As our transactional economy relocates to the Internet and financial institutions continue to close branches, we remember those banks that once stood as pillars of our community.
The Bank of Toronto, 1919
The deed to this award-winning building passed between a number of owners before being bestowed to SFU in 1993. Originally marked as a new headquarters for the Union Bank of Canada in 1919, by the time the Somervel-designed project was completed one year later, Union Bank had been acquired by the Bank of Toronto. It went on to become the B.C. head office of the bank in 1955, remaining as such for 29 years before closing its doors in 1984. In 1987 an architectural charette sought methods of saving the derelict banking hall and, as a result, the building was donated to SFU as an international conference centre. Transforming the crumbling edifice into a first-class centre proved a difficult task for Scott Construction due to the building’s heritage status. While the interior of the property was completely transformed, the exterior limestone, terra-cotta cornice and Edwardian coffered ceilings were preserved. When Russian-born philanthropist Morris Wosk donated $3 million toward the construction, the university acknowledged his contribution by naming the building in his honour. (Photo: Vancouver Public Library)
Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue (580 West Hastings)
In 1987 an architectural charette sought methods of saving the derelict banking hall and, as a result, the building was donated to SFU as an international conference centre. Transforming the crumbling edifice into a first-class centre proved a difficult task for Scott Construction due to the building's heritage status. While the interior of the property was completely transformed, the exterior limestone, terra-cotta cornice and Edwardian coffered ceilings were preserved. When Russian-born philanthropist Morris Wosk donated $3 million toward the construction, the university acknowledged his contribution by naming the building in his honour.(Photo: Ben Oliver)
British Canadian Securities Building (402 West Pender)
The British Canadian Securities building, at the corner of Pender and Homer streets, was built in 1911 at the height of a land-speculation boom that saw money pouring into B.C. not only from Montreal and Toronto but from New York and London. Parent company Dominion Trust Co. had already run out of room at its landmark building on West Hastings Street and was looking to expand. Alas, as booms are want to do, the land rush went bust, and both companies would go out of business in 1914. William Arnold, managing director of both companies, would be found dead in his Shaughnessy home due to "accidental discharge of a pump shotgun," according to the coroner's report.The massive vault door used to safeguard those mountains of cash is still on display inside the building's entryway.(Photos: Vancouver Public Library; Ben Oliver)
Royal Bank of Canada, 1903
With its prominent arched windows and impressive giant pilasters, the Vancouver Film School fits in perfectly on the southwest corner of West Hastings and Homer streets, stationed amid a line of imposing heritage-style commercial buildings. Dating back to 1903, the site, originally home to the Vancouver headquarters of the Royal Bank of Canada, was the first classically inspired bank in the city. Development of the building reflected the prosperous commercial expansion of the era, perhaps best exemplified by a massive renovation just six years after opening that saw the premises double in size.(Photo: Vancouver Public Library)
Vancouver Film School (400 West Hastings)
Security was a key issues for the financial institution, which featured some of the most advanced security features of its time, including an enormous reinforced concrete vault (protected by a steel door and thick walls) and several smaller vaults, three of which can still be seen there. Since 1997 the address has served as home to the VFS's film production program, where the emphasis is less on cash and more on creativity.(Photo: Ben Oliver) 
The Dominion Bank Building (207 West Hastings)
Considered one of Vancouver's most famous landmarks, the Dominion Bank Building, which looms over Gastown, was one of the earliest skyscrapers in Canada. For almost half a decade, it held the status of tallest building in the British Empire. Standing 45 metres in height, the 13-storey steel-framed building was commissioned in 1908 by the mortgage trust company Imperial Trust, which was keen to make its mark within the booming commercial sector. The $600,000 cost of construction, however, proved too much for the ambitious company, resulting in a prompt merger with Dominion Trust Co. to save it from financial ruin.
Bad luck is embedded in the history of the Dominion building: J.S. Helyer, the project’s lead architect, suffered a nasty fall during an inspection of the property and his son, Maurice, had to step in to complete the project; the Dominion Trust declared bankruptcy in 1914 and was forced to sell the premises; and due to the highly unusual interior layout, the building has had considerable difficulty attracting tenants over the years. Current occupants of the building include the B.C. office of the Green Party of Canada, a design agency and a Lebanese restaurant.
