Downtown Update

[matt602]

So that was right behind the counter the whole time. Awesome.

[Beedok]

Newly unearthed? Did they bury those up? I remembering using those stairs (I don't think the escalators were working at the time though).

[Dr Awesomesauce]

Exciting stuff.

[thistleclub]

Cash Store runs out of money (http://www.thestar.com/business/personal_finance/2014/04/25/cash_store_runs_out_of_money.html/)
(Toronto Star, Madhavi Acharya-Tom Yew, Apr 25 2014)

Cash Store Financial Services Inc., the payday lender that has fallen into bankruptcy protection, said Friday that its shares will be delisted from the Toronto Stock Exchange next month.

The stock, which is currently suspended from trading, will be removed from the TSX as of May 23 because the company no longer meets the exchange's listing requirements, Cash Store said in a release.

Edmonton-based Cash Store, swamped with debt, has put itself up for sale as it tries to restructure its operations.

"Cash Store Financial remains committed to completing the restructuring process quickly and efficiently," the company said in a release (http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cash-store-financial-to-delist-from-tsx-256579661.html). Its executives declined a request for comment.

Read it in full here (http://www.thestar.com/business/personal_finance/2014/04/25/cash_store_runs_out_of_money.html).

[masterwhite]

Cash Store runs out of money (http://www.thestar.com/business/personal_finance/2014/04/25/cash_store_runs_out_of_money.html/)
(Toronto Star, Madhavi Acharya-Tom Yew, Apr 25 2014)

Cash Store Financial Services Inc., the payday lender that has fallen into bankruptcy protection, said Friday that its shares will be delisted from the Toronto Stock Exchange next month.

The stock, which is currently suspended from trading, will be removed from the TSX as of May 23 because the company no longer meets the exchange's listing requirements, Cash Store said in a release.

Edmonton-based Cash Store, swamped with debt, has put itself up for sale as it tries to restructure its operations.

"Cash Store Financial remains committed to completing the restructuring process quickly and efficiently," the company said in a release (http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cash-store-financial-to-delist-from-tsx-256579661.html). Its executives declined a request for comment.

Read it in full here (http://www.thestar.com/business/personal_finance/2014/04/25/cash_store_runs_out_of_money.html).


Glad to hear it

[davidcappi]

Great! Now only if this would happen to all of the other payday loan brands that occupy Hamilton.

[Davis137]

Pay Day Loan shops are the Scourge of the earth...

[SteelTown]

kSujhjLD6dk

[davidcappi]

McMaster has been just killing it lately. Between this and the downtown health centre, they've made excellent contributions to Downtown Hamilton.

Hurry the eff up Mohawk! It's your turn!

[thistleclub]

Controversial halfway house leaving Hamilton (http://www.thespec.com/news-story/4490556-controversial-halfway-house-leaving-hamilton/)
(Hamilton Spectator, Andrew Dreschel, Apr 29 2014)

After decades of local political pressure, the controversial downtown halfway house for high-risk offenders is closing its doors and moving out of town for good.

A Correctional Services Canada spokesperson told The Spectator that the facility on York Boulevard, which closes at the end of the year, won't be re-located elsewhere in the city.

"Once that closes, we're not going to be in Hamilton anymore," said Kyle Lawlor. "Once we're out of Hamilton, we're out of Hamilton."

Mayor Bob Bratina says the departure is a "huge step" in battling the erroneous impression that downtown isn't a safe and secure place.

"This a mayor step forward in dealing with the perception…and notion of people thinking that it's unsafe to come downtown."

The move comes 22 years after the "temporary" federal facility first opened in the core and caps the efforts of successive city councils to get rid of it.

Those efforts redoubled in 2004 when three violent incidents involving convict residents on statutory release prompted then mayor Larry Di Ianni to launch a crusade for closure.

Bratina attributes final success to patient and respectful negotiations.

- Read the full story in Andrew Dreschel's column in Wednesday's Spectator

[SteelTown]

^ Excellent! I remember when I first joined SSP this was an issue.

[ihateittoo]

To clarify, this only constitutes a portion of what goes on at the facility at York and Bay correct? the salvation army and other services will remain?

This is good news for the core.

[ScreamingViking]

How long before this site gets slated for redevelopment. Particularly if the Philpott church plan goes forward.

Does the Salvation Army own that building, or do they lease? If the former, at some point there will be value to them in selling and relocating.

[davidcappi]

This is awesome news for that block, but York from James to Bay still needs a lot of work. Its so desolate.

[Dr Awesomesauce]

The whole length of York from Dundurn to James is brutal, really. Wilson blows, too. York is in serious need of a face lift.

[LikeHamilton]

Correctional Services Canada only rents the top floor. The rest is staying as the Salvation Army who owns the building. The Salvation Army will not move unless someone comes along a offers them a huge amount of money so they can buy land and build a new place.

[mattgrande]

From @MollyAtTheSpec: https://twitter.com/MollyatTheSpec/status/465935414684319748

Neighbours concerned about historic property they say is being knocked down for a parking lot on St. James Pl #hamont

[JoeyColeman]

From @MollyAtTheSpec: https://twitter.com/MollyatTheSpec/status/465935414684319748

Not a demolition - I have the permit.. Just finishing an article.

[davidcappi]

That's such a funky home. It'd be a shame to lose it.

[Berklon]

Did that house ever sell? It was on and off the market a few times spanning probably 3 or 4 years.

