National Commercial Bank - Shanghai - 1915*
Cnr Peking Rd & Szechuen Rd, International Settlement.
The National Commercial Bank was established in 1907 by the Chekiang Railway Company originally to fund railroad construction. By 1915, it was headquartered in Shanghai and was known as one of the so-called "Southern Banks" which also included the Shanghai Commercial & Savings Bank and the Chekiang Industrial Bank. By 1921, the NCB had major branches in Hangchow, Hankow, Peking, Tientsin, Mukden and Harbin.
I have no other details about the origin of this building, its architect or its date of construction*. However, it is built in the Edwardian Baroque style and the use of ornamental wrought-iron balconies lends a very European air to the upper floors - which may have provided living quarters for the bank's staff.
Other than the retail space at street level, the building has been empty for years (if not decades). This is an architectural gem worth saving and I would be interested to hear of there are any plans in store to retain this beauty.
National Commercial Bank - Shanghai - 1915*
Cnr Peking Rd & Szechuen Rd, International Settlement.
The National Commercial Bank was established in 1907 by the Chekiang Railway Company originally to fund railroad construction. By 1915, it was headquartered in Shanghai and was known as one of the so-called "Southern Banks" which also included the Shanghai Commercial & Savings Bank and the Chekiang Industrial Bank. By 1921, the NCB had major branches in Hangchow, Hankow, Peking, Tientsin, Mukden and Harbin.
I have no other details about the origin of this building, its architect or its date of construction*. However, it is built in the Edwardian Baroque style and the use of ornamental wrought-iron balconies lends a very European air to the upper floors - which may have provided living quarters for the bank's staff.
Other than the retail space at street level, the building has been empty for years (if not decades). This is an architectural gem worth saving and I would be interested to hear of there are any plans in store to retain this beauty.