It was built for the Northern Bank between 1884-85.[1] Designed by John Lanyon, son of the famous Charles, Belfast architecture commentator C.E.B. Brett described the work as ‘perhaps John Lanyon’s most successful work’.[2]
The structure is of Italianate design, featuring a low pitched roof, richly ornamented windows, a belvedere (tower to see the view from), round arched windows, balustrade, cornice (ledge that forms a horizontal decorative moulding) and projecting cornices with heavy brackets over the and doorways. Monogram of NB is set in the walls.
The building featured living space for the manager on the first and second floor and bank porter in the attic.[3]
Do you want to learn more about the history of Belfast? See this and other structures on Buildings & Bricks Tour!

[1] Marcus Patton, Central Belfast, An Historical Gazetteer (Belfast: Ulster Architectural Heritage Society), p.285.
[2] C.E.B. Brett, Buildings of Belfast, 1700-1914 Revised Edition (London: Weidenfeld and Nicolson, 1985), p.54.
[3] Marcus Patton, Central Belfast, An Historical Gazetteer (Belfast: Ulster Architectural Heritage Society), p.285.