Royal Connaught Hotel | ? | 36 fl, 33 fl, 24 fl & 13 fl | U/C

[thomax]

Found this on YouTube. This is what it is like inside the Royal Connaught now....

zemo1Hn3Awg

[matt602]

Hear the "rain" in one of the rooms on the second floor? This is gonna be one expensive restoration.

[Frankenrogers]

I will be quite honest, I can't picture the demand for 900 condo units in Hamilton, not in a city where you can buy a house with pocket doors and stained glass windows and a yard for under $300,000. I bought a 3 br house off Locke South with a finished attic for under $300,000. And there are tonnes of little 2 br homes in the $200,000 range in Corktown or Strathcona, North End.

I had a condo in Toronto because that is all that I could afford and they are easy to dump when you want to move. Not to mention that people there tend to be more focused on their careers and not family. When you have a kid, you want a house with a yard.

Anyway, point being that I don't think that there is a condo culture in Hamilton, and would not want to see the Connaught turn into another Landmark Place.

[mattgrande]

From @EmmaAtTheSpec (https://twitter.com/EmmaatTheSpec/status/293480079214911488):


UPDATED rendering of Royal Connaught condo development. Sales centre set to open summer 2013. #HamOnt http://twitpic.com/bx6z78


http://i.imgur.com/OVjnM6R.jpg

I'm glad to see the HoJo is included in this. I wasn't sure where that stood.

[SteelTown]

Looks fantastic.

Looks like an addition at the back as well. The tallest looks to be 30 storey.

[SteelTown]

The base for the new tower I'm betting is a parking garage. Really pleased with the proposal.

Though no mention of a hotel element. Just all condos? No more hotel? I guess Darko took all of the hotel demand.

[SteelTown]

http://royalconnaught.com/

[matt602]

I have to say that rendering looks amazing. I'm pretty blown away actually and the little mini-connaught base to the large tower looks kinda cute. If this actually happens and ends up looking like this, it's gonna be the biggest thing to happen downtown in decades.

[SteelTown]

http://read.thespec.com/#!/article/50fdcf587b1eac482b05b14e

Looks like the old lady will be breathing new life in 2015. Glad it'll happen before the Pan Am Games.

Now we NEED to get the Gore Park master plan finished before the Games.

[thistleclub]

Scaled down to 700 units, with 135 new units to start (possibly in addition to units in the Connaught itself, depending upon whether they're talking about the buildings' true façade or simply speaking figuratively about the envelope of the Connaught's L form).

Royal Connaught to re-open by 2015: Owners (http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/873235--royal-connaught-to-re-open-by-2015-owners)
(Hamilton Spectator, Teri Pecoskie, Jan 21 2013)

The Royal Connaught will be re-inhabited as early as 2015, according to the hotel’s owners.

In a news release Monday, Ted Valeri and Rudi Spallacci say part of their proposed 700-unit condominium development is expected to be built and ready for occupants within the next three years.

The initial phase of the project is expected include 135 units constructed behind the original façade of the two existing Connaught buildings. The suites range in size from 530 to 1,190 square feet and start in the high $100,000s.

“People see the Royal Connaught as their hotel,” Valeri said in the release. “Our plans for the project are to bring it back and make people proud of this iconic address once again.”

Valeri and Spallacci say they plan to open a presentation centre for The Residences of Royal Connaught in the hotel’s three-storey lobby this summer. The centre will later transition into the building’s main lobby and reception area.

They couldn’t say when the rest of the proposed development – which is projected to include a tower featuring several hundred condo units, parking, commercial space and restaurants at the corner of King and Catherine Streets – will be complete.

[Berklon]

It'll be opened "as early as 2015" doesn't mean it'll be ready before the Pan-Am games. That's merely a best-case scenario in which their window is only 7 months of 2015 (game start in July).

This being Hamilton, you can bet there'll be some delays. I'd be VERY surprised if it was ready before Pan-am.

[Berklon]

Anyway, point being that I don't think that there is a condo culture in Hamilton, and would not want to see the Connaught turn into another Landmark Place.

I agree, at least at this time.

The condo culture will come, but only when the downtown is revitalized. There needs to be a reason for people to move downtown and live the condo lifestyle. It's a bit of a chicken/egg scenario - no-one will live downtown unless it's revitalized, and it'll be revitalized when people live downtown. I think a bit of both has to happen at the same time - but it feels like we're starting to overbuild condos downtown right now.

I'm looking for a house in the downtown area but I'm not impressed with the pricing. I don't have it in me to settle for a condo - I can understand the appeal, but would still prefer a house.

[CaptainKirk]

Another nice rendering. I'll believe when I see it.

[Innsertnamehere]

If this were to go through, Hamilton would see a huge influx of people to the downtown. A project this size could very easily pump so many people into downtown that it is "forced" to revitalize. There will suddenly be 1,000 more people living downtown compared to before, which would be a huge boost to the local shops clientele base.

[movingtohamilton]

A 530 sq. foot living space! Welcome to condo hell, Toronto style. Yikes.

[SteelTown]

More info....


