Bank of Commerce - Vernon, BC - Frieze Art on Waymarking.com

Bank of Commerce

3117-30th Avenue 1911

This impressive structure was built on the principle that classical traditions in architectural design and detail always command respect. In 1914. contractor WA. Cryderman constructed the Bank of Commerce of concrete block with a brick and plaster front. The Bank of Commerce remained at this site until 1918. "The exterior... will have an appearance... characteristic. of Banks of Commerce the Dominion over. Deep red brick will be used, ornamented with four massive columns of rough-surfaced terra cotta."

Vernon News 1914

From the Sign on the Building The Bank of Commerce is a two-storey Beaux Arts commercial building located on the north side of 30th Avenue in Vernon. The concrete block building features a symmetrical front façade faced with brick and four terra cotta pilasters rising to the top of the second storey. The building also has a central pedimented porch and a centrally located pediment above an attenuated cornice line.

Built in 1913-14, the Bank of Commerce is notable for its impressive and well-detailed Beaux Arts design. Notable Beaux Arts features of the Vernon branch include the monumental Corinthian pilasters with moulded terra cotta acanthus leaves and flowers, the large modillions under the extended overhang of the roof, the pedimented central roof containing a terra cotta medallion, and the central pedimented porch. The broken pediment over the entrance contains a caduceus, the original insignia of the Bank of Commerce, representing power and wisdom. The symmetrical rows of windows in the upper and lower storeys, each with a decorative keystone, add to the classical formality of the design. The interior included two vaults and staff accommodation upstairs. The Vernon brickyards provided the pressed brick for the side walls.
From the Vernon Heritage Register