Exchange District in Winnipeg, Manitoba — Canada’s Prairie Region (North America)

Imperial Bank of Canada

1906

— Historic Winnipeg —

Imperial Bank of Canada Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 16, 2022

1. Imperial Bank of Canada Marker

Inscription. On this site the Imperial Bank of Canada opened the first branch of the bank in Winnipeg on January 4, 1881. The original Robertson Block was replaced in 1906 with the present building which later became the main branch of the Imperial Bank in Winnipeg as well as housing the offices of the Western Superintendent. The Imperial Bank later amalgamated with the Canadian Bank of Commerce in 1961 to become the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1906.

Location. 49° 53.883′ N, 97° 8.328′ W. Marker is in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It is in the Exchange District. It is on Main Street (Manitoba Route 52) just north of Bannatyne Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Marker is mounted at eye-level near the southwest corner of the subject building, facing Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 441 Main Street, Winnipeg MB R3B 1B4, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Manitoba’s Historic Winnipeg.

It is also in the Prairies.

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Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

and Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Rowand Block / Canada Life Building (a few steps from this marker); The Confederation Building / L'édifice de la Confédération (within shouting distance of this marker); West Clements Block (Bijou Theatre) (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Court House (about 90 meters away); Union Bank Building / L’édifice de la Union Bank (about 90 meters away); Early Skyscrapers in Winnipeg / Les gratte-ciel de Winnipeg (about 90 meters away); Union Bank Building (about 90 meters away); First Headquarters • International Brotherhood of Magicians (about 90 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Winnipeg.

Regarding Imperial Bank of Canada. Canada Register of Historic Places (2008/01/29). Also a Winnipeg Landmark Heritage Structure (1997/10/28).

From the Canada Register Statement of Significance:
Key external
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 16, 2022

2. Imperial Bank of Canada Marker
(looking north along Main Street sidewalk • marker is mounted at southwest corner of building)
elements that define the building's rich Classical Revival style and its use as an Imperial Bank of Canada include:
• its rectangular plan, three-storey box-like form around a steel frame and flat roof embellished by a complete entablature with modillioned cornice and plain parapet;
• the grey Bedford, Indiana, ashlar limestone used on the two primary elevations (south and west),
• the symmetrical composition of the primary facade (west) featuring a two-storey recessed entrance bay framed by two massive fluted Ionic columns, simple arrangement of windows, third-floor level with small rectangular windows and side bays dominated by large mezzanine-level openings with elaborate pseudo-balconies (complete with balustrades, brackets, pediments, etc.)

Also see . . .
1. Imperial Bank of Canada.

The Imperial Bank of Canada is one of a handful of Winnipeg banks left to recall the city's significant place in the financing of Western Canada's early development. The structure is located on Bankers' Row, a section of Main Street that in its heyday featured more than a dozen sumptuous bank buildings and many other premises filled with insurance,
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 16, 2022

3. Imperial Bank of Canada Building (southwest elevation)
mortgage and trust companies. These institutions together provided the financial backing that ensured the city's rapid rise as a regional economic powerhouse in the early 1900s. The eight historic bank buildings that remain still constitute an impressive concentration of wealth and architectural ambition, usually carried out in a heavily articulated classical vocabulary. The Imperial Bank is an exceptional version of the Classical Revival style, designed by noted Toronto-based architects Darling and Pearson.

(Submitted on February 2, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Historic Sites of Manitoba: Imperial Bank of Canada Building.

The original Robertson Block was demolished between May and July 1906 after which excavation for the new structure began. The work was undertaken by Kelly Brothers and Mitchell. The bank relocated temporarily to the Aikins Block until the new premises, designed by Toronto architects Darling and Pearson, opened on 26 May 1908.

(Submitted on February 2, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on May 15, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 1, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 281 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 2, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.