Valeri and Spallacci say they plan to open a presentation centre in the hotel’s three-storey lobby this summer. The contemporary space will feature a glass staircase and mezzanine, a grand piano and a coffee bar, and will later transition into the building’s main lobby and reception area.

A sales-oriented website, www.royalconnaught.com, has also gone live.

The owners say the proposed development will include more than 35,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor recreation space, including a theatre, gaming room, fitness centre and a rooftop terrace with outdoor fire pits and cabanas.

Their sights are set on “first-time buyers, couples and empty nesters,” Spallacci said.

A later phase of the proposed development is expected to include a 33-storey tower featuring several hundred condo units, parking and more than 13,000 square feet of retail space stretching from King Street along Catharine to Main.

“The idea is to have some cafés, boutique shops, restaurants — so we create traffic there,” Spallacci said.

But that part of the development is still in what Valeri calls the “primary design stage,” meaning it’s too soon to tell when it will be done.

While the owners insist the project is “a sure thing,” it has also suffered its share of false starts.

The most recent came about a year and a half ago, when Mayor Bob Bratina released an early sketch of the development following a meeting with the pair. At the time, he said shovels could be in the ground by fall 2011.

“We had a lot of things that we had to iron out,” Valeri said of the year-and-a-half-long lapse. “We’re at the point that we’re very happy with what we have on the table and now we can go forward and present it to the public.”

http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/873235--connaught-owners-aim-for-condos-by-2015

[SteelTown]

So I'm guessing the large ballroom will be turned into a theatre, gaming room and fitness centre. That's the only sad part I have. But still it's still a huge positive step.

[SteelTown]

Royal Connaught Hotel | ? | 28 fl | Planning -> Royal Connaught Hotel | ? | 33 fl | Proposal

[Beedok]

It's mini-Connaught. So cute! :D

[crhayes]

A 530 sq. foot living space! Welcome to condo hell, Toronto style. Yikes.

Younger generations, or perhaps just younger people in general (I'm 24 and have spoken to many peers about this) are quite open to living in smaller spaces. Small living spaces is the norm in many countries, and 530 sq. feet is even a luxury. To be honest North Americans are spoiled when it comes to the amount of land and living space we have per capita. But as always, to each their own; condo living isn't suited to everyone.

[coalminecanary]

How to get onto the front page of the spec: Come up with a "plan" for a huge development, spin an engaging tale and include a pretty rendering. (Actually, it doesn't even have to be pretty).

I'm so tired of wasting time, energy and breath on these fables. We need to start letting these announcements fall onto the ground with a dull thud. We should only be responding to development plans that actually have a chance of happening. That means proven owner investment, funding lined up, zoning process started, building permits applied for, etc.

The speculators sure have a knack for riling people up over nothing. Those of us on this board especially should know better.

[SteelTown]

It's mostly to the fault of the Spectator I find. They usually either don't give enough information or give too many hearsay.

The developers probably been working on this plan for weeks and I'm betting they went to the City to begin the site plan. Someone from City Hall likely leaked it out to the Spectator and they reported whatever information that they had. This likely forced the developers to release the plans earlier than planned.

[coalminecanary]

Yep. They report press releases almost unedited and never ask questions.

Anyway, I don't mean to sound negative, I just want to reserve my excitement for projects that are actually underway.

[SteelTown]

Where I work the Spec reported about a drug, Thioridazine, that could kill cancer stem cells. Expect they went on and on about how the drug is banned because it could cause irregular heartbeat. But that is if you take Thioridazine on a regular bases. To kill the cancer stem cells with Thioridazine you would only need to take it for less than a month.

Anyways it pissed off the entire lab.

The horrible article:
http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/730705--drug-that-kills-cancer-stem-cells-has-safety-concerns

[woreg75]

I like this very much even though I'm moving to England... I may have to lock onto a unit... This is a sexy plan!!

[woreg75]

alls is I know I would take even more Thioridazine if it kept me alive... I wanna see this built!

[the905sDW]

So Yesterday I noticed some plywood to what looks like one of those pre-construction signs at the corner of Main & Catharine St. Perhaps this is going to be something related to the proposal of the Connaught?

I didn't get a shot of it - no signage on it yet - just the base of a sign.

Here is the location on Google Maps:

http://s8.postimage.org/x93czy2gl/Screen_shot_2013_02_16_at_4_22_45_PM.png

[SteelTown]

http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/topstories/2013/02/25/mockup-200.jpg
The Royal Connaught will have three new towers for neighbours. (KNY Architects)

http://www.cbc.ca/hamilton/talk/story/2013/02/25/hamilton-architect.html

[SteelTown]

So there are to be three towers beside and behind the Connaught – 36 storeys, 33 storeys, 24 storeys. They will fill all but a corner of the block bounded by Main, King, John and Catharine. There are to be 708 units in all.

There is still the possibility of a hotel component for the complex. But, as Harrison pointed out, "in Hamilton right now, residential is a reasonably easy sell."

It's been nearly a decade since the last guests left the Connaught. (Joe Tompai)
Parking was a major challenge in the design. There will be two levels underground and seven camouflaged levels above, accessed from Catharine Street.

