[CaptainKirk]

Originally Posted by stuckinexeter

I believe the building you are referring to burned down and was replaced by the two story art deco Kresge's....i will check on it.

Not sure about the Kresge's building, but that happened to the Woo,worth building. Check out both Woolworth buildings on page 11 of this thread.

10 p.m. March 24, 1947, fire was reported at the F. W.Woolworth and Company department store, 29 King street east.

The Central Fire station was only a few blocks away and on the scene within a minute or two. But as the fire had progressed so rapidly, and as there was a real threat that a major part of the downtown Hamilton core could be aflame, soon every piece of equipment was brought in from every other fire station in the city.

Fortunately the Woolworth’s store and nearby businesses had been closed for the evening so no individuals were in need of rescue. The heavy smoke was a challenge for firefighters.

In the end the 3 storey Woolworth’s department was totally lost to the fire, while nearby businesses including The Right House, Tambyln’s Drug store, Loblaw’s grocery and Northway’s received significant water and smoke damage.

The fire loss was an estimated one million (1947) dollars. The cause was determined to have been accidentally caused during a burglary or the result of a deliberate arson.

http://henleyshamilton1.wordpress.com/2012/07/14/downtown-fire-march-1947/