[JoeyColeman]

http://joeycoleman.ca/2014/05/12/whats-happening-at-3-st-james-place/

The work being done is a limited demolition permit for the current car garage and the back porch – it is not for a parking lot and a parking lot is not a “as of right use”.

I looked up the permits today.

The property is zoned for single-family residential, is not part of the James Street South commercial district, and any attempt to create a parking lot will require a re-zoning application that will take months to process, will be not be considered a minor zoning change, and will have to be voted upon by the entire Planning Committee.

[JoeyColeman]

And as a side-note, from my signature block originally, it's been awhile since I posted. :)

[mattgrande]

Thanks, Joey!

[ScreamingViking]

I hope they can rebuild it, more or less as it was:

‘Selective demolition’ will determine whether Pasadena building can be saved
http://www.thespec.com/news-story/4516255--selective-demolition-will-determine-whether-pasadena-building-can-be-saved/

By Meredith MacLeod

"Selective demolition" will soon begin inside a historic apartment building heavily damaged by fire to determine how it could be rebuilt.

"We need to take off drywall so engineers and architects can assess what is structurally left to see whether we can rebuild," said David Nevins, a vice-president of property management for CLV Group, an Ottawa-based property management company looking after the Pasadena at 27 Bold St.

"This will be a selective demolition. We need to know what needs to be done to put the building back together again."

Nevins says fire debris removal from the Feb. 20 blaze sparked by the building's boiler finished a few weeks ago. CLV said in the wake of the fire, it would do whatever it can to rebuild the structure but warned a determination of its soundness would take several months.

"I certainly can understand that," said Janice Brown, president of the Durand Neighbourhood Association. "I'm hoping it is structurally sound and that it can be rebuilt. It could be a beautiful apartment building or condos. The size and style of it are so perfect."

The property owner, InterRent REIT of Ottawa, is also removing and replacing some bricks in the parapet walls to ensure safety for streets and laneways around the three-storey building. That work had to be approved by city staff under the building's heritage designation.

The parapet walls extended above the roof, which was destroyed by the fire, so some of the bricks are loose, Nevins said.

The building is 100 years old and was one of the first apartment buildings in the city. Its central staircase, wood and glass-cut doorways and architectural decades on the facade were designated by the city in 1986.

Nevins says a team from CLV Group will meet with city staff Tuesday to discuss its plans.

Residents in 17 units, as many as 40 people, were left homeless in the wake of the fire. Neighbours and businesses rallied with fundraising efforts to collect money, furniture and clothing for those affected. CLV Group contributed $25,000 to the cause.

mmacleod@thespec.com

905-526-3408 | @meredithmacleod

[lucasmascotto]

Report urges ‘cultural programming space’ for derelict church
The Hamilton Spectator
By: Steve Arnold

Another plan has been hatched to save a crumbling downtown church.

The city has owned the former St. Mark's church at Bay and Hunter streets since 1994, but every plan to sell it or turn it to some use has failed.

The latest scheme, to be presented to the general issues committee Wednesday, would see the derelict building turned into a "cultural programming space" linked to the Whitehern museum.

A study by the city's economic development department says getting the building ready for such a use will cost more than $2.8 million. Hamilton has already spent $665,250 to keep the structure standing.

Once that's spent, the city study estimates the new space would hold between 190 and 240 people and be an attractive location for weddings, movie shoots, community functions, poetry readings, small concerts and other uses.

Its base operating costs and operating revenues would be in the $15,000 to $25,000 range based on the experience of similar sites operated by the city — the stable at Whitehern, the Coach House at Dundurn Castle and the Ancaster Old Town Hall.

Councillor Jason Farr, who represents the downtown Ward 2, welcomed the plan as a chance to add something important to the city's most densely populated area.

"We had 300 people come out to community meetings about this and it's clear they want to see a community space in the Durand neighbourhood," he said. "There's no shortage of community events that could be held in a space like this."

The city report says potential revenue from the site could range from $11,145 to $64,528 based on the income of Whitehern, Dundurn and Ancaster.

The study added Whitehern — the historical home of the Victorian-era McQuesten family at 41 Jackson St. W. — suffers from a lack of space and has to turn away weddings and other events.

"This could be a really neat venue for all kinds of events that would raise a lot of money," Farr said. "This would be a huge attraction as a venue and a major win for the core."

The report's key recommendation to be voted on by the committee Wednesday directs city staff to report back with a financial and operating plan.

St. Mark's opened in 1878, the fifth Anglican church in the city. The oldest part of the building today dates to 1892 while the bell tower and Sunday school at the rear were added in 1925. The parish closed in the early 1990s and the building was purchased by the city in 1994 for $425,000.

Over the years, dozens of ideas have been floated to use the building as everything from a drop-in centre, offices for city staff, a restaurant, day nursery, retirement home and Anglican diocese offices, but none took flight.

Members of the Durand Neighbourhood Association have consistently supported keeping the building standing and its front garden as green space — something they say is sadly lacking in their neighbourhood.

The city report notes that community meetings held to discuss the future of the building found 96 per cent support for the cultural programming space idea.

If the latest idea wins city council support, the next step would be to develop a financial and operating plan to be considered as part of Hamilton's capital and operating budget. The property would have to be rezoned from its current open space designation to downtown commercial.

[lucasmascotto]

Sacrifice a downtown parking lot for a good development: Farr
CBC News: Hamilton
By: Samantha Craggs

Downtown Hamilton is so covered in surface parking lots that it’s an “overwrought map of asphalt,” one councillor says. So now the city is looking at giving up one of its lots to a developer.