[SteelTown]

About 135 of the units will be in the old 12-storey Royal Connaught itself. Harrison assured the heritage committee that part of the project will be handled with great care.

"We’re not touching the brick work, we’re not touching the limestone," he said. There are issues with ventilation to the outside. When Harry Frost put up his showpiece in 1916, he made sure there were up-to-date elevators, telephones, brass beds. But he wasn’t worrying about bathroom exhaust vents.

[SteelTown]

All going well, the sales centre in the restored lobby will open by late summer.

[Dr Awesomesauce]

These guys seem quite keen and there a few more specifics than previous proposals. That's a good sign.

This will be massive if it goes ahead...literally.

[the905sDW]

I can't tell you how happy this makes me! If we were to see those 2 towers go up, it would definitely be the biggest change to that area in all of my 26 years in this city! Really hope this goes through. :tup:

[thomax]

I can't tell you how happy this makes me! If we were to see those 2 towers go up, it would definitely be the biggest change to that area in all of my 26 years in this city! Really hope this goes through. :tup:

There's going to be 3 towers. The 36 and 24 storey towers are seen in the picture and a 33 storey tower is hidden in behind them.

[Beedok]

They look like the best Toronto condos at the top, but have a base that should make a nice streetface. Best of both worlds. :D

[Jon Dalton]

Great! Now let's see how fast they can sell 531 condo units to meet 75% pre-sales and get financing to build. Or maybe they have a different funding arrangement figured out. I'd love to know.

[mattgrande]

Great! Now let's see how fast they can sell 531 condo units to meet 75% pre-sales and get financing to build. Or maybe they have a different funding arrangement figured out. I'd love to know.

First phase is just going to be the 135 units in the Royal Connaught, I believe. So a more manageable 101 units to be sold.

[CaptainKirk]

If, and when Blanchard goes ahead with his downtown development, I really hope his condo tower faces Gore Park like the Connaught does.

What a boom that would be for the old downtown/Gore Park area.

[bigguy1231]

I'll believe it when I see it. Just like most proposals developers make in this city it will probably never make it past the rendering stage.

[vinchops]

me likey!

[realcity]

I'm giving this a better than not chance. I didn't believe Vrancor would go through with his development, I'm happy to be wrong. But I love this and will be a City Changer for sure, I'm hopeful.

[thistleclub]

http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/photos/2013/01/22/ii-royal-connaught-300.jpg

Image via CBC Hamilton /180 Marketing

Hopefully the seven storey parking garages will have ground-floor retail. Otherwise Catherine will be a canyon of parking between King and Main.

I'm honestly not much for the mini-Connaughts (presumably the garages). If I had to mimic the existing building I would be more inclined to ape the architecture of the newer, western wing. Might be more of a piece with modern towers and would lend the site greater symmetry from King.

Recent Valery (http://www.valeryhomes.com/ambassador)
Recent Spallaci (http://www.spallaccihomes.com/coronation_photo.html)

[Dwils01]

I really like this proposal would be great for the area and to bring the Connaught back to life. I thought the proposal had three towers but I was surprised when only one was showed in the initial rendering. At least we know the full extent of the proposal now.
Hopefully when I finish school in August I can get a job in Hamilton and move back. I really miss the city.

[Dr Awesomesauce]

^I think the third tower faces onto John...I think.

[thomax]

Royal Connaught | View Magazine Online Edition (http://www.viewmag.com/14669-Royal+Connaught.htm)

by Darrin DeRoches
February 28 - March 6, 2013

"Downtown Hamilton is still humming with activity and the latest announcement from the owners of the Royal Connaught is really exciting. The developers, Rudi Spallacci and Ted Valeri have owned the property for over a decade and they have had some false starts but this plan seems to be the right one for the times. They are planning on three additional towers being built at 36 storeys, 33 storeys and 24 storeys tall. With a total of 708 units when they are done building their new project but most importantly a saved historical building as its foundation. They are planning on opening the grand foyer of the Royal Connaught this summer with all the plans laid out. The biggest question is will the project actually move forward and I can answer that with a resounding – yes!

These developers have done a ton of projects in the city and they know exactly what it takes to get it done. They are starting with the existing structure and selling one tower at a time. The demand will be there once the product is released. The beauty of this project is it can go in stages and finance itself as it grows. Sure, we are not Toronto where they just build it and it gets filled up, we will build then sell and then build some more. The demand and market conditions will dictate the pace but the final results will be magnificent. A heritage building as its anchor and a new 36 storey building will change the landscape of our city just as the original building of the Royal Connaught did when it was erected.


The addition of all of these new people living downtown, with the other projects already being built, will be a huge change to our downtown. I am getting inquiries on my downtown commercial listings from all over the place. Toronto is obvious, but also Kitchener, Peterborough and Oshawa companies as well. A commercial space put up a for sale sign this week and had four showings before it hit the market. They are asking nearly triple the price of what they bought it for 12 years ago and they will get close to their price. Downtown will fill up in the next five years and there is a lot of opportunities for those who can look ahead.


