Canadian Bank of Commerce building - Toronto, Ontario - Art Deco - Art Nouveau on Waymarking.com

Plans to erect it commenced in 1927, amid the optimism that dominated the Roaring Twenties. In that era, economic horizons appeared limitless, and the Bank of Commerce, as it was then called, wanted a headquarters that reflected its financial importance in the community. They hired the architectural firm of Darling and Pearson, assisted by the firm of York and Sawyer of New York City.

Construction on the new bank building began on 19 June 1929. In the year construction commenced, the tallest structure in Toronto was the 120-metre Royal York Hotel, the largest hotel in the British Empire. New York City’s buildings surpassed those of its neighbour to the north, so in Canada, the word “tallest” was often applied within the context of the British Empire, to give the word significance. Toronto residents watched in fascination as the tower rose, until it reached its ultimate heights of 141 metres—34 storeys. When the structure was completed in January of 1931, it was the tallest building in the city and the tallest in the British Empire. It was to maintain this distinction until 1962.

The building’s steel and concrete frame was clad in limestone. Its style was mainly Art Dec, though some believed it to be more Beaux Arts. The tower contained set-backs at various levels and the facades possessed Romanesque Revival detailing, The long vertical rows of windows rose in orderly rows from above the six-story base, ascending to the top of the building.

Style: Art Deco Structure Type: Commercial/Retail Architect: Pearson and Darling Date Built: 1931 Supporting references: Not listed

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