At the corner of University & Victoria is this unassuming TD Bank branch with a lot of history.
Opened in June, 1948 as the new home of the Guaranty Trust of Canada. The building was designed by Toronto Architects Allward and Gouinlock. Hugh Allward, was the son of legendary Canadian sculptor Walter Allward, who is best known for the Canadian War Memorial at Vimy Ridge.
Around the back of the building, this scar on the wall is the remnants of a historic first.
This building was home to Canada’s first drive through teller, all the way back in 1948.
From the advertisement announcing the grand opening:
Located on the west side of the new building is the first teller’s drive-in window in Canada. It may be reached easily and quickly from either Park or London Street. Your parking problems are automatically solved and you may carry on your business transactions safely and conveniently without leaving your car. The new window features bullet-proof glass and loud speaker system that enables you to converse freely with the teller. This new facility is another progressive step in the policy of the Guaranty Trust Company to better serve the growing needs of its customers.
The night depository along University Avenue.
Another new and interesting feature of this building is the night depository on the London Street side. Due to bank closing hours, Windsor merchants will find this service convenient as a means of safeguarding business receipts against fire and theft overnight.
The building is fairly good shape, and who would have though we were such drive-through pioneers!
Sadly the lower half of the building received the dreaded stucco treatment, but at least it’s the same colour as it was when it was built.
That’s fantastic–thanks for this–another building that I really ought to have taken a closer look at over the years–it’s classy and has great lines. Sadly, I believe TD intends to vacate the branch when their new downtown office is complete on Ouellette.
Great post! Is there a chance that this building can acquire heritage status before TD moves out? (Providing that is the plan). Canada’s first drive-thru bank is historically significant, in my books.
I learn something new everyday. Thanks Andrew.
Take a look at Andrew’s photo. In the top left of the building TD has removed the flag mast. This was recently done as you can see the scars from the patch job. They did a good job in patching it. But I agree with Andrew. Why more stucco?
i should ask my mom about it since she worked in that building for quite a few years. i’ll ask her about the basement today.
Wow – Imagine that! WINDSOR being the FIRST city in the entire nation to begin the drive-through onslaught!
The Automotive Capital of Canada!
And now we’re the canary in the coalmine when it comes to the collapse of the petrol-related industries!
I wonder what other coincidences the uncovering of our history can clue us in to?
I believe this is now another St. Clair College building – The appropriately named TD Student Centre I think
Anyone hear if St. Clair will share it with the new UWindsor students?