Valuable downtown real estate is covered in low-density surface parking lots, said Coun. Jason Farr of Ward 2. In September, city staff will report back on turning one of the city-owned lots into a development.

What kind of development, and on which lot, will be addressed in the report. But ideally, it will provide jobs and public parking, Farr said.

"It’s been an issue for a long time," he said of downtown's large surface lots. He'd like to see a development that includes multi-level parking, but includes a building with other uses.

"It would be a short-term pain because the development would take the parking that exists away, but it would contemplate returning that parking and then some, which is a lot more palatable than what we have now when you look at the overhead map."

Staff will examine the possibility of working with local BIAs and other stakeholders to find a developer for the lot. The parking lot at Hughson and Barton would be a good candidate, said Marty Hazell, the city's head of bylaw.

But downtown does have a shortage of parking, Hazell said, and that's "definitely a concern. There are very few underutilized lots downtown." But it would work if it was a good proposal, he said.

There are currently 13,109 public parking spaces in the area bordered by Cannon Street to the north, Queen Street to the west, Wellington Street to the east and Hunter Street to the south.

Of those spaces, 2,999 are in municipal garages/lots, 5,024 are in privately owned public garages/lots, 3,948 are in privately owned private garages/lots and 1,138 are on-street spaces.

Coun. Brad Clark was among the councillors unsure of the idea. Downtown property has gone up in value and developers are building on their own, he said. He doesn’t want the city to sell itself short by giving up valuable property below its market value.

Also, as more developers choose downtown Hamilton, he said, the city will need parking lots to accommodate the traffic.

"As we intensify, as we bring in more commercial development to the downtown, people are driving," he said. "I know some folks would prefer they take transit, but they’re driving into town."

"We need those parking lots. They’re not full all the time, but when we need them, we have to have them."

The city put out a call for interest this month for a private developer interested in building a parking garage downtown.

[Dr Awesomesauce]

But downtown does have a shortage of parking, Hazell said, and that's "definitely a concern. There are very few underutilized lots downtown." But it would work if it was a good proposal, he said.

Whatevs. :slob:

[matt602]

Another case of anticipating traffic volumes that will never arrive...

Can we stop with this mindset already?

[urban_planner]

Not sure why this city thinks surface lots are the only type of parking lot you can have. Morons, I'm so sick of the stupidity which seems to be really ramped up as of late.

[davidcappi]

We could definitely use some parking structures along with infill. People expect to be able to park in a lot that is either attached or part of the building they work in. It should be a requirement of the city that all developments have to at least cover the amount of spaces they take up with under and above ground parking, and then some.

[markbarbera]

Am I missing something here, or is Farr putting forward quite possibly the most ridiculous proposal council has seen? Instead of approaching a developer with a sweetheart deal to develop city-owned property to build a parking garage, how about approaching one of the many developers who already own a private parking lot and encourage them to develop something on that?

[HillStreetBlues]

But downtown does have a shortage of parking, Hazell said, and that's "definitely a concern. There are very few underutilized lots downtown." But it would work if it was a good proposal, he said.

Whatevs. :slob:

He should go downtown on a Saturday afternoon some time (really, any time not between 9 and 5 week days) and see how under-utilized a lot of these lots are.

Re: the thinking that developments should include underground parking at least at the level of parking that they "take up." That's not necessary. The goal should be getting at least some of these people using transit or active forms of transportation.

Not that I think downtown Hamilton has a big traffic problem, but I hear that sometimes, and the best way to make it worse is to introduce yet more parking.

[coalminecanary]

"We need those parking lots. They’re not full all the time, but when we need them, we have to have them."

If Clark wins with this kind of thinking (if you can call it that) we are in BIG trouble.

What he's saying is that, despite seas of parking being murderous to the daily livability of the core, there had better be a spot for him if he decides to grace downtowners with his presence when he drives in for a Buble concert at Copps.

Earth to Clark: THIS IS NOT HOW CITIES WORK

[oldcoote]

Am I missing something here, or is Farr putting forward quite possibly the most ridiculous proposal council has seen? Instead of approaching a developer with a sweetheart deal to develop city-owned property to build a parking garage, how about approaching one of the many developers who already own a private parking lot and encourage them to develop something on that?

The only way to do that is to enforce property standards and change the mill rate for parking lots. Why would they invest in a property when they're making decent cash flow as it is existing?

[durandy]

The only way to do that is to enforce property standards and change the mill rate for parking lots. Why would they invest in a property when they're making decent cash flow as it is existing?

yep. I think it's a good proposal by Farr. If they sell the land at a discount they can impose conditions that the builder has to abide by. In contrast the various incentive programs don't really seem to influence developers' decision making. You need to have some leverage over builders to get them to do what you want, and currently the city has very little over parking lot owners.

[ScreamingViking]

Unbelievable.


Parking lot or parking area, it’s a trouble-maker
http://www.thespec.com/news-story/4536386-parking-lot-or-parking-area-it-s-a-trouble-maker/

By Matthew Van Dongen

Victor Veri is a self-described farmer who makes money off parking and isn't afraid to spend it on litigation.

He could end up doing both at 1 St. James Place, where neighbours are publicly battling his plan to knock down the attached garage and porch of a 78-year-old home.

Residents of the tony Durand cul-de-sac fear the property sitting across from St. Joseph's hospital will be turned into a commercial parking lot.

Not so, said the former 2010 mayoral candidate Thursday.

