Doors Open Toronto, held last weekend, is a bittersweet event. It is a pleasure to skulk around interiors where you wouldn't usually be expected, however, everyone else is doing the same thing, making for line-ups and congestion. We headed to Commerce Court North, completed in 1931, hoping to see the massive deco head sculptures on the 32nd floor observation deck. This balcony has unfortunately been closed for many years. Undaunted, we inspected the miniature heads in the above model. The faces are meant to evoke the characteristics of the bank: Courage, Observation, Foresight and Enterprise.
The lobby did not disappoint. 715 ounces of gold leaf decorate the ceiling, accented by gorgeous deco chandeliers. There is something very earnest and charming about the flora and fauna peopling the carvings, and details. Perhaps a Hogwarts set was not what they were going for, but all this marble certainly instills more trust than a green easy chair.
What a beautiful building!
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