(Photos: Jack Lindsay/City of Vancouver Archives; Ben Oliver)
Canadian Bank of Commerce, 1907
This address on West Hastings Street was home to valuable content long before luxury jewelry retailer Birks & Mayors moved into the premises in the 1980s. The statuesque neoclassical building was constructed as the headquarters for the Canadian Bank of Commerce in 1907. The financial institution would later become known as the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. (Photo: W.J. Moore/City of Vancouver Archives)
Birks (698 West Hastings)
Architects Oberto Oberti Architecture and Urban Design Inc. joined forces with Nova Development in 1994 to link the past with the present and convert the building to retail use. The property is listed on the Vancouver Heritage Register as a site of primary significance and, as such, any alterations to the premises are subject to rigorous restrictions. Interestingly, Birks opened its first Vancouver outlet, in 1907, right across the street from its current flagship store.
(Photo: Ben Oliver) 
British Canadian Securities building (402 West Pender)
This neo-Renaissance building opened its doors in 1931 as the new B.C. headquarters of the Royal Bank of Canada. The building was designed as a replica of the banks headquarters in Montreal; however, the extravagant dual complex ceased development after just one tower was complete, due to financial troubles brought on by the Depression.
The 18-storey building, which still serves as home to a branch of the Royal Bank, underwent significant renovations in 2000, with Vancouver-based architects Blewett Dodd completing the renovation in several phases. Maintaining a strict sense of heritage is the original Florentine Renaissance banking hall, which esthetically remains true to its origins. Visitors to the building today can view one of the original brass front doors on display near the sweeping double staircase, as well as the authentic large brass chandeliers from the 1930s, each of which weighs approximately 900 kilograms.
(Photos: Vancouver Public Library; Ben Oliver)
Bank of Commerce Building, 1933
Visitors to the Bank of Hamilton Building or as it was known back in 1933, the Bank of Commerce building were among the first to experience an electric elevator in the Lower Mainland. This then-modern feature was installed 22 years after the building was erected in 1911. During the Edwardian era, the City of North Vancouver experienced an economic boom with high levels of construction and investment. From the beginning of the planning process, the prominent Lonsdale landmark was earmarked to be a modern and grand property, with stone composition (most structures at the time were built with wood), heavy vaults in the basement, its own steam heating plant and a fusion of marble and mahogany furnishings adorning the interior. (Photo: F.P. Carbutt/North Vancouver Museum & Archives)
Bank of Hamilton Building (92 Lonsdale)
Today the premises are occupied by a diverse group of businesses, including a hockey magazine, a hair dressing salon and an engineering company.(Photo: Dina Goldstein)
Royal Bank, 1912
Erected in 1912 specifically for the financial institution, which vacated the building in 1973, the heritage building has been home to the renowned dance institute for over two decades now. One of the better-known architects in Vancouver during the pre-First World War period, British-born Thomas Hooper, designed this structure; among his other notable works is the courthouse annex and the Winch Building (part of the modern-day Sinclair Centre). Hooper designed the two-storey property on Main as one of a pair; its twin building, now home to the Tensho Gallery, is located at 2245 Granville St. The exteriors of both of these neoclassical revival buildings are clad in terra cotta.(Photo: W.J. Moore/City of Vancouver Archives)
Goh Ballet Academy (2345 Main Street)
The dress code for visitors to 2345 Main St. has undergone a significant transformation since the former Royal Bank branch became home to the Goh Ballet Academy.(Photo: Ben Oliver)
Bank of Montreal, 1916
The tasteful temple bank building, erected in 1916, hosted some of the provinces business elite during its 84-year-stint as Vancouver headquarters for the Bank of Montreal. The bank commissioned an expansion of the premises in 1924, which included an elaborate new entrance with giant Corinthian columns.(Photo: Vancouver Public Library)
Segal Graduate School of Business (500 Granville Street)
The ghosts of tenants past may provide inspiration for students studying at SFUs Segal Graduate School of Business. It was restored for SFU by Merrick Architecture Ltd. in 2005, winning the 2006 City of Vancouver Heritage Honour Award.(Photo: Ben Oliver) 
