One of the finest and most delicately ornamented Glasgow-Style buildings in the city, the building was erected by the Glasgow Savings Bank in 1899-1900, as their Anderston Branch. Built in red Locharbriggs sandstone, like many other bank developments at the time the building was designed as a tenement with the bank and a shop on the ground floor, and was provided with a (by then obligatory) corner tower which identified the bank's presence in the once heavily built and populated street, which lends a Baronial aspect to the building's style.

This is emphasised by the Medieval motifs in the building's sculpture scheme, such as heraldry, angels, Celtic-type inscriptions and stylised plants. The heraldry at the bank's main door represents the Arms of Scotland and Glasgow supported by medieval maidens and knights, and figures of St Andrew (holding a Saltire cross), the Patron Saint of Scotland, and St Mungo (holding a bell), the founder and Patron Saint of Glasgow. The ribbons at their feet are inscribed with the national and civic mottos Nemo Me Impune Lacessit (trans: no one provokes me with impunity) and Let Glasgow Flourish.

The medieval theme is continued in the decoration of the tower itself. This is carved with a further Glasgow-style version of the City Arms and two Angel caryatids holding objects (now badly worn) that probably identify them as symbolizing Industry and Commerce.

Directly above the main entrance is a portrait bust of Henry Duncan, the founder of the Glasgow Savings Bank, holding a money bag and tapping his forehead; as if contemplating refusing a request for a loan. Appropriately, the roundel surrounding the bust is decorated with coins.

The rest of the decorative work includes a colourful Peacock mosaic above the main entrance (with the date 1900) by the British & Italian Mosaic Co.; a tiny Celtic figure carved on the keystone; and a splendid set of wrought-iron gates by George Adam & Son.