There are two entrances to the branch: A street entrance on Front Street, and an entrance attached to the lobby of TD Terrace. If you enter the branch from the lobby of the skyscraper, you’ll see this illuminated TD shield.
Here is branch manager Chen standing in front of the custom-made exhibition cabinet, specifically designed for this space. A unique and modern approach to tell the story of TD, the freestanding cabinet is scaled to the architecture of the space.
The cabinet displays a selection of artifacts from the Bank’s archive that weave together the story of its history. On display, you can see items including photographs, documents, and advertisements.
In front of the cabinet is an interactive screen guests can use to learn more about the artifacts on display and their significance to the Bank’s history.
The screen also has information about the items within the cabinet’s drawers, which are grouped into four categories: TD and Toronto; TD and Canada; children and TD; and Women at TD.
This teller screen dates back to 1913 when it was used in The Bank of Toronto's head office located at King and Bay Streets. (The Bank of Toronto was the first predecessor of TD.) It is the first time the bronze wicket has been on display in a TD branch since 1965.
“The only other time this teller screen has been on public display was at the Canadian National Exhibition in 1978,” Chen said.
"Trace TO” is a two-panel design by Autside Agency in collaboration with cartographer Dan Coe depicting aerial views of Toronto and highlighting the Don and the Humber River Valleys in particular.
In the piece, the city’s topography was captured using a Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) laser scan.
The first temporary Canadian TD dog Automated Treat Machine (ATM) is located inside the branch, mimicking the human ATMs. But instead of distributing cash, the TD dog ATM dispenses free dog biscuits into a metal bowl.
“One of our regular customers brings their dog in every Friday,” Chen said. “The dog always wants to come in for a treat.”
The cabinet has drawers that visitors can open to explore more artifacts inside. In the TD and Canada drawer, the original key to the first Dominion Bank branch – a predecessor of TD – is on display.
In this cabinet drawer are old branch seals from branches across Canada. “The map that the seals are displayed on is created from a piece of wood from this heritage building,” Chen said.
Anchored by a large screen that has presentation capabilities, the lounge area features moveable furniture that allows for events of up to 150 people. It also serves as a waiting or seating area for customers as they visit the branch.
Near the seated area/event space is an innovation lab. The purpose of the lab is to allow teams at TD to interact with customers, get feedback, and host seminars or focus groups.
“This space allows TD colleagues to have meaningful interactions with customers,” Chen said. “That’s a huge advantage as it means we can test out some of our innovative ideas and get real-time insights.”
