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Offices
and Office Buildings
#2543
Date:
[N.D.] c. 1926
Source: Donald Macdonald, donor
Photographer:
Information:
Westminster Trust Building, 713 Columbia Street. The building
was built in 1912. In the "Trustees' Report", which was part of
the "Proceedings of the Eighth Annual General Meeting" of the
shareholders of the Westminster Trust & Safe Deposit Company Ltd.,
it is mentioned that a new head office was being built. The head
office on Columbia Street was expected to be completed around
the end of September 1912 This 8-storey structure was built on
a steel frame and was the city's first skyscraper. Designed by
architects Gardiner and Mercer, the Trust Building is an excellent
example of Beaux Arts Classical architecture. In the original
photograph, some of the signs in the windows were readable. J.J.
Johnston's real estate & insurance in suite 303, far left, on
the Columbia St. side of the building was not listed in this location
until 1926 according to the B.C. directories. The office one floor
above is occupied by Martin & Sullivan barristers, solicitors
and notaries (suite 403). Suite 501-502 (with striped window awning)
belongs to Hume and Rumble electrical contractors. On the 6th
floor is McQuarrie, Whiteside, and Duncan barristers.
This
photo is prior to 1933 when according to the B.C. Directories,
Reid & McDonald clothing and men's furnishings at 707 Columbia
Street is replaced by McDonald and Callan men's clothing. To the
left of Reid & McDonald is F.W. Woolworth Co. 5 - 10 and 15 cent
store. Sign hanging to the left of Woolworth's is for Canadian
Pacific Telegraph. The Bank of Toronto is at the corner of Columbia
St. and Begbie St. The hanging sign for the Westminster Trust
Co. is visible on the Begbie side of the building. In later years,
Westminster Trust Co. is located at the front of the building
on Columbia Street.
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