Bank of Montreal Building - Rossland, BC - Frieze Art on Waymarking.com

Built between 1898 and 1899, the bank was only one of five major Canadian banks competing in Rossland. This magnificent brick building provided a refreshing permanence amongst a sea of wooden structures. The cornerstone bears the altitude bench mark of 3410 ft above sea level. The fact that this is a brick and stone building is what saved it from destruction in the 1929 fire that took the rest of this block, except for the brick and stone post office at the other end.

The frieze of the B. of M. building contains a wealth of artistic stylings. Just under the cornice, on the two street sides, are large terra cotta pieces made to look like drapery. Surmounting the three arched doorways are more terra cotta pieces framing the arched brickwork, with terra cotta facing on the keystones. Finally, under the third floor window sills is a line of decorative stonework which runs the length of the two street sides. Even the brickwork is artfully done, with arches and keystones set with bricks at multiple depths. Brick pseudo-pillars can be seen on the side of the building.

F.M. Rattenbury, the architect, also designed the Parliament buildings in Victoria. J.S.C. Fraser, a colourful relative of Simon Fraser, was the first Bank Manager.

The building is now partially occupied by the Rossland Chamber of Commerce and several small businesses, while other areas of the building are undergoing renovation. This building is registered in the Rossland Heritage Register.

Artist: F.M. Rattenbury Address: 2004 Columbia Ave. Rossland, BC Canada Web URL to relevant information: Not listed

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