he Bank of Montreal is located on the corner of Charlotte and Dorchester Streets, in the downtown business district of Sydney, Nova Scotia. Erected in 1899, this edifice symbolizes the birth of the steel industry, and the advent of industrial capitalism in Sydney. The building is clad in carved, wallace sandstone and ornate, copper roofing. The domed/vaulted ceiling creates a feeling of shelter and protection; while the classical details of pedimented gables, ionic columns, and palladium windows portrays an image of prosperity and elegance.

Numerous renovations, performed throughout the years, diminished the integrity of the original architectural detailing. Trifos Design Consultants was commissioned to renovate the interior of the Bank, as well as to design and oversee the addition of an exterior, automated, banking-machine enclosure. The primary architectural consideration was to create an awareness and acknowledgement of the rich, historical heritage of this site, while effectively meeting current banking standards for the provision of a functional and efficient public-service space.

QTVR of the interior of the Sydney, Nova Scotia branch of the Bank Of Montreal. [437k]