Have you ever wondered about the grand building on the northeast corner of Yonge & Wellington streets? Now home to the Irish Embassy Pub, it began life as the Bank of British North America's main Toronto branch.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

The first Bank of British North America building on this site - designed in 1845-46 by well-known Toronto architect John Howard - was ideally positioned between the import and wholesale activity of Front Street and the busy retail shops on King Street. It was part of the city's first financial district and its Wellington Street neighbours included insurance companies and other banks. Of this group, only the facade of the Commercial Bank of the Midland District (1845-46, William Thomas) remains - rebuilt within the galleria of Brookfield (formerly BCE) Place.