Central Vancouver in Greater Vancouver, British Columbia — Canada’s West Coast (North America)
Canadian Bank of Commerce Building
Architects: Darling and Pearson
— City of Vancouver Heritage Building —
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, June 8, 2010
1. Canadian Bank of Commerce Building Marker
Inscription.
Canadian Bank of Commerce Building. Architects: Darling and Pearson. In the early 20th century, bank buildings were designed to recall classical temples and evoke a sense of permanence and dignity. The Neo-Classical design, imposing Ionic columns, decorative stonework, and prominent roof cornice of this building make it a fine example of revival architecture. It was built between 1906 and 1908 to serve as the local head office for the Canadian Bank of Commerce, later known as the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. The building was converted to retail use by Novam Development with architects Oberto Oberti Inc. and was renamed the "Birks Building" in 1994. Henry Birks and Sons originally opened their first Vancouver store on the opposite side of the street in 1906.
In the early 20th century, bank buildings were designed to recall classical temples and evoke a sense of permanence and dignity. The Neo-Classical design, imposing Ionic columns, decorative stonework, and prominent roof cornice of this building make it a fine example of revival architecture. It was built between 1906 and 1908 to serve as the local head office for the Canadian Bank of Commerce, later known as the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. The building was converted to retail use by Novam Development with architects Oberto Oberti Inc. and was renamed the "Birks Building" in 1994. Henry Birks and Sons originally opened their first Vancouver store on the opposite side of the street in 1906.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the City of Vancouver Heritage Building series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1906.
Location. 49° 17.104′ N, 123° 6.841′ W. Marker is in Vancouver, British Columbia, in Greater Vancouver. It is in Central Vancouver. Marker is on Granville Street close to West Hastings Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Vancouver BC V6B 1P1, Canada. Touch for directions.
2. The Canadian Bank of Commerce Building Marker - Wide View
The marker is located just to the right of the Granville Street entrance to Birks.
Photographed By Adam Margolis, October 10, 2023
3. Canadian Bank of Commerce Building Marker
Marker location indicated by the red arrow.
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, June 8, 2010
4. Looking north up Granville Street
Here the Canadian Bank of Commerce (Birks) building is visible on the right.
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, June 8, 2010
5. Canadian Bank of Commerce (Birks) Building - view south across West Hastings Street
This view south across West Hastings Street shows the Birks Building, as well as the Birks Clock, which has for years served as a meeting place ("Meet you under the clock").
Credits. This page was last revised on January 4, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 13, 2010, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 1,329 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on July 13, 2010, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 3. submitted on November 17, 2023, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 4, 5. submitted on July 13, 2010, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.