RICH IN TRADITION,
FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE

In the late 19th Century, Toronto’s Financial District was a medley of small regional and local banks. In 1926, the Canadian Bank of Commerce decided to replace their modest seven-storey head office with something more impressive: 25 King West. Designed by architects York and Sawyer (USA) and Pearson and Darling (Canada), 25 King West launched in 1931 with a height of an unprecedented 32-storeys (141 meters), gaining prestige as Canada’s tallest building. Despite launching in the height of the Depression, the building represented Canada’s growing optimism and the Financial District’s global significance.

Despite the ornate nature of the building, construction of the North Tower took only two years. There were 750 artisans and builders employed in its construction.

Dominating the skyline for over 30 years, the height and opulence of the North Tower represented the area’s growing importance as a financial centre.

DID YOU KNOW?

The cornerstone of this ambitious 141 metre tall limestone building was laid just two days after the stock market crash of October 29, 1929. Constructed between 1929 – 1932, 25 King West cost over $8 million to build – or well over $85 million in today’s dollars.

Changing styles. By the mid-20th century the elegance of the Banking Hall remained pristine, while providing a modern environment to conduct business.

DID YOU KNOW?

Modelled after the Baths of Caracella in Rome, the Banking Hall’s ceiling is 65 feet at the apex. Painted a pale azure, 715 ounces of gold leaf was used to create the surrounding mouldings.

August 11, 1930: His Majesty’s R100 Airship over the soon to be opened headquarters of the Canadian Bank of Commerce. The building itself opened on January 13, 1931, in time for the bank’s annual shareholder’s meeting.

NEW BUILDINGS WERE ADDED IN 1972 – COMMERCE COURT WEST, SOUTH AND EAST

These combined modernist materials and traditional stone to fit the original North building design.

With its elegant arched doorways, chandeliers and gold-coffered ceiling, CIBC’s Banking Hall was not only beautiful, but spoke to the bank’s wealth and prosperity. Look closely at the top of the chandelier and you can see the four words representing CIBC’s brand pillars of the time: Prudence, Commerce, Industry and Integrity.