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Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Commerce Court

Toronto, Canada
Completed 1973

Mixed-use complex with new office space, renovated existing headquarters, retail, entertainment, outdoor plaza and parking
 

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The 2.5-million-square-foot headquarters of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce consists of four variously sized buildings that pinwheel around a fountain court, with five underground levels to house banking, parking, retail and subway connections.

The goal was to establish a unique skyline identity and also a civic space at street level while incorporating the client's existing 36-story headquarters and clearly expressing CIBC's Banking Hall. In solution, the back door of the renovated existing building was transformed into a front entrance onto the court. New 5- and 14-story buildings continue the established limestone cladding, all contrasted and reflected by a 57-story tower. The tallest building in Canada and the tallest stainless steel building in the world upon completion in 1973, the 784-foot tower clearly expresses its wide span structure with uninterrupted spandrels.

To maximize public access, the tower's core was pushed back and the front given over to a spacious first- and concourse-level banking hall. Supported by only four internal columns, the hall's airiness is enhanced by enormous windows that open the interior to the fountain court. The court itself, richly landscaped, is enlivened by a large fountain, outdoor cafe and shops to create a civic space that encourages public use, during business hours and after.

Major Components

57-story Commerce Court West (1.5-million s/f): lobby; banking hall (11,000 s/f); 14 floors banking operations (287,500 s/f); executive facilities (24,000 s/f); 40 floors tenant offices (783,000 s/f)

14-story Commerce Court East (217,000 s/f): lobby, café, 12 floors tenant offices (148,000 s/f)

5-story Commerce Court South (131,000 s/f): lobby; restaurant; tenant offices (87,000 s/f)

1.9-acre landscaped courtyard with 64' diameter fountain

Basement levels (5): bank operations (230,000 s/f); auditorium (5,000 s/f); retail (25,000 s/f); dining (22,000 s/f); support; parking for 516 cars (196,000 s/f)

Awards

Pei Cobb Freed & Partners services

Site Development; Architectural Design; Interior Design of public spaces

Associate Architect

Page and Steele, Architects, Toronto, Canada (owner's consultants)

Structural

Weiskopf & Pickworth, New York, NY, and 
C.D. Carruthers & Wallace Consultants, Toronto

Mechanical / Electrical

Cosentini Associates,  New York, NY

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