Exchange District - Bank Buildings
Tour some of the bank buildings of the National Historic Site in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Main Street and Banker's Row (2020-03-20) by Larissa IdeICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
Banker's Row
Some of Western Canada's most opulent banking halls were built along a 4-block portion of Winnipeg's Main Street, 1900-1920. Several banks have been converted into night clubs, utilizing the heavily ornamented interiors in their new decor.
Bank of Hamilton (2020-03-20) by Larissa IdeICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
Bank of Hamilton
This is a magnificent building that served as one of the major banks on Banker’s Row. It was completed in 1918, designed by architect J.D. Atchison, to rival the neighbouring Bank of Commerce. Now it is being used as offices for the City of Winnipeg.
Front entrance windows and metal detailing above the doors (2020-03-20) by Larissa IdeICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
Magnificent Details
The windows and metal detailing above the entrance of the Bank of Hamilton provide a grandiose ambiance.
Tin painted ceiling in the Bank of Hamilton entrance (2020-03-20) by Larissa IdeICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
Inside the Bank
The metal ceiling in the entrance of the Bank of Hamilton has beautiful embossed patterns that are painted gold.
Oval staircase inside the Bank of Hamilton (2020-03-20) by Larissa IdeICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
Breath Taking Shots
The oval staircase in the Bank of Hamilton is sometimes used for wedding photo shoots.
Beautiful large arched windows in the main hall of the building. (2020-03-20) by Larissa IdeICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
Original Features Still Present
The building's interior has been modified, but some original finishes are still present. Grey Botticino marble is used in the main hall. The large arched windows and beam coffered ceiling painted with gold are astonishing.
Main hall of the Bank of Commerce (now known as the Millenium Centre) (2020-03-20) by Larissa IdeICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
Imagine Marvelous Events in the Hall of the Bank of Commerce
The Bank of Commerce was built in 1910. In 1979, its owner applied to demolish this beautiful Beaux Arts Romanesque building, so a grass roots movement started to protect it. From that, Heritage Winnipeg was born to advocate on behalf of the City's heritage buildings.
Painted plaster ceiling showing the wealth of the bank on an upper level (2020-03-20) by Larissa IdeICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
The Millennium Centre
The building has been upgraded and maintained by Heritage Winnipeg to make it usable space for special events such as weddings and banquets.
View of the main hall from the upper level windows. High quality materials like marble were used to construct this building in 1912. (2020-03-20) by Larissa IdeICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
Creative Uses for the Building
The space is also used as a film set for movies, such as The Divide (2011), which is another avenue of income for the building. Projects like these show the investment of reusing beautiful historic buildings, whereas new buildings lack the same level of detail.
The new kitchen space in the building is especially vital for the conitnued use of the spaces for events. (2020-03-20) by Larissa IdeICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
How to Upgrade Historic Buildings
The new kitchen space is what makes many events possible here.
Inside the tapestry room, named for the tapestry covered walls. One can just imagine the important meetings that happened here 100 years ago. (2020-03-20) by Larissa IdeICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
Inside the Tapestry Room
Named for the tapestry covered walls, one can just imagine the important meetings that happened here 100 years ago.
Discover More
Exchange District Compendium
Exchange District – Arts, Culture, and History
Red River College, Princess Street Campus
Exchange District – Modern Historic Buildings
ICOMOS Canada and Carleton University
Exchange District BIZ - More on the Exchange District BIZ
Heritage Winnipeg - More on Heritage Winnipeg
City of Winnipeg
See the other exhibits on the Exchange District
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