Canadian Imperial Bank of
Commerce (CIBC)
Commerce Court West
199 Bay Street
Toronto
Ontario M5L 1E9
Canada
I.M. Pei 1973
This building was constructed
for the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. The original main branch is
located right next to it and is now known as Commerce Court North. Commerce
Court West was considered to be the tallest office building in Toronto
until the construction of First Canadian Place in 1975.
The building is part of several
landmark structures that make up the financial district in Toronto. It is
probably the simplest building in the area with a very open ground level
comprised of glass walls almost 2 stories high. The building itself is set
back from the street to create a platform in front of the entrance that
maximizes public access. With the glass wall on the ground floor, the
platform seems to extend all the way inside the building, creating
continuity with the exterior features. The floors above have horizontal
bands of glass alternating with bands of steel.
If you walk down the financial
district in Toronto during day, you will notice that most of the side
walks and court yards are very shady due to the height of all the
skyscrapers in the area. I.M. Pei's building brings a bit of light down to
the street level, by reflecting the sun with its shiny glass and steel
wall. On a clear sunny day, the building surface seems transparent with
the reflection of the sky and surrounding buildings.
This building has won a several
awards. In 1992, it won the Urban Design Award from The City of Toronto;
in 1973, the First Prize for Unique Structural Design from New York
Association of Consulting Engineers; and in 1973, the Design in Steel
Award from the American Iron and Steel Institute.
Wilma Kwan 2003
How to visit
The court and building are
located at the South West corner of King Street and Bay Street. The
building can be accessed through the underground PATH system from the
closest subway station which is the King Station located at the corner of
King Street and Yonge Street.
The underground PATH system is
open for public but the office building is restricted to the occupants
only.
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