Historic Sites of Manitoba: Canadian Bank of Commerce Building (325 Nairn Avenue, Winnipeg)

Built by local contractor John Dolmer on the north side of Lemoine Avenue (now Nairn Avenue) in Winnipeg, this branch of the Canadian Bank of Commerce was constructed in 1906. Initially known as the bank’s Louise Branch, it later became the Elmwood Branch. The two storey, red brick, Roman white sandstone structure featuring four doric columns was based on designs of architectural firm Darling, Pearson and Over. Measuring 32 feet wide and 36 feet long, it was completed at a cost of $15,000. After the branch closed, the site has since hosted several other businesses, including a bookstore.

Former Elmwood Branch of the Canadian Bank of Commerce (November 2015) Source: Nathan Kramer Site Coordinates (lat/long): N49.90647, W97.11149 denoted by symbol on the map above

See also:

Memorable Manitobans: Walter Percy Over (1874-1944)

Memorable Manitobans: John Dolmer (1858-1949)

Manitoba Business: Canadian Bank of Commerce

Sources:

“The Canadian Bank of Commerce,” Winnipeg Tribune, 2 January 1906, page 5.

“The Canadian Bank of Commerce,” Winnipeg Tribune, 2 January 1906, page 9.

“Tenders,” Winnipeg Tribune, 6 March 1906, page 10.

“Bank of Commerce,” Winnipeg Tribune, 29 September 1906, page 5.

“Magnificent new offices of Canadian Bank of Commerce, Elmwood,” Winnipeg Tribune, 29 September 1906, page 27.

“Building review,” Winnipeg Tribune, 15 December 1906, page 8.

Monuments to Finance, Vol. II: Early Bank Architecture in Winnipeg by David Spector, City of Winnipeg Historical Buildings Committee, August 1982.

This page was prepared by Nathan Kramer.

Page revised: 28 February 2024

Historic Sites of Manitoba This is a collection of historic sites in Manitoba compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. The information is offered for historical interest only. SEARCH the collection Browse lists of: Museums/Archives | Buildings | Monuments | Cemeteries | Locations | Other Inclusion in this collection does not confer special status or protection. Official heritage designation may only come from municipal, provincial, or federal governments. Some sites are on private property and permission to visit must be secured from the owner. Site information is provided by the Manitoba Historical Society as a free public service only for non-commercial purposes. Send corrections and additions to this page to the MHS Webmaster at webmaster@mhs.mb.ca. Search Tips | Suggest an Historic Site | FAQ Help us keep history alive!