London Building
CITY OF VANCOUVER
HERITAGE BUILDING
London Building
Architects: Somervell & Putnam
This fine Edwardian Commercial building was finished in 1912 for the London and British North America Company, when Britain was still a significant source of investment money for Vancouver buildings. Marbury Somervell was considered the city’s most sophisticated architect in the years before the First World War. Early tenants included his architectural firm (Somervell & Putnam, until 1920) and Sharp & Thompson (later Sharp, Thompson, Berwick & Pratt, until 1948). The building became known as the Royal Trust Building, reflecting its primary tenant (1929 to 1968) and retained this name until 1988. The exterior features Haddington Island stones, ornamental iron panels and an elaborate cornice. Rising the full height is an open staircase with marble treads, cast iron risers and Missisquoi marble wainscoting. These elements have been protected along with other decorative features in the lobby and double-height chamber.
Photo of the building: http://imgur.com/vwBvS68
Submitted by Jennie Eggleston