Lister Block | ? | 6 fl | Renovation

[thistleclub]

Lister neighbour in heritage debate
Nicole Macintyre / The Hamilton Spectator
(Jul 8, 2008)

The city is pushing for a heritage designation for the William Thomas building -- the Lister Block's neighbour -- despite opposition from its owner.

LIUNA warned city councillors yesterday that it would fight a heritage designation on the vacant James Street North building that it wants to tear down.

"What's really being saved here?" questioned Tony DePasquale, speaking on behalf of the Laborers' International Union of North America.

The city fast-tracked a heritage assessment on the building after the Balfour building, which LIUNA also owned, collapsed in April. The planning committee approved the designation yesterday, but it must be passed by council on Thursday.

Heritage staff concluded the building has cultural heritage value because of its connection to the city's historic "commercial prosperity" and to noted architect William Thomas.

Much of the building is now covered in metal cladding, but part of the original 1855-56 facade is still visible on the south end. Heritage advocates see value in preserving the remaining facade, but DePasquale said it would be too costly.

A structural analysis found the building was in poor shape, he said. If the facade must be saved, it would need to be taken down brick by brick and rebuilt, he said.

DePasquale's demolition company took down the Balfour and is working on the Lister Block's remediation. He said LIUNA wants to demolish the Thomas Building to build a replica in keeping with the streetscape.

He questioned why the city wants to designate the building just a week after LIUNA agreed to a $1-million guarantee that there would be a second phase to the Lister project. DePasquale called the timing "suspect" and the designation an "obstacle," but later apologized.

"I guess by now we should be used to being disparaged by LIUNA," said Councillor Brian McHattie.

He said the heritage tag won't stop the developers from taking down the rest of the building and helps the city keep its heritage assets.

"I'm not seeing any downside for the developer."

But Councillor Terry Whitehead, who opposed the designation, said it's unfair of the city to impose on the developers when the building is in such poor condition.

[flar]

The Lister saga is very far from over. I thought LIUNA planned to save the Thomas building in the latest deal? Are they reneging on the deal with the city? They change their minds so much I can't keep track. I know the structure is probably in terrible shape, but that stone facade would look amazing if they took off that aluminum cladding.

[realcity]

Thanks ThistleClub..

that list clearly shows that downtown investment has been happening for years and at a steady pace.

Anyone who thinks or comments that LIUNA is some kind of saviour because there hasn't been any investment downtown for decades must be reading The Spec.

[realcity]

What a surprise.....

I didn't know that the Thomas building was also the building cladded with that ugly siding. How can LIUNA replicate what they can't see. Would they even remove the siding to show the building, or will they demo it with the siding on?

[realcity]

Breach Of Contract
Breach Of Contract
Breach Of Contract

[raisethehammer]

this is FAR from over. LIUNA still wants demolition.
I think they just agreed to the deal to save the $7mil from the province.

[SteelTown]

I believe the deal was to save the orginal facade underneath the siding.

You can see for yourself that the front of the building has warped, there's a crack and parts of the facade has folded in.

As long as they can save the facade and reuse it I'm fine with it. I doubt this building is built out of cement like the Lister Block, probably all wood inside so it'll still require a complete gut.

[Boomtown_Hamilton]

Originally Posted by matt602

Tim Hortons is pathetic. Especially the one at Jackson Square. I laugh at everyone standing in line for probably up to 20 minutes just to get a cup of black acid. Country Style of course has almost no line at all and offers a cup of coffee that doesn't taste like road tar.

I guess Tim Hortons is the "Hamilton thing" to do, so that's why everyone lines up there like brain dead robots.

Horton's coffee tastes like garbage but it's pretty addictive stuff. They must put something in it like nicotine.

[highwater]

Originally Posted by flar

I thought LIUNA planned to save the Thomas building in the latest deal? Are they reneging on the deal with the city?

No, it's just that their definition of 'saving' is knocking down and building a cheap replica.

[highwater]

Originally Posted by SteelTown

I believe the deal was to save the orginal facade underneath the siding.

You can see for yourself that the front of the building has warped, there's a crack and parts of the facade has folded in.

As long as they can save the facade and reuse it I'm fine with it. I doubt this building is built out of cement like the Lister Block, probably all wood inside so it'll still require a complete gut.

You're right. It's older construction, not reinforced concrete like Lister. But they could definitely save the facade. It's done all the time by normal developers in normal cities, but LIUNA will wring their hands and claim it's not possible or too costly, or whatever, and then whoops!, the wrecking ball slipped!

And Tony DePasquale of all people opining on heritage. About as ironic as Gabe Macaluso defending Peter George's pay package. With friends like these...

[realcity]

Macaluso is joke. why is he even showing his face around town, let alone letters to the Ed. He should've left town.

[realcity]

Note: The Right House is NOT designated a heritage building. I'm worried about it losing it's major and only real tennant when Lister opens in 2011

[matt602]

Kind of pisses me off how Terry Whitehead is stepping up saying the building is in horrible condition. I doubt he even has any facts or figures to back that up, and is just making an assumption based on what it looks like from James St.

I've been in the building in question, it's no worse than the Balfour building was, especially the rear sections. There's no reason why at at least the facade can't be restored.

[DC83]

Originally Posted by matt602

Kind of pisses me off how Terry Whitehead is stepping up saying the building is in horrible condition. I doubt he even has any facts or figures to back that up, and is just making an assumption based on what it looks like from James St.

I've been in the building in question, it's no worse than the Balfour building was, especially the rear sections. There's no reason why at at least the facade can't be restored.

Well just by looking at him, I can tell you his tupe is in horrible condition. Does that mean he should get rid of it? Probably... but he probably appreciates how it makes him look better. Just like how this bldg makes the James St N streetwall look better.

Here's a deal: We lose Thomas Bldg, Whitehead loses the tupe!

courtesy The Spec, http://hallmarks.thespec.com/2008/05...ady-to-ru.html

[SteelTown]

Lmao

[Millstone]

toupée

[raisethehammer]

LOL....I love that shot. He's got a classic look alright!

I'm emailing my councillor immediately about the Right House. If this is true that it's not designated, then we'd better get to it.

[highwater]

Originally Posted by Millstone

toupée

And here I thought 'tupe' was an affectionate abbreviation for toupee. I like it actually. I think I'll stick with tupe.

[realcity]

"tupe" is a good word.... im adding it to my 'lex'

Clearly he has the worst hair on council. Whenever I watch it on Cable 14 and he is speaking, I find it difficult to listen when all I can think is "what the hell is with that hair?"

contrast that with the best hair on council

[realcity]

I forgot... DC that was hillarious