"It's not going to be a parking lot. It's going to be a parking area," said the 67-year-old.

"According to the law," Veri said, "I have to use the word parking 'area.' I cannot have a parking lot. It is not permitted."

The hair-splitting terminology is important to Veri, who argued a 1960s-era Hamilton bylaw allows "parking areas" across from hospitals — even on otherwise residential-zoned property such as 1 St. James, which a company he is linked to bought for $605,000 earlier this year.

Veri said he doesn't yet know how many parking spaces can be squeezed around the building on the crescent-shaped property — but he does plan to make money off them.

Parking is at a premium around the hospital; garage spots off James Street cost $3.50 per half-hour or $95 for a monthly pass.

"In the capitalistic world we live in, we try to make as much profit as we can, as long as we're complying with the law," he said.

The law is also very important to Veri, who twice in conversation cheerfully described himself as "litigious."

Court records certainly bear that out.

Veri battled the city for a decade in court over a 2001 outdoor burning inspection order and lost, beat a Crown allegation of careless storage of a firearm in the 1990s, was found guilty of digging a swimming hole in rural Bronte Creek in 1997 and unsuccessfully pursued pre-amalgamation Stoney Creek politicians over alleged electoral irregularities.

Court records also show that in 2009, the city went after a numbered company that lists Veri as a director over an alleged unlicensed parking lot across from the General hospital on Victoria Avenue North. But a justice quashed the charges in 2012.

That gravel lot stretches across four municipal addresses and several demolished former homes — addresses that are still listed in city tax records as residential. Veri said the same bylaw that allowed parking across from the General will permit the planned St. James Place "parking area."

That frustrates Durand neighbours who have been told by the city current zoning bylaws forbid a commercial parking lot on their street, said resident Mark Levine.

Municipal law enforcement director Bill Young acknowledged the results of the 2012 court case and said he is "aware" of the resident questions surrounding the Victoria Street parking lot, but added he couldn't comment on the legal status of the property.

"We're aware of the situation and we're looking at it," he said.

Veri or companies he is linked to also own three additional residential properties near the General. He confirmed one, on Birge Street, also has parking available around the house, which he added the city wouldn't let him tear down.

St. James Place residents haven't been shy about speaking up or lobbying ward Councillor Jason Farr to introduce an immediate motion to designate the building — a move that would nullify Veri's demolition permits.

"I understand residents are very, very concerned about the structure and I am taking their concerns very seriously," said Farr, who met with Veri Thursday.

Farr wouldn't reveal whether he plans to ask council to designate the building.

The Durand Neighbourhood Association is also pushing for quick designation, as is the Hamilton Burlington Society of Architects, which submitted photos and research arguing the building is "unique to Hamilton" and of "unquestionable" heritage value.

Veri dismissed the need for a designation, arguing he always intended to keep if not live in the main structure.

But would he oppose a city attempt to impose a heritage designation? His answer: "I'm a litigious person."

Veri said he doesn't understand the neighbourhood outcry over his plans. "Why should I be condemned for trying to make a return on my investment?"

A neighbourly compromise appears unlikely at this point.

Veri said he complained to police about an alleged Saturday assault by an area resident upset with his plans for the property. Hamilton police said they were called to the area for a "neighbour dispute," but no charges were laid.

Levine, an oncologist by profession and reluctant neighbourhood spokesperson, admitted he finds it difficult to imagine a "win-win situation for everyone."

He said neighbours have met regularly to plot strategy, but that doesn't include trying to buy the house, even though Veri told The Spectator he was contacted by an anonymous would-be purchaser.

"We are concerned about losing the house – it's special house for Hamilton – and we are concerned about a parking lot and what it would will do to the street and property values," Levine said.

"If there was an opportunity to find some middle ground, we would jump at that. But at the moment, I don't know what it would be."

mvandongen@thespec.com

905-526-3241 | @Mattatthespec

[oldcoote]

Old Bingo Hall for lease. Thats a lot of space.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5490/14097734697_409727630c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/55519027@N02/14097734697/)
Bingo (https://www.flickr.com/photos/55519027@N02/14097734697/) by oldcoote (https://www.flickr.com/people/55519027@N02/), on Flickr

[thomax]

^ to go with that...

www.frisinagroup.com/kresge (http://www.frisinagroup.com/kresge)

[mattgrande]

Word around Stinson is that there's going to be a 20 storey tower going in at 195 Wellington South. Anyone know any details?

[thistleclub]

Architects upset after city disqualifies local firms (http://www.thespec.com/news-story/4558540-architects-upset-after-city-disqualifies-local-firms/)
(Hamilton Spectator, Daniel Nolan, June 5 2014)

The Hamilton and Burlington Society of Architects is crying foul after its members were disqualified from designing the building to house the new forensics lab of Hamilton police.

The city issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the $15-million building on Wilson Street at Catharine Street North, around the corner from police headquarters on King William Street.

The society complained in a letter sent to city council and senior staff Wednesday that three Hamilton architectural firms were disqualified from selection and the job will go to firms from Toronto or the United States.

It complained that for the lab portion of the project — which the society described as a "medium-size office building" — the city asked for submissions from firms with "lab experience" of not less than $10 million. The society, headed by architect Drew Hauser, estimates the lab has a value of about $2 million.

This is not the first time the society has taken issue with the city's requirements for projects. In 2005, only one architect submitted a proposal for the $30-million rebuild of City Hall, and Ontario architects complained the contract terms were unprecedented and unrealistic.

