Discovering Vancouver's Historic Royal Bank of Canada Building

What:  Royal Bank of Canada Building
Where:  685 West Hastings Street

Royal Bank of Canada Building
(Source: Vancouver Public Library; Ben Oliver)

One of the finer examples of early Vancouver architecture is the Royal Bank of Canada building at the intersection of Hastings and Granville.  The building was started in 1929 and was occupied by the bank in 1931.  From 1931 to 1973, this was the Main Branch of the Royal Bank's British Columbia District.  In 1973, the Regional Headquarters and Main Branch of the bank were transferred to the Royal Centre development at Georgia and Burrard.

The exterior of the building is a combination of Art Deco and Romanesque motif and was designed to be a replica of the bank's headquarters in Montreal.  The dual complex ceased development after just one tower was completed due to financial troubles brought on by the Great Depression.  The exterior underwent extensive repairs that were completed in 2000 by Vancouver-based architects Blewett Dodd.

The interior of the building is a mixture of the Classical and Moorish styles.

Visitor Highlights:

• Look at the entrance arch with its mythical beasts and plant forms.
• Search for the medallions with mottos such as "No Labour, No Bread", "Colonies and Commerce" and "Speed the Plough".
• Lower Floor:  Belgian black and gold marble of the downstairs counters.
• Lower Floor: The original doors on display on the lower floor.
• Upper Floor:  Travertine marble (imported from Italy) on the floors and counters on the upper floor. 
• Upper Floor:  Painted ceilings on the inside.
• Upper Floor:  Large brass chandeliers in the center of the Main Banking Hall (2,000 lbs each) and the smaller ones along each side (1,200 lbs each).
• The inside walls are variegated Indiana Limestone and include extensive use of Haddington Island sandstone on the interior walls.  Haddington Island was the source for stone of other historic buildings in British Columbia such as the Parliament Buildings in Victoria. 

Haddington Island

As photography is not permitted inside the bank, I am not able to provide photos of these highlights.  There is a small exhibit of photos in the Main Hall near the information desk where you can view historic images of the building and surrounding area.  I would recommend you take the time to visit.