Downtown Update

DC83 · #1 Posted **Nov 19, 2007, 6:35 PM**

Since the "Downtown Update" section of a certain website has been missing for a while, I thought I would start one here!

We could dedicate this thread to new food / drink / retail shops in the core and inner-city.

I always like checking out new places as they open so I have something to suggest to friends and family when they visit me (and others) downtown.

So update away!!!

SteelTown · #2 Posted **Nov 19, 2007, 8:55 PM**

It's not in the downtown area but in the west end. It looks like construction for Camco building is about to start and there's a fresh new CAMNET rendering sign out on the property too, just went up. It's a huge sign so you can't miss it. So it appears construction has started for the layout.

It looks like the Camco building will be connected with the new CAMNET building as currently they are ripping a hole on the side of the Camco building to where the future CAMNET will go.

I guess I better make a McMaster Innovation development thread later.

ihateittoo · #3 Posted **Nov 20, 2007, 12:33 AM**

i heard a rumour that everyones favourite or second favourite* viet-thai restaurant PHO BEN THANH has been renovated in the last couple weeks and is apparently very nice looking inside.

*I base this on the fact that opinion is worth more than others.

ihateittoo · #4 Posted **Nov 20, 2007, 12:48 AM**

Also my favourite food court in Hamilton has been getting a lot of new development lately. The Hamilton City Centre food court has had three major additions since the city began moving in. And two are relatively big chains, a new country style, a hasty market (cigar store platform) and a new restaurant where the former breakfast place was. I am guessing this is more just a response to the city moving in but, it's nice to see some new development and a totally full food court.

It is the best food court because it contains so many styles: Mexican, Persian, Caribbean, Chinese, Italian and Greek and they are all mom and pop style shops, so there is no asking the manager about allowing for special orders.

SteelTown · #5 Posted **Nov 22, 2007, 12:32 AM**

Just to let you know there'll be an announcement soon about CANMET, as a hint the new huge sign out front of Camco is covered now and waiting to be unveiled. Also it looks like the city is currently building the Frid St extension.

raisethehammer · #6 Posted **Nov 22, 2007, 3:08 AM**

what is the Frid St extension??

SteelTown · #7 Posted **Nov 22, 2007, 3:39 AM**

Frid Street extension will go from where Frid St currently ends (a deadend) to Longwood Road. Basically spilting the Innovation Park in half.

DC83 · #8 Posted **Nov 24, 2007, 11:48 PM**

The new Shawarma place I was talking about at John/Jackson beside Tailgate Charlies... wow this street is really picking up, eh? Think it has anything to do w/ two-way conversion?

DC83 · #9 Posted **Apr 23, 2008, 4:25 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by DC83

The new Shawarma place I was talking about at John/Jackson beside Tailgate Charlies... wow this street is really picking up, eh? Think it has anything to do w/ two-way conversion?

This place opened this week... different signage outfront though.
I believe the original owners backed out, and the new ones put up a new sign. There was a eviction notice on the door of the shop all March, so who knows.

But it's finally open! Haven't tried anything yet, though I plan on it soon! Mmm Shawarma!

ps: There are also two new shops opened in the block on the east side of John between Augusta & Young... looks like an Art gallery and an Antique Shop.

itsbryan · #10 Posted **Apr 23, 2008, 4:33 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by DC83

This place opened this week... different signage outfront though.
I believe the original owners backed out, and the new ones put up a new sign. There was a eviction notice on the door of the shop all March, so who knows.

But it's finally open! Haven't tried anything yet, though I plan on it soon! Mmm Shawarma!

ps: There are also two new shops opened in the block on the east side of John between Augusta & Young... looks like an Art gallery and an Antique Shop.

You mean with Safin, Safrin, Christophers, My Buddy's, and Lulus, you haven't had enough shawarmas?

DC83 · #11 Posted **Apr 23, 2008, 4:42 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsbryan

You mean with Safin, Safrin, Christophers, My Buddy's, and Lulus, you haven't had enough shawarmas?

hahaha I know, eh! What's the one in the main floor of Maxims stripjoint? I think that one is the best! Sadly, My Buddies is closing down and moving up the hill (if not already?).

I'm just excited about all the new business that has opened up along John since two-way conversion! And not just eateries either, but a tattoo parlour, a cpl job placement places, a computer store... ok. two-way works, we get it

hahaha

ps: WELCOME TO THE FORUM, itsBryan!

Jon Dalton · #12 Posted **Apr 23, 2008, 4:59 PM**

Maybe this shawarma place is actually decent. I don't hold out much hope, but regardless, I'm glad it's there. I just noticed those two new places at James and Augusta. That place was vacant with the old I.M. Mart sign for ages. I hope the new businesses are there to stay.

itsbryan · #13 Posted **Apr 23, 2008, 5:02 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by DC83

hahaha I know, eh! What's the one in the main floor of Maxims stripjoint? I think that one is the best! Sadly, My Buddies is closing down and moving up the hill (if not already?).

I'm just excited about all the new business that has opened up along John since two-way conversion! And not just eateries either, but a tattoo parlour, a cpl job placement places, a computer store... ok. two-way works, we get it

hahaha

ps: WELCOME TO THE FORUM, itsBryan!

Thanks for the welcome.

That shawarma place is Safin.. definitely the best one in downtown. The chicken and rice is stupidly delicious, and it's run by really nice guys. It gets insanely crowded after all of the clubs let out, though.

I'm curious as to know what's going in place of My Buddy's.. I actually live right next to it, above the ISP Cafe.. it'd be nice to have another eatery pop up there.. I love the variety of downtown.

DC83 · #14 Posted **Nov 24, 2007, 11:53 PM**

Lots of new (or newer) stores on KingWest

the urban clothing shop rth was mentioning. Not open yet, but it looks like they're setting it all up.

a Christmas junk store? Has some nice decorations tho

Flatspot Skate Shop (not "new" but newer). They were originally located on JamesNorth

Some wireless store

DC83 · #15 Posted **Nov 24, 2007, 11:56 PM**

And The Jump Off on KingEast (at John)
It's not new, but they've done a REALLY nice job inside this place. I'm starting to like the guys who are running this shop. They like to set up streetfront stores in urban settings. Next time ur walking by, step in and check out the inside! They have awesome chandaliers too.

the dude · #16 Posted **Nov 25, 2007, 12:23 AM**

lots of good things happening downtown. i do take issue with those dudes at the jump off. that sort of signage should be illegal in this city. a beautiful old building and they've covered it with an ugly sign that reeks of desperation.

#17 Posted **Nov 25, 2007, 12:57 AM**

I kind of like it actually. It makes it look kinda funky, like Queen Street near MuchMusic in Toronto. It's the kind of store that will draw young people downtown.

raisethehammer · #18 Posted **Nov 25, 2007, 1:37 PM**

by the way, that "christmas junk store" is a great florist. just happens to be decorated up for christmas right now.
the old chandeliers at Jump Off are from the old arcade that used to be in there.
Yea, I hate those big banners. some nice apartments could go up there.

the dude · #19 Posted **Nov 25, 2007, 4:25 PM**

i wasted many a quarter in the two arcades that used to be on that block: the palace and...can't remember. they were seriously seedy. downtown is so tame today in comparison.

DC83 · #20 Posted **Nov 25, 2007, 7:06 PM**

I'm not a huge fan of the vertical posters for The Jump Off either, but they couldn't apts up there anyway as the upper levels are retail too!