Former North West Trust Building
234 Portage Avenue

The small, classically-inspired North West Trust Building is a project designed by Atchinson. The structure was built for the real estate firm, Oldfield, Kirby and Gardner. It is faced with a very fine cream coloured terra cotta with a green and cream terra cotta floral design manufactured by Chicago's American Terra Cotta Company. The fire-proofing qualities of the terra cotta may have been of aid to the structure when, on Boxing Day 1955, the neighbouring Huron and Erie Building was destroyed by a blaze. The building's pediment (triangular top) is particularly rich in detail. Two cherubs support a medallion and are surrounded by feathery sheaves of grain and lush garlands of flowers, fruit and vegetables.