Canadian Bank of Commerce – Heritage Enclosure Renewal

Dawson City, YT
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Enclosure Adaptive Reuse Mass Timber
  • Completion Date Ongoing
  • Size 2-storeys
  • Services Provided Building Enclosure Consulting
  • Market Sector Commercial
  • Client City of Dawson, Chris Gower Architect
  • Architect Chris Gower Architect
The former Canadian Bank of Commerce building in Dawson City, Yukon, is a two-storey Renaissance Revival structure built in 1901 and designated a National Historic Site.

Constructed with a wood frame and detailed with pressed-metal ornamentation designed to mimic stone, it stands as a rare and well-preserved example of Klondike-era architecture. As enclosure consultants, we conducted the initial Building Enclosure Condition Assessment (BECA) to evaluate the condition of the facade, roof, windows, and interfaces. Our work informed the development of sensitive, performance-driven conservation strategies.

We supported the project through design development and field review, helping ensure that all interventions respected the building’s heritage character while improving durability and thermal performance. Key work included preserving and selectively replicating historic pressed metal cladding, integrating discreet air and moisture management layers, and coordinating with the project team to execute repairs in line with conservation best practices. The result is a renewed building envelope that protects the structure for future generations while maintaining its architectural and cultural legacy.

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