I was speaking to a real estate agent about it and his response to these announcements was “who is going to buy them?”. Hamiltonians will buy, people from outside the city will buy, and investors will buy to rent out. We are one of the last “affordable” cities in the Golden Horseshoe and these condos are going to be the perfect fit for breathing new life into our downtown. Rumour is they may still incorporate a hotel in the project and I really hope they do – it would be the perfect project with that mix – old and new – condo and hotel. V"

[thomax]

First sign of The Residences of Royal Connaught is up:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/487804_350724378366021_583503085_n.jpg
Source (https://www.facebook.com/TheResidencesOfRoyalConnaught)

[thomax]

Some advertisements from 180 Marketing (http://www.do180.com/portfolio/the-residences-of-royal-connaught/) showing the interior renderings. Bigger renderings will be released once sales start.

http://www.do180.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/rch-mag1.jpg
Source (http://www.do180.com/portfolio/the-residences-of-royal-connaught/)

http://www.do180.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/rch-mag2.jpg
Source (http://www.do180.com/portfolio/the-residences-of-royal-connaught/)

[SteelTown]

Royal Connaught renovation project launched
By Lisa Polewski, CBC News
Posted: Mar 20, 2013 1:43 PM ET

http://www.cbc.ca/hamilton/news/story/2013/03/20/hamilton-royal-connaught-signs.html

Steve Gazda says he remembers when the Royal Connaught was a jewel in the heart of downtown Hamilton, and he hopes a redevelopment project will make it glitter once again.

Back in the glory days of the Connaught, Gazda said he used to clean the front windows in the lobby of the magnificent hotel. But the elegant building on the edge of Gore Park has been empty for the past decade as its owners debated what to do with the property.

Now developers Ted Valeri of Valery Homes and partner Rudi Spallacci of Spallacci Group are gearing up to turn the historic building into the Residences of the Royal Connaught, and Gazda said he's eager to see what happens to the property.

Marking the first day of spring, Valeri and Spallacci put up the signs for the Connaught's renewal at the corner of Main Street and Catharine Street Wednesday morning. Valeri told CBC Hamilton he's excited to get started on the renovation of the monumental piece of Hamilton architecture.

“We're coming back and giving back to our community, and we've taken probably the nicest building and are giving it new life,” Valeri said.

Restoring the past

Gazda said he likes to sit on the Connaught's front steps and envision the past. “I remember when it was, I think it was about 1979, and it was still up and running. I remember the foyer inside here. It was beautiful, red carpeted, and it had that circular stairway going up and everything. Beautiful.”

Spallacci described what the pair envisions for the new lobby once it is renovated, a project they are aiming to have complete for fall of this year.

“You're going to walk through a revolving door, and it's going to take you to the past … but restored,” said Spallacci.

“So you're going to have this nice lobby, 24 foot ceilings, crystal chandeliers, a sweeping staircase, glass rails, and so on. You're going to have a coffee bar on the one side, nice smell of coffee and croissants — hopefully — baking … that's the environment that you're going to have in that lobby.”

Valeri and Spallacci said the feedback from citizens has been positive so far, with interest coming from Hamilton, Toronto, and even as far away as the United States.

Gazda, a longtime resident of Hamilton, said he hopes this project will lead to further renewal in Hamilton.

“It's a great idea because this is actually an eyesore,” said Gazda, gesturing to the boarded-up windows and crumbling state of the Connaught as it currently stands. “To me it is, and to a lot of people that go by here. They look at the building and go, 'What happened?' But it's going to be nice once it's all restored.”

Although renovating the Royal Connaught is a step in the right direction, Gazda added that there is still a great deal more work to be done to restore Hamilton's downtown.

“To me, it's like putting a band-aid on a gushing wound,” Gazda said. “It's going to take a long time, but this city is going to pick up. It's going to be nice.”

The condominium units, which Valeri said would start in the low $200,000 range, should be available for sale beginning in the fall.

http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/photos/2013/03/20/hi-royal-connaught-8col.jpg
Ted Valeri (left) and Rudi Spallacci (right) stand in front of the newly placed signs for the Residences of the Royal Connaught. (Lisa Polewski/CBC)

[Jon Dalton]

Complete with irrelevant attractive people advertising - looks like this one is going ahead!

[matt602]

Yeah, I have to say this one looks a hell of a lot more professional than any of the other proposals for that building since it closed. I don't wanna get too far ahead of myself, but I also have a strong feeling about it.

[SteelTown]

Work under way on Royal Connaught project

http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/905855--work-under-way-on-royal-connaught-project

A woman sipping coffee now looks out from a parking lot, facing the Main Street traffic rushing by.

She’s the first visible sign that the Royal Connaught will rise again.

Developers Ted Valeri and Rudi Spallacci were on hand Wednesday to unveil a large sign at the corner of Catharine and Main streets announcing their massive condo project, The Residences of Royal Connaught. The billboard, featuring the 1940s-inspired woman, is the first of several that will dot the perimeter of the downtown landmark as the project ramps up promotion.

“This is the greatest building in Hamilton,” said Valeri, president of Valery Homes, who has fond memories of visiting the former grand hotel as a boy.