Bill Curran, then society chair, said it repeatedly warned the city that the requirements would chase away architects and engineers and make the city look ridiculous in the eyes of his profession.

City managers could not be reached for comment, but Councillor Sam Merulla said he has heard the complaint before "from those who have lost the bid."

"I have faith and trust in the process and the staff that we have hired to pursue and implement that process," said the councillor, who chairs the public works committee. Still, Merulla would welcome the society appearing before council "with something substantive" regarding the complaint.

"We, obviously, as a council would review that," he added. "They can come forward as a delegation if they like. We will listen, forward it over to staff and respond back accordingly."

The society is asking for staff and council to review the matter and revise the request for proposals criteria "to be more appropriate to project needs … and that city staff become more respectful to the diverse talents of our local architectural community."

The letter also says: "We suggest that this is not a positive way to do business, particularly at a time when Hamilton is experiencing renewed investment in all sectors."

[interr0bangr]

Where at Wilson/Catherine is that lab supposed to be? One of the empty lots or the mosque?

[markbarbera]

The forensics lab (http://www.hamilton.ca/NR/rdonlyres/1842D896-1558-4518-88E2-0E74F46F4A1E/0/Dec04517CM13018.pdf) will occupy the entire block bounded by Catharine Street, Wilson Street, Mary Street and Rebecca Street. This includes the site of the mosque and all the parking lots. The city already owns all the property surrounding the mosque. It isn't clear if the city already owns the mosque property or plans to acquire it after the mosque moves. The mosque is moving to 221 York Blvd (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=140238).

[mishap]

Paraphrasing the forensics lab controversy...

Architects: The qualifications are beyond what is necessary, to the point of being exclusive.
Merulla: That's what all the losers say.

Classy move.

[CaptainKirk]

From TWITTER:


Steve Arnold @arnoldatthespec

King Willam St. Site, formmer Framing Gallery to become restaurant. Office and loft proj. Announcd at HES. See Friday Spectator for more



Meredith MacLeod @meredithmacleod

Plenty of highlights of projects just done, underway in #HamOnt Announcement of expansions plus mixed-use dev at 31 King William #HES2014

[markbarbera]

Paraphrasing the forensics lab controversy...

Architects: The qualifications are beyond what is necessary, to the point of being exclusive.
Merulla: That's what all the losers say.

Classy move.

The article said the head of The Hamilton and Burlington Society of Architects is Drew Hauser. Is this the same architect that supported Stanton Renaissance when they requested the heritage subcommittee approve the alterations/demolition currently taking place at the site of the former James Street Baptist Church?

[SteelTown]

From TWITTER:


Steve Arnold @arnoldatthespec

King Willam St. Site, formmer Framing Gallery to become restaurant. Office and loft proj. Announcd at HES. See Friday Spectator for more



Meredith MacLeod @meredithmacleod

Plenty of highlights of projects just done, underway in #HamOnt Announcement of expansions plus mixed-use dev at 31 King William #HES2014

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=210843

[interr0bangr]

The forensics lab (http://www.hamilton.ca/NR/rdonlyres/1842D896-1558-4518-88E2-0E74F46F4A1E/0/Dec04517CM13018.pdf) will occupy the entire block bounded by Catharine Street, Wilson Street, Mary Street and Rebecca Street. This includes the site of the mosque and all the parking lots. The city already owns all the property surrounding the mosque. It isn't clear if the city already owns the mosque property or plans to acquire it after the mosque moves. The mosque is moving to 221 York Blvd (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=140238).

Amazing. That area needs a ton of infill so I'm excited. The mosque is still for sale as far as I know since there's a FOR SALE sign still up there and I pass it everyday.

[ScreamingViking]

Anyone know how long that block has been vacant and used for parking?

It will be great to finally see one of those lots filled.

[HillStreetBlues]

Paraphrasing the forensics lab controversy...

Architects: The qualifications are beyond what is necessary, to the point of being exclusive.
Merulla: That's what all the losers say.

Classy move.

It’s true, though. Every RFP out there, I’m sure someone or other is saying that the requirements were unnecessarily high and they should have been given it for whatever reason.

I don’t know anything about forensics laboratories, but a building in which lab work is being done is different than an office building, no matter how routine that lab work is. Whether it’s too exigent to require experience in buildings of a higher value than this one is, I don’t know. But I think an architect should be familiar with the particular requirements inherent to laboratory facilities in order to qualify.

[Jon Dalton]

The article said the head of The Hamilton and Burlington Society of Architects is Drew Hauser. Is this the same architect that supported Stanton Renaissance when they requested the heritage subcommittee approve the alterations/demolition currently taking place at the site of the former James Street Baptist Church?

I guess he shouldn't be complaining because the city made his 'minor alteration' demolition joke permit way too easy.

[interr0bangr]

Does anyone know if anything is happening with the building on the northwest corner of King William and John? It seems like there's been a bit of activity around it lately and this morning I saw one of those small lift/crane things next to it. With the rest of King William being given alot of attention the last little while maybe the owner is taking notice.

[matt602]

I haven't read anything official but they did do a lot of work on the exterior a few months ago and if you look in the windows, you can see those construction lamps strung up and the place seems to be ripped down to the studs and brickwork.

[LikeHamilton]

City to downtown Hamilton businesses: stay open later

'They really need to make that leap of faith,' city manager says

By Adam Carter, CBC News Posted: Jun 19, 2014 2:05 PM ET

It's time for Hamilton's downtown shops to stay open later to serve the area's many new residents — and help attract more of them.

