Central Vancouver in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia — Canada’s West Coast (North America)

Canadian Bank of Commerce Building

Architects: Darling and Pearson

— City of Vancouver Heritage Building —

Canadian Bank of Commerce Building Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, June 8, 2010

1. Canadian Bank of Commerce Building Marker

Inscription. 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 Canada, Vancouver, City of Vancouver Heritage Buildings 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 Metro Vancouver. It is in Central Vancouver. It 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.

Regionally, this marker is on British Columbia’s Lower Mainland

and in Coast & Mountains.

Globally, it is in North America,

in the Cascade Range,

in the Inside Passage,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

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

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Meet You Under the Clock (a few steps from this marker); Financial District (a

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few steps from this marker); Bank of Toronto (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Canada Pacific Railway Station (about 120 meters away); BC & Yukon Chamber of Mines (about 180 meters away); Ceperley Rounsefell Building (about 180 meters away); Angel of Victory, CPR Station Bronze War Memorial (about 180 meters away); St. Regis Hotel (approx. 0.2 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vancouver.

The Canadian Bank of Commerce Building Marker - Wide View image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, June 8, 2010

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.

Looking north up Granville Street image. Click for full size.

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.

Canadian Bank of Commerce (Birks) Building - view south across West Hastings Street image. Click for full size.

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 December 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 13, 2010, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 1,936 times since then and 51 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.