Old Canadian Bank of Commerce Building, Montreal

The Old Canadian Bank of Commerce Building is a five-story structure in Old Montreal featuring a monumental portico with six Corinthian columns made of grey Stanstead granite from Quebec. The substantial stone facade and classical proportions create an imposing presence along Saint-Jacques Street in the city's former financial district.

The structure was completed in 1909 and served as the main Montreal branch of the Canadian Bank of Commerce for over 50 years. Following the bank's merger with Imperial Bank of Canada in 1961, the building's role as a financial institution ended.

The conversion into The St. James Theatre in 2012 shows how this space adapted to serve modern events while keeping its architectural character intact. Today, visitors can experience how a former bank building functions as a venue for private gatherings and cultural activities.

The building is located at 265 Saint-Jacques Street in the historic Old Montreal district, easily accessible on foot from other heritage sites. The area is walkable and offers a good sense of the city's former financial quarter with numerous other notable structures nearby.

From 1909 to 1939, the Montreal offices of the White Star Line operated from this building, where tickets for the RMS Titanic were sold. This connection links the structure to one of history's most notable maritime events.

Location: Ville-Marie

Part of: Old Montreal

Website: https://stjamestheatre.ca/salles

GPS coordinates: 45.50300,-73.55900

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:01