That's the plea from Glen Norton, the manager of urban renewal in the city's planning and economic development department. He says with a host of new condo developments springing open in the next few years downtown, it’s time for businesses to keep their doors open later to help draw people into all those units.

Some downtown shop owners, however, see it the other way: They say they need more people downtown to justify staying open longer.

“Stores need to be open later hours,” Norton told CBC Hamilton. “They really need to make that leap of faith.”

Right now, downtown Hamilton is a bit of a ghost town after 6 p.m. While many restaurants are open into the evening, most retail shops are closed. Jackson Square — downtown Hamilton’s largest shopping centre — shuts its doors in the evening, too.

There are some exceptions — Jackson Square’s theatre is open in the evening and Nations Fresh Foods grocery store stays open later, too. Now it’s time for other businesses to follow suit, Norton says.

“I do understand it’s a cost to them,” he said. “But I think things are changing in terms of how many people are downtown on evenings and weekends.”

So Norton is issuing a challenge to business owners — try staying open later for the next three or four months, through the summer and into the fall and see what happens. “Right now, they don’t know how much business they’re losing,” he said.

A challenge for small business

But that’s easier said than done, says Melanie Amato, owner of Modify Your Closet on King Street East. “I’d love to be open constantly — but right now, I don’t have the traffic to warrant staffing someone,” she said. “It’s a challenge for small businesses. You don’t have that mall traffic.”

And that’s the catch — which needs to happen first here? If businesses stay open later, it would help draw more people into the core. But businesses need those people to warrant staying open later and paying for more staff. “I think retail will come eventually when there are more people on the street after 5 p.m. — but we’re not there yet,” said Kathy Drewitt, executive director of the Downtown BIA. “But we’re very close.”

The city issued more than a billion dollars worth of building permits in 2013, and has 15 condos on tap for 2014. That’s 15 new buildings, mostly in the lower city and downtown core, and means upwards of 1,400 new units, the city says.

The Royal Connaught condos alone will have 700 units, and that translates to at least 1,000 people once it’s full, Norton says. The city is counting on migration from the GTA to fill some of those units, and businesses being open later would help, he says.

Providing incentives

But getting a uniform plan in place to make that work is a necessity, Amato says. She recommends the city provide incentives to businesses on a large scale to stay open later, and implement some kind of pilot project to try it out – likely on Fridays. “It’s just like the city determining what the cityscape should look like,” she said.

Either way, making it easier for more people to start shopping downtown should be a priority, she says. “So many people would come downtown to shop — but they work,” she said.

“And for right now, nothing is open after that.”

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/news/city-to-downtown-hamilton-businesses-stay-open-later-1.2681035

[interr0bangr]

It's true. Downtown is pretty much a ghost town when I get off the GO at 6:15, other than a little bit off activity around James North.

[interr0bangr]

My wife's friend just bought this building at King William/Wellington and plans to renovate/update it and then rent it out to artists since the top two floors are wide open loft space. I'm glad because it's currently in pretty rough shape at the moment and that intersection could use some love.

http://i.imgur.com/hxolIdP.png

[woreg75]

Get onto all the property holders of vacant land and parking lots..
Increase taxes on those lands if they do not contain a useful structure.. create incentives to build more homes around the core...
More homes = more people..
More people = later shopping hours
More people in the area with later shopping hours = no ghost town!

[Jon Dalton]

My wife's friend just bought this building at King William/Wellington and plans to renovate/update it and then rent it out to artists since the top two floors are wide open loft space. I'm glad because it's currently in pretty rough shape at the moment and that intersection could use some love.



Nice. That's been vacant for years and could be a great space.

[Dr Awesomesauce]

Next: Make Wellington two-way and add a bike lane.

[interr0bangr]

Next: Make Wellington two-way and add a bike lane.

The day Wellington and Victora are converted to two-way i will be dancing in the streets. Such a simple and relatively inexpensive change that would literally transform neighbourhoods overnight. Not having to worrying about being run over by an 18-wheeler going 80km/h less than 3 feet from me on the sidewalk would be amazing.

[Dr Awesomesauce]

Yeah, let's not hold our collective breath. How many conversions in the past decade? A handful? It's pathetic. Any talk of slowing traffic and old Foxy is down at City Hall raising hell. Not to mention Terry Whitehead fluffing his wig and getting on his high horse > no thanks.

[davidcappi]

Something is happening here. The door was open and it looked like some sort of renovation was happening.

http://oi61.tinypic.com/zl5jic.jpg

[Dr Awesomesauce]

The old Reardon's spot.

I'm worried someone's gonna come along and start renovating that building only to decide it 'can't be saved.'

[davidcappi]

I'd love to see what it looks like underneath all of that paint. I'm sure it's quite the handsome little building.

[matt602]

I'm not too worried about the integrity of the building. Reardons has been there for the better part of the last century and I think the rest of the building has been occupied for just as long, so it should be mostly well maintained. I have a feeling that entire block will be filled in and restored within the next 5 years. It's inevitable given all the stuff thats going on around it.

[Dr Awesomesauce]

The minute they took its neighbour down, the integrity of that corner building became an issue.

Under that paint you've got limestone on the first floor and red brick above. Yeah, it would look nice undressed.

[interr0bangr]

Has anyone ever been to The Spice Factory on Hughson? Apparently it's a music/event venue but they've got no website and the only info I can find on google is a few old event listings.

