1907 – Merchants Bank of Canada, Victoria, British Columbia

Designed by prominent architect Francis Mawson Rattenbury in 1907, this bank’s original palatial appearance, and Classical Beaux-Arts detailing was designed to inspire confidence in its customers. It was the most expensive building in the city in proportion to its size when it was built. A 1922 extension of its Douglas Street facade by architects Honeyman and Curtis, and a 1945 Moderne Classical addition on Yates Street by Vancouver architect C.J. Thompson show continued growth and prosperity in Victoria. The Merchants Bank of Canada is now the Bank of Montreal since it was taken over in 1923.

Victoria’s New Bank Building
Victoria. B.C. is noted for the substantial character of its capitol and other public buildings. The banks also vie with each other in erecting handsome structures. The new Merchants Bank building is the latest of these, and while not a large building, it represents an outlay of over $70,000. The accompanying illustrations give a good idea of this building which has been but recently completed.

The design is a severe renaissance of the Ionic order. The building is constructed of light grey sandstone from Newcastle Island. B.C., and harmonizes well with the picturesque style of buildings generally adopted in this charming city. The general effect of the exterior is solid and handsome and in the construction, only the most durable materials have been used throughout, the floors and roof being of reinforced concrete, and the partitions of hollow tile.

The ground floor contains the banking room, wainscoted in Belgian marble, and the floor paved with Alaska marble slabs. The railing is brown. The manager’s room, which opens off one side, is finished in oak. The vault, which is two stories high, is fitted up with metal fixtures, special provision being made for safety deposit boxes. The ceiling is a particularly handsome one, designed in the Georgian style in modelled plaster work. On the upper floor are offices, all well lighted and fireproof throughout. The contractors for this building were Messrs. Wood & McVickers; the heating apparatus was put in by Mr. R. J. Nott, and the architect was Mr. F. M. Rattenbury, all of Victoria.
Engineering and Contract Record, August 19 1908

Share!

More!