Downtown Yonge in Toronto, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Canadian Bank of Commerce - Yonge-Queen Branch (1905)
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 11, 2025
1. Canadian Bank of Commerce - Yonge-Queen Branch (1905) Marker
Built for the Canadian Bank of Commerce, now the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), the historic bank branch at 197 Yonge Street was designed by architecture firm Darling and Pearson in the Beaux-Arts style. The building has classical elements such as fluted columns and a recessed entry topped with a triangular pediment.
The interior included a mosaic tile floor, a large skylight, detailed woodwork, and a cast-iron staircase that remains inside the entranceway. Unlike most bank branches that separated clients and tellers using metal grilles, this branch was designed to convey a sense of openness and did not use many visible security features. For privacy, there was a separate room for women to conduct business.
The branch served the shopping and entertainment destinations on Yonge Street, which included the Eaton's and Simpsons department stores and the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres. Designed by E. J. Lennox, the former Bank of Toronto branch at 205 Yonge Street opened in 1907 and is similar in appearance.
This branch closed in 1983 and the building was empty for several years. In 2020, the building reopened as the entrance hall of the Massey Tower condominium.
Designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, 1990
Erected
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Toronto Heritage series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1907.
Location. 43° 39.199′ N, 79° 22.764′ W. Marker is in Toronto, Ontario. It is in Downtown Yonge. It is on Yonge Street north of Queen Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 197 Yonge Street, Toronto ON M5B 1M4, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Toronto and on the Golden Horseshoe. It is also in Central Canada. 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, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Ruperts Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Cy McLean (a few steps from this marker); Sir Ernest MacMillan (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Town Tavern (about 90 meters away); Massey Hall (about 90 meters away); The Bay Queen Street Store / Le Magasin la Baie de la Rue Queen (about 120 meters away); Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters (about 120 meters away); The Santa Claus Parade / La Parade du Pθre Noλl (about 180 meters away); "Old" City Hall (about 180 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Toronto.
Also see . . . Massey Tower Reuse Yonge (Heritage Toronto). Excerpt:
Winner: 2021 Heritage Planning & Architecture in Built Heritage Award(Submitted on August 18, 2025.)
Built as the Canadian Bank of Commerces Queen-Yonge branch and opened in 1905, 197 Yonge Street has found new life as part of the mixed-use Massey Tower. Designed in the Classical style as interpretedby Beaux-Arts principles, the Canadian Bank of Commerce building is the work of Darling & Pearson and is considered one of their best works.Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 11, 20252. Canadian Bank of Commerce - Yonge-Queen Branch (1905) Marker - wide view
The Massey Tower and the adaptive reuse of the Canadian Bank of Commerce building celebrates the sites history and contribution to Torontos downtown development. Prior to this project, the historic building remained vacant, deteriorating, and unused for more than 30 years. MOD Developments purchased 197-201 Yonge in 2012, seeing the opportunity to celebrate and revitalize the landmark building in developing a multi-use tower. The project was named The Massey Tower in honour of the Massey familys vital role in the history of Torontos cultural life.
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 11, 2025
3. Canadian Bank of Commerce - Yonge-Queen Branch (1905) and Marker
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 11, 2025
4. The former Canadian Bank of Commerce - Yonge-Queen Branch
Credits. This page was last revised on August 18, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 18, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 103 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 18, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
