Union Bank Building

The Union Bank of Canada building is a one storey masonry Edward era commercial building built in 1910-1911.

The construction of this bank is significant as an indication of the speculation and wealth in Gastown during the pre-World War One boom era.

The building was designed by architect Arthur Julius Bird (1875-1967), who established his practice in Vancouver in 1908 and later served as Vancouver City Architect. The prominent contracting firm of Adkison and Dill was responsible for the construction.

Referred to as the ‘pioneer bank’ of western Canada, the Union Bank followed the railway across the prairies to the West Coast. The Union Bank was the first to provide an extensive branch system throughout the prairies. The bank suffered during post-war depression and was absorbed by the Royal Bank in 1925.

Source

Canada's Historic Places

More information

http://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=2518&pid=0