“It’s the best piece of architecture in Hamilton.”

Work is under way inside to recreate the once-magnificent lobby that greeted visitors and guests for close to 90 years before bankruptcy closed the doors in 2004. A sales office will be open in the lobby by the fall.

The developers say they will maintain the building’s façade and restore anything inside that can be saved. That includes a winding staircase, columns, moldings, some chandeliers and they hope, some decorative ceilings that had been covered.

The interior mechanics and structure will be built from new.

Spallacci, whose family has built homes and commercial buildings in the city for two generations, says it’s an honour to be behind the revival of the Connaught.

“Being part bringing it back to life, we look at it as being fortunate.”

There is now a sales website that also celebrates the retro chic of the historic building.

The plan is to invest $200 million in about 700 condo units over two phases, along with retail space. That includes 135 units in the original building and the remainder in an adjacent seven-storey tower featuring retail and restaurants.

“We want to maintain that fabulous historical envelope, that art deco classic and then infuse it with modern furniture and accessories,” said Aldershot interior decorator Lisa Boyer of LB Design.

“There are amazing light fixtures still hanging there.”

She’s studied books and old photos of the hotel and listened carefully to her father’s stories of his visits for meetings and dinners when we worked for CP Rail. The history will be celebrated with a gallery wall of photos in the lobby.

Boyer says condo buyers can choose from a variety of fully designed schemes for their units, ranging from classical to urban contemporary. She sees demand for the condos among her own colleagues in the design world.

“A lot of people are moving back here from Toronto and they are craving a residential project like this.”

The architect on the project is Wayne Harrison of Karp Namisniak Yomamoto Architects in Burlington.

Valeri and Spallacci were part of a consortium to revive the imposing building beginning years ago. They have been quiet about their plans after that investment group fell apart and waited until they felt the time was right to move.

“The timing for condos in Hamilton is perfect now,” said Spallacci.

They know there have been false starts in the past, promises for development that didn’t come through.

“There are no false starts this time,” said Valeri. “We have what this project needs, expertise, money, everything. There is nothing missing.”

[Dr Awesomesauce]

Spallacci described what the pair envisions for the new lobby once it is renovated, a project they are aiming to have complete for fall of this year.

That's a bit hard to imagine. All hands on deck, I suppose. There's no doubt they wanna slap some lipstick on this pig asap. Can't wait to see her come back to life.

[matt602]

Spallacci described what the pair envisions for the new lobby once it is renovated, a project they are aiming to have complete for fall of this year.

That's a bit hard to imagine. All hands on deck, I suppose. There's no doubt they wanna slap some lipstick on this pig asap. Can't wait to see her come back to life.

I think they're just referring to the lobby part, not the entire building. It's going to be the sales centre. Even still, they're gonna have to work their asses off every day to bring this baby back:

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3585/3484252207_f310da0e26_z.jpg?zz=1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/juggybiv/3484252207/)
The Royal Treatment (http://www.flickr.com/photos/juggybiv/3484252207/) by Blasphemy, madness, HAMBURGER (http://www.flickr.com/people/juggybiv/), on Flickr

I took that photo in 2008 or 2009 and the lobby is in MUCH worse condition now. That chandelier was pulled down and lays smashed in a completely different part of the building.

[Dr Awesomesauce]

That makes more sense.

The lobby looks pretty sad. It doesn't take long for Mother Nature to claim its victims. A couple more years and there'd be a tree growing in the foyer. Probably in a lot better shape than the Lister was, wouldn't you say?

[urban_planner]

Some advertisements from 180 Marketing (http://www.do180.com/portfolio/the-residences-of-royal-connaught/) showing the interior renderings. Bigger renderings will be released once sales start.

http://www.do180.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/rch-mag1.jpg
Source (http://www.do180.com/portfolio/the-residences-of-royal-connaught/)

http://www.do180.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/rch-mag2.jpg
Source (http://www.do180.com/portfolio/the-residences-of-royal-connaught/)

I think they are marketing this towards out of towners, anyone from Hamilton knows that skyline shot is from Sam Lawrence Park and not from the City's most "exclusive" condominium address!

Anyway I think this looks pretty legit!

[matt602]

The skyline shots you'd get from the Connaught is actually a bit better than the view from Sam Lawrence in my opinion:

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2547/3989691763_a70bea8bff_z.jpg?zz=1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/juggybiv/3989691763/)
Sunshine Recorder (http://www.flickr.com/photos/juggybiv/3989691763/) by Blasphemy, madness, HAMBURGER (http://www.flickr.com/people/juggybiv/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7080/7359307614_b969e8e849_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/juggybiv/7359307614/)
hojo-june2012-3 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/juggybiv/7359307614/) by Blasphemy, madness, HAMBURGER (http://www.flickr.com/people/juggybiv/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7242/7359306672_dfd906b035_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/juggybiv/7359306672/)
hojo-june2012-7 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/juggybiv/7359306672/) by Blasphemy, madness, HAMBURGER (http://www.flickr.com/people/juggybiv/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8144/7174079045_fdea0694e9_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/juggybiv/7174079045/)
hojo-june2012-2 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/juggybiv/7174079045/) by Blasphemy, madness, HAMBURGER (http://www.flickr.com/people/juggybiv/), on Flickr


Mind you these are from the roof of the existing 13 story hotel. I'm sure the view from the upper floors of the 20+ story buildings in the project would be even better.