I ask because I noticed a liquor license posted on the window the other day and I know they're not cheap so I imagine the plan is to use the space a bit more frequently to justify it?

[thistleclub]

Has anyone ever been to The Spice Factory on Hughson? Apparently it's a music/event venue but they've got no website and the only info I can find on google is a few old event listings.

The space has been licensed before. Was previously a number of leather-positive gay clubs, most recently The Werx (http://www.clubzone.com/c/6313/the-werx-hamilton).

Apparently purchased by Colina Maxwell of Centre3 for Print and Media Arts (http://centre3.com/centre3upgradesite/) (formerly known as The Print Studio) in 2012 (http://www.clubzone.com/c/6313/the-werx-hamilton). It's one of four (http://www.hamiltonhive.ca/2013-speakers-panelists/) culturally focused buildings she and her husband own downtown.

A nice building in a decent location, but it never seems to see more than maintenance-level investment.

[Jon Dalton]

I hear that plans for the Spice Factory are to make it an affordable venue to rent for people booking shows. There have been events there that were catered by The Brain which allows them to use their existing liquor license. A permanent license for the venue shouldn't be to hard as it was licensed before as the Werx. Zoning and other issues will not have to be gone through.

[interr0bangr]

Cool, thanks for the info guys. I hope it can develop into a solid venue. A few of my friends have mentioned that the Casbah has fallen out of favor recently with certain promoters so maybe things will shift elsewhere.

[thistleclub]

Downtown fire closes mustard mill (http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/news/downtown-fire-closes-mustard-mill-1.2688467)
(CBC Hamilton, Adam carter, June 24 2014)

Hamilton fire crews were working to douse the flames licking the ceiling of an industrial building Thursday morning in downtown Hamilton.

Firefighters were cutting through a section of the roof at the G.S. Dunn Mustard factory just after 10 a.m., trying to find the source off the flames. Everyone got out of the building and there were no injuries, fire information officer Claudio Mostacci said.

“It’s isolated from the main building, so hopefully we can contain it here,” he said. Nine fire units were sent to control the flames.

It was too early for Mostacci to say how the fire started, or estimate what the cost of damages to the business will be.

Police say Park Street North is closed between York and Vine as firefighters work to get the flames under control.


The Spec has video (http://www.thespec.com/news-story/4600240-video-structure-fire-at-mustard-mill-on-park-street-north/).

[davidcappi]

Does anyone know what's happening with the Leon Furs building? I expected it to be nearing completion by now, but unfortunately it's still boarded up. That whole block makes me so sad. There's so much potential just sitting there.

[Dr Awesomesauce]

Maybe they're waiting until their neighbour is complete > dunno.

Yeah, that block is poor. The guy who owns that little supermarket owns everything from the old Bi-Way down to Cannon. Gotta pry those buildings away from him somehow > money often works, I find.

[thomax]

New public art piece to be installed in front of the Hamilton Farmers' Market...

@cityofhamilton - "Farmers’ Market District Public Art Competition awarded to artist David Hind." - more info (http://www.hamilton.ca/NR/exeres/B812C6DA-631B-48EA-A76C-9CA14973D25D.htm)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bq_6rd4CEAAwrD4.jpg


[LINK] Review artist's proposal and images (PDF) (http://www2.hamilton.ca/cultureandrecreation/arts_Culture_And_Museums/PublicArt/FarmersMarket/HindBooklet.pdf)

[ScreamingViking]

It's a Transformer... a Barnbot. :cool:

[Dr Awesomesauce]

^I had all the barnbots > they were the worst. :(

[ScreamingViking]

They were really just there to provide for the Livestockticons :D

[SteelTown]

City wants to stop downtown loitering, spitting and other 'nuisance behaviour'
Barrie bylaw prohibits busking, profanity and picking through the garbage

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/news/city-wants-to-stop-downtown-loitering-spitting-and-other-nuisance-behaviour-1.2695805

A downtown Hamilton task force is looking into launching a crackdown on loitering, spitting, drug dealing, public urination and other nuisance behaviours in the core.

The city’s task force for cleanliness and security in the downtown core is investigating having a police officer and bylaw enforcement officer dedicated to curbing the behaviours after a downtown property owner raised concerns to the committee about the impact on downtown business.

The city’s task force is looking at a three-year pilot project modelled after a similar effort in Barrie, Ont.

The Barrie program comes with a nuisance bylaw forbidding activities such as busking, profanity, picking through the garbage or forming a crowd to block other pedestrians.

It’s just an idea right now, said Coun. Jason Farr of Ward 2, who chairs the task force. City staff and local police will report back on July 14. But he wants to hear from poverty advocates too.

“We know it was successful in Barrie, and we have had some issues,” said Farr. “There is the possibility of doing the same here. What’s imperative is that we hear from all members of the public.”

.........

No 'fouling' of city property

Barrie enacted its nuisance bylaw in 2004 amid complaints from poverty and social justice advocates.

The bylaw prohibits the following:

Busking.
Selling any product on city property.
Anyone “fouling or permitting the fouling” of city property.
Anyone picking over, interfering with, disturbing, removing or scattering any material placed out for city garbage collection, or placed in a garbage can.
Giving out products or samples on the sidewalk (excluding charities).
Blocking, interfering or impeding with the passage of any pedestrian on the sidewalk.
Riding a bicycle, skateboard or other “muscularly powered vehicle” on any sidewalk in the downtown business improvement area.
No “boisterous or aggressive behaviour” including wrestling or fighting in the area of the library.
No profanity or “language which is offensive or is likely to be offensive to another individual” on library property.
“No person shall deposit snow or cause to be deposited snow on any city property.”

