This unique neo-classical structure (c1911) was one of the several branches built abroad by the Royal Bank of Canada.  The cast concrete building was modeled from an early 1900’s prototype designed in the (Montreal) Head Office and adapted to a prominent corner site in Old San Juan. Actually, many of the materials were fabricated in and shipped from Canada.

 

The original beaux-arts interior details had been practically destroyed in a 1950’s ‘modernization’.  The task of reconstructing the delicate ceiling plaster moldings was done without closing the bank, carefully shuffling functions and programming construction accordingly.  The massive mahogany entrance doors, the Canadian marble counters wainscotings, floors and bronze/marble clock were some of the original features that were meticulously restored.