[Davis137]

I love the stark contrast of the different generations of buildings that make up Hamilton's skyline and CBD. It's kinda like a mini version of Chicago or New York...or even a bit like Montreal.

[SteelTown]

New signage going up on the Royal Connaught
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BGSg2iCCQAAy1hb.jpg:large
DwntwnHamBIA
https://twitter.com/DwntwnHamBIA/status/316554732527304705/photo/1

[SteelTown]

Banner's up at Royal Connaught
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BGTBwImCcAAjgTA.jpg:large
hamiltonecdev
https://twitter.com/hamiltonecdev/status/316590906499297282/photo/1

[drpgq]

There's a cherry picker out front now.

NHG on John (@NHGonJohn)
https://twitter.com/NHGonJohn/status/321664520898613251

http://img.ly/system/uploads/007/157/361/original_upload.jpg

[matt602]

It's just for re-hanging the sign on the front of the building. They hung it on Friday and it blew down over the weekend in those strong winds. They re-hung it today. I don't think it's for any sort of actual work on the building yet.

[beanmedic]

It's just for re-hanging the sign on the front of the building. They hung it on Friday and it blew down over the weekend in those strong winds. They re-hung it today. I don't think it's for any sort of actual work on the building yet.

uhh... really? It looked pretty secure as it was being taken down on Monday morning. They re-hung it closer to the west edge of the king st side, presumably so that it is more visible to cars driving south on John.

[beanmedic]

It's just for re-hanging the sign on the front of the building. They hung it on Friday and it blew down over the weekend in those strong winds. They re-hung it today. I don't think it's for any sort of actual work on the building yet.

Also, it was originally hung about 1.5 weeks ago, not friday.

[drpgq]

uhh... really? It looked pretty secure as it was being taken down on Monday morning. They re-hung it closer to the west edge of the king st side, presumably so that it is more visible to cars driving south on John.

Yeah I looked at the sign later today and it is now way more visible from John driving South.

[Pearlstreet]

I know I'm not the only one who can't wait to see progress photos!

[realcity]

This thread should be named | 36 fl, 33 fl, 24 fl | Proposal |
But I'm not sure of the titling convention when it comes to Phase 2 of projects. The Burlington post has multiple towers posted in the title.

[matt602]

I suppose a separate thread could be created when those buildings actually get shovels into the ground. I don't think that will happen for at least another 2-3 years though since the existing building needs to be completed and sold up to finance the second phase.

[realcity]

Steeltown can this be renamed 36 fl, 33 fl, 24 fl 11fl?

[thomax]

I found a picture of one of the units:

http://i35.tinypic.com/2lk7n03.jpg
Source (http://www.do180.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/180-MAG_interactive.pdf)

[Innsertnamehere]

First phase is just the restoration right?

[Pearlstreet]

That seems like an exaggerated view! To me a bit higher up than the building really is. Marketing - I love it, spread the good word.

[Pearlstreet]

First phase is just the restoration right?

Yes.

[thomax]

Just found out the Connaught used to have a rooftop restaurant. It'd be awesome if a new one was part of the new plans.

http://i33.tinypic.com/5vylqc.jpg
Source (http://i33.tinypic.com/5vylqc.jpg)

[Dr Awesomesauce]

^Good find.

I wonder if that screenshot is taken from Portrait of a City: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEao8Uhuc44.

[thomax]

it is

[matt602]

The restaurant up there was referred to as the "circus roof". It had tables and chairs around the outside walls and they'd do circus themed dinner shows in the middle of the area. It was later converted to office space before the hotel closed up in 2004.

[matt602]

Interior demolition began a few days ago. There's a giant hole punched into the building at the rear of the bottom floor. I'd assume they're working on the main floor sales office.

[SteelTown]

^ Excellent!

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BMFX5WzCAAAi9hj.jpg:large
Looking north on John St. at Main St., 1945.
Tourism Hamilton
https://twitter.com/TourismHamilton/status/342651689536454656/photo/1

[beanmedic]

Received in the mail: Notice of Public Hearing for Application for Minor Variance.

Highlights:


4 phases
14 storey addition to existing structure
4 storey parking structure
interior reno of existing structure
construction of 36 storey tower 1 with 239 units
construction of 24 storey tower 2 with 131 units
construction of 21 storey tower 3 with 104 units
max height 117m

[thomax]

Received in the mail: Notice of Public Hearing for Application for Minor Variance.

Highlights:


4 phases
14 storey addition to existing structure
4 storey parking structure
interior reno of existing structure
construction of 36 storey tower 1 with 239 units
construction of 24 storey tower 2 with 131 units
construction of 21 storey tower 3 with 104 units
max height 117m


Is that an addition to the top of the Connaught to make it 26 floors?