The penalty is up to $5,000.

[davidcappi]

Who owns the plaza at James and Cannon where the PHO place is located? I wonder if that will be there much longer at the rate things are going now.

[Dr Awesomesauce]

^It's not the best corner ever > it's true. If Cannon ever improves then it's more likely we'll see some changes to that property.

If memory serves me, a church once stood on that spot > burned to the ground many years ago.

[HillStreetBlues]

City wants to stop downtown loitering, spitting and other 'nuisance behaviour'
Barrie bylaw prohibits busking, profanity and picking through the garbage.

I'm generally in favour of this kind of stuff, and feel like cities are better places to live when people show a bit of consideration for others. It’s tedious to hear people having “conversations” in which the f word comprises every third. And it’s not respectful to spit on the sidewalk when other people are around, to litter on the streets that other people use, or to loiter on sidewalks that other people are trying to get around on.

It seems like a bit of a joke to contemplate issuing a fine to someone who is mining the recycling for empty liquor bottles, but generally I do feel like we should be trying to curb anti-social behaviour.

[markbarbera]

I agree with this in principle, but don't like the idea of busking being lumped together in the list of prohibited activities. I hope that doesn't carry through when Hamilton's policy is drawn up. I understand the desire to control it, but bproper buskers contribute a positive animation to the downtown, and could become a sort of draw in their own way. Perhaps the city can do what the TTC does rather successfully in Toronto: Define spaces throughout the downtown where buskers can perform and have potential buskers apply for a licence to perform in one of those spaces via auditions. That successfully eliminates the potential for a beggar posing as a busker to solicit loose change from passersby.

[flar]

I don't like that busking would be prohibited. I used to busk in London when I was a student, I usually made around forty bucks playing to the lunch crowd at the market.

That said, there has to be some regulation around busking, which I believe is already in place. Problems can arise when buskers overstay their welcome, have no talent, or interfere with businesses.

[oldcoote]

I agree with this in principle, but don't like the idea of busking being lumped together in the list of prohibited activities. I hope that doesn't carry through when Hamilton's policy is drawn up. I understand the desire to control it, but bproper buskers contribute a positive animation to the downtown, and could become a sort of draw in their own way. Perhaps the city can do what the TTC does rather successfully in Toronto: Define spaces throughout the downtown where buskers can perform and have potential buskers apply for a licence to perform in one of those spaces via auditions. That successfully eliminates the potential for a beggar posing as a busker to solicit loose change from passersby.

agreed

[matt602]

I also busk pretty often with a friend and would hate to see it prohibited, or even mandatory licensing. The licensing thing only happened in Toronto because buskers were fighting over subway spots since they're so busy. That's not really the case here, usually the panhandlers outnumber the buskers anyway.

A friend of mine busking outside of Jackson Square, definitely the kind of thing that I think adds to downtown, not detracting at all:

bljcEcm5xpQ

[LikeHamilton]

Open Streets Sunday

Open Streets Hamilton is back on Sunday, July 13 2014!
James Street North (King St to Burlington St)
10am-5pm (rain or shine)

Featuring:
Hamilton Bike Share Demo
Hamilton Fringe Festival teasers
Tons of Fitness and health activities and programming
Skatepark in the North End
Tons of awesome vendors, businesses, organizations, activities and more!
A car-free James St North to walk, ride or roll down!

http://openstreetshamilton.ca/

[davidcappi]

King and James getting a facelift, kind of.

http://oi59.tinypic.com/295bk8l.jpg

[davidcappi]

http://oi59.tinypic.com/2s6236c.jpg

[Dr Awesomesauce]

^Can't wait to see how that one looks once unveiled. Very curious indeed.

[Beedok]

King and James getting a facelift, kind of.

http://oi59.tinypic.com/295bk8l.jpg

I could have sworn that building on the corner used to be fancier looking. :shrug:

[Dr Awesomesauce]

It's looked that way for decades. Pictures from the 40s and 50s show it in almost the exact same condition.

It's very old (nearly 200 years old) and doesn't appear to have ever been taken care of particularly well.

[King&James]

And who remembers the name of the record shop on the second floor

[matt602]

They were working on both this and the McMaster Continuing Ed space above Jackson like nuts tonight. Still not sure what they plan to do with the King and James NE corner building though.

[davidcappi]

If there were ever a building in Hamilton that could actually benefit from precast brick cladding, it's this one! [laugh]

You know, if they went with a red brick cladding and put some shutters and a simple cornice on the top, it wouldn't look half bad. Here's hoping they decide to do some improvements to the storefronts as well.

[Dr Awesomesauce]

There's brick under that...whatever the hell it is. They're probably just nervous about opening things up > God knows what you'll find!

[NortheastWind]

I recall from previous posts that the Bank of Montreal owns the building at the NE corner of King and James.

[SteelTown]

^ Bank of Nova Scotia.

[Pigeon]

.

[davidcappi]

I guess new beige stucco is better than shitty white stucco.

[davidcappi]

The building at James and Barton where the BMO used to be is getting a facelift. Looks solid already. No idea what is moving in though.

http://oi62.tinypic.com/qznre0.jpg

It used to look like this:

http://oi60.tinypic.com/72ga2r.jpg

[davidcappi]

Quick fixes + Shitty Labour + rain = oh my god this looks terrible

http://s15.postimg.org/upy8kzuu3/photo_11_2.jpg