof, and a largely symmetrical facade. Originally, the cornice was made of wood but has been replaced with metal, matching the downspouts.

Inside high-ceilinged rooms, the nuns operated a convent school, boarding home, educational facilities, and taught French. A high wooden staircase connected the maple floors. Over the years of operation, a music school and a senior’s center was added.

The convent closed in 1992 after 95 years of operation, and in 1994 a private company bought and redeveloped into an apartment complex which still operates today.