1917 – Merchants Bank of Canada, Harvard Avenue, Montreal, Canada

Architect: Hogle & Davis

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Described at the time: “In the interior of this branch of the Merchants Bank, the scheme to a certain extent follows the above description, only here, instead of marble, the counter is of mahogany with a Botticino base. The general treatment gives a spacious effect, and the public and clerks’ space is exceptionally well lighted. This building is in buffed brick with sandstone trimmings, and a feature of the facade is the large semi-circular doorway, which is deeply recessed to give a deep shadow. The windows on the Harvard Avenue side have similar semi-circular heads, but are not so deeply recessed.”

It goes on to say that a comfortable suite was provided on the mezzanine floor over the vaults and lavatories, for one of the bank staff so that the bank was not left unoccupied at night”. Still a bank today although the exterior has been slightly remodelled losing the symmetry of the principal facade.

Published March 6, 2026

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