1108 Government Street
Date of construction: 1909-10
Architect: Thomas Hooper
In 1907, when the streetcar travelled down this part of Government
Street, there was a different building here. The long-time home of
Jacob Sehl's B. C. Furniture outlet was occupied by W. Bownass
Hardware Store. The building site was originally part of Fort Victoria
and is almost exactly between the chief factor's residence and the
men's quarters. Following the dismantling of the fort in 1864, the land
was sold and brick commercial buildings went up.
In July 1909, citizens of Victoria learned of the "fine premises for
Royal Bank" that would soon grace Government Street, immediately south
of the premises occupied by A. E. Morris. This Edwardian Classical bank
building combines a Roman entrance-arch with Tuscan columns and
Renaissance pilasters in a glorious interpretation of the dignity of
the Edwardian bank. Built with two storeys, the basement contained a
shooting gallery where bank employees could be prepared to cope with a
hold-up. The second storey was removed in the 1980s and the main
features of the original banking hall obscured.
Book seller Jim Munro purchased the bank in 1984 and, within seven
months, had restored the former banking hall for use as a bookstore.
During the process, he uncovered original plaster that had been hidden
in the 1980s and uncovered other fine features. The book store
continues in the same location today.
This Hallmark Society project has been funded by the Hbc Foundation and the BC150-Heritage Legacy Fund.
Project manager and researcher: Helen Edwards.
Principal Photography & Consultant:
Ron Bukta, West Ventures Photography.