Royal Bank Building (Toronto) facts for kids
The Royal Bank Building actually refers to two different office buildings in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Both were built for the Royal Bank of Canada in an area called the Financial District, which is where many important banks and businesses are located.
Royal Bank Buildings in Toronto
These two buildings have served as important offices for the Royal Bank over the years. They are both located on King Street in downtown Toronto.
The First Royal Bank Building (1915)
One of these buildings is 20 stories tall. It's located at the corner of Yonge and King Streets in Toronto. This building was finished in 1915. It was designed by a company called Ross and Macdonald, which was a famous architectural firm.
This building is also known as 2 King Street East. It is 90 meters (about 295 feet) tall. When it was built, it was the tallest building in all of Canada! It held that record until 1928. In 1976, the City of Toronto officially recognized it as a special historic building under the Ontario Heritage Act. This means it's protected because of its history and importance.
The Second Royal Bank Building (1964)
The second Royal Bank Building is 12 stories tall. You can find it at 20 King Street West, between Yonge and Bay Streets. Construction on this building started in 1964. The chairman of the Royal Bank of Canada at the time, James Allan, helped lay the first stone for the building.
This building was the main office for the Royal Bank in Toronto for many years. It continued to be used until a newer, even bigger building called Royal Bank Plaza was finished in 1977. Even today, this 1964 building is still one of several places in downtown Toronto where the Royal Bank has offices.