[drpgq]

There was a Bobcat working at the back today.

https://twitter.com/NHGonJohn/status/343451317370486784

http://img.ly/system/uploads/007/457/922/original_upload.jpg

[Dr Awesomesauce]

^ Excellent!

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BMFX5WzCAAAi9hj.jpg:large
Looking north on John St. at Main St., 1945.
Tourism Hamilton
https://twitter.com/TourismHamilton/status/342651689536454656/photo/1

Good shot of the Connaught in its prime.

On the right of the photo is a vestige of the old W.E. Sanford Manufacturing Company - they did clothing and whatnot. The complex used to stretch round the block onto King, but with the building of the Connaught, part of it got lopped off. Sanford made gobs and gobs of money and built one of the most fantastic piles this city has ever seen. I haven't been able to dredge up a photo of it unfortunately but it sat at the head of what is now Wesanford Place off Caroline between Hunter and Jackson. To give you an idea, here's his mausoleum in the Hamilton Cemetery:
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/the_dude1974/sanfordmausoleum_zps9e7fdfec.jpg (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/the_dude1974/media/sanfordmausoleum_zps9e7fdfec.jpg.html)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/-jm/7940303662/

Of note, Sanford (b. 1838, d. 1899) was born in NYC and was sent to Hamilton after his parents died.

At the age of 18 he married his cousin (awesome!). Naturally, she died shortly thereafter, cruel world that it was.

Amongst other things, he made his money in ready-made clothes, which was a great novelty at the time; prior to that, most clothes were made at home or by tailors.

Sanford drowned whilst fishing on Lake Rousseau with a female companion at his side (Hmmmm, fishy indeed).

He left behind an estate valued at nearly $1,000,000 - not too shabby for 1899 or today for that matter!
http://biographi.ca/009004-119.01-e.php?id_nbr=6417

[Dr Awesomesauce]

Found a picture of Wesanford:
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/the_dude1974/wesanfordplace_zps5abeb13d.jpg (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/the_dude1974/media/wesanfordplace_zps5abeb13d.jpg.html)
http://pinterest.com/pin/170855379584650645/

Incidentally, the wall and wrought iron fencing that surrounded the property still exists today.

OK, sorry for slightly derailing things there. Back to our regularly scheduled programming.

[SteelTown]

From Royal Connaught...

Latest Update

Construction is under way on our grand lobby, which will also be home to our spectacular sales centre, featuring an impressive 3D building model. You will be first to experience The Residences of Royal Connaught first hand once our sales centre is opened.

http://royalconnaught.com/media/05-01-2013%20-%20Hamilton%20Magazine%20-%20A%20Royal%20Rebirth.pdf

[SteelTown]

Submitted site plans to the city...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/Appster/COnnaughtRoyal_zpsf2812dbc.jpg

Tower 1 - 36 storey
Tower 2 - 24 storey
Tower 3 - 21 storey

[urban_planner]

I wish that they could take some fllors off two of the buildings and ass it to the 36 stories to bring it up to like 48-50 just to pass that stupid landmark place!

Hey Im not complaining it will be nice to see that development happen!

[Dwils01]

The Residences of Royal Connaught condo addition at Main Street East and Catharine Street South.
http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m498/DWils01/Cities%20across%20the%20GTHA/DSC04616_zpsfce4c77f.jpg (http://s1128.photobucket.com/user/DWils01/media/Cities%20across%20the%20GTHA/DSC04616_zpsfce4c77f.jpg.html)

Photo by me.

[SteelTown]

Young local designer to fill Royal Connaught lobby with art deco glam

http://www.cbc.ca/hamilton/news/story/2013/07/18/hamilton-connaught-designer.html

The first time Lisa Boyer set foot inside the Royal Connaught hotel, it was pitch black and she was guided through the lobby by a developer with a single flashlight. And there were pigeons, a lot of pigeons.

Even in the dark, with the building in very rough shape and birds flocking around her, the Burlington-based designer was impressed from the moment she walked in.

“There are beautiful columns that stretch from the floor to ceiling, a two-level mezzanine, beautiful moldings that wrap around all the ceilings,” the 29-year-old described with a big smile.

Boyer is tasked by developers Ted Valeri and Rudi Spallacci with one of the most significant projects inside their new condo, the Residences of the Royal Connaught. She's designing the iconic lobby inside the former hotel.

Her design will give Hamiltonians their first taste of what the revived Connaught will look like, since the lobby will serve as the sales centre expected to open in the fall.

Nostalgic feel

“It's perfecting timing because [that style] really just blew up now,” Boyer said. “You can see it everywhere in fashion, event design and even in interiors.”

Boyer scrolls through photos of items and patterns she drew inspiration from: furniture with reflective surfaces made from wood or brass, high-contrast colour palates using black, gold and white, chevron patterns, clean design lines.

She won't yet reveal her exact design, but spilled enough to give a good impression of how she's planned out the space.

“The iconic staircase that scissors up to the main floor is going to be refurbished,” she said. “The columns and molding will be a soft, warm white.”

