Commercial Bank Building

Category: Historic Building/Architectural Interest

Corner of Bothwell Street & Wellington Street

This bank was designed by James Miller and completed in 1935. Part of the attraction of this very clean, square Art Deco building is the frieze near the roof. These bas-relief panels were carved by sculptor Gilbert Bayes, and represent ideas of Commerce, Industry, Contentment, Wisdom, Prudence and Justice. These ancient figures clad in robes are illustrations of worthy concepts. The last page shows women carefully measuring out oil for the lanterns, while you can see a physician here on the right with a medic's staff of two entwined snakes.