Downtown