Boyer said she'll use up lighting and down lighting to highlight architectural elements of the space. The old telephone booths at the back of the lobby will be transformed into a media lounge where residents and visitors can plug in laptops and iPads.

Glamorous coffee bar

And where they used to be a coffee shop on the main floor, there will be “a really glamorous coffee bar with a mini grand piano.”

Size-wise, designing the Connaught's lobby is not among one of Boyer's biggest projects — she's used to designing 6,000 to 7,000-square foot residential homes. But the Royal Connaught is significant. It's a place where many Hamiltonians have memories of all kinds — some sentimental, others quirky.

“One of my suppliers who knew I was working on the Connaught said her mom used to go there in her 20s and she was just a party animal and would steal the spoons, and has a collection of all these Royal Connaught spoons,” she said. “The old man I bought my home from, he's 94 and remembers going there in his heyday and all the mischief they got up to.”

Even her father, a former CP Rail employee, has memories of work Christmas parties at the Royal Connaught. Her grandparents would attend weekend dances in the ballroom.

“Somehow, [the Connaught] is intertwined with everyone's experiences,” she said.

Inspired by memories

But that's not intimidating Boyer. In fact, she's sourcing positive energy from the stories she hears.

“It's inspiring because I've been able to talk with people and hear their memories,” she said.

Boyer has been working on her design since the fall. As it stands, all the details have been finalized with one exception.

“There will be three large chandeliers hanging from the ceiling,” she said. “They're so predominant, we're not ready to bite the bullet yet... There are four [styles] in the running.”

Boyer hopes the lobby will be a place for people to hang out in, and not just pass through. In a later construction phase, she said shops will be incorporated at ground level and that will improve the street scape.

“It's a really good project for Hamilton,” she said. “It will do great things for downtown... there is an influx of young people moving back and hopefully this will encourage more to do the same.”

[urban_planner]

I was walking by this yesterday and just had this overwhelming sense that this time this progect is for real! Great too hear and update and to see they are working down there!

[Dr Awesomesauce]

Yeah, it would seem things are progressing, albeit slowly - knock wood.

[thistleclub]

Anyone curious to take a peek inside the lobby can do so at the moment -- plywood hoarding has been torn away from the window of the Better Business Bureau on the north face as well as one of the west-facing windows. Totally open to the elements at those points, so there's a reasonable amount of cross-lighting. If you're free, it's worth a gander. Have to imagine they'll seal it up again before long.

[CaptainKirk]

One of the grandest spots inside the Royal Connaught was the lobby. That is where the design and construction for the new residences in this historic hotel will start, said Kim Graham, who is dealing with media requests for the development.

“Development is underway in the lobby,” she said, but it is still quite early in construction.

...

Hometown Hamilton developers Spallacci Group and Valery Homes previously told CBC Hamilton the presentation centre, located in that grand lobby, will open in 2013. The first round of occupancy is set for 2015.

http://www.cbc.ca/hamilton/news/story/2013/07/25/hamilton-cosntruction.html

[urban_planner]

They posted on the Royal Connaught Facebook page that they were doing some work at the corner of King and John!

[matt602]

They were doing some exterior work when I passed on Wednesday or Thursday on John Street, near the old Yuk Yuk's entrance. Taking down old signage it looked like, and working on the awning over the doors at John.

[thomax]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/q77/971033_399823803456078_1101009620_n.jpg
Source (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=399823803456078&set=a.337914616313664.67648.334398006665325&type=1&relevant_count=1)

[thomax]

https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1150994_426401670798291_985465584_n.jpg
Source (https://www.facebook.com/TheResidencesOfRoyalConnaught)

[matt602]

2 weeks ago the front doors were open and nobody was around so I stuck my head in for a second. They've torn out basically every single room and wall on the first and mezzanine floors but haven't started any actual restoration or new construction yet. Looks like they're running behind schedule as they'd hoped to have the sales centre operational for the summer.

[urban_planner]

I walked by thursday morning and it looks like they were pressure washing the floors. I sutck my head in and like it was posted above not much had been done.

[CaptainKirk]

2Looks like they're running behind schedule as they'd hoped to have the sales centre operational for the summer.

The above artifice says that a presentation centre/cafe will open in the lobby early 2014.

[CaptainKirk]

Got my first emailing from Residences of Royal Connaught with some neat pics that are not included here



Construction begins on the residences of Royal Connaught


The design and construction for the new residences in this historic hotel have begun. “We want to maintain that fabulous historical envelope, that art deco classic and then infuse it with modern furniture and accessories,” said the Royal Connaught Development team. This iconic landmark will be renovated to an exceptional level of specification.

Being an exclusive member of The Residences of Royal Connaught, you’ll be part of an elite group of people to experience and see this historical transformation before the general public. It’s going to be a red carpet style of event where you will be the star. Stay tuned for more information!



A Landmark Reborn

The Royal Connaught Hotel looks set to return to its former glory
Click here to read the article in Hamilton Magazine.


Here, actually http://royalconnaught.com/media.html






Also, check out http://royalconnaught.com/media/2013-10-21%20New%20Condo%20Guide-%20the%20'20s%20are%20roaring%20back%20in%20style.pdf