Grain Exchange Building

The Grain Exchange Building, located at 701 Victoria Avenue East in Thunder Bay, Ontario, is a historic structure built in 1909 and designed by architect Carl Wirth. Originally intended to establish Fort William as a competitor in the grain exchange market, the building is more famously known as the Chapples building due to its long-term occupant, the Chapples family department store, which operated from 1913 to 1981. Over the years, it has served various office purposes and was partially enclosed by the Victoriaville Civic Centre, which opened in 1980. Plans are underway to demolish the aging mall and restore the area to a street, making this a notable site for both tourists and researchers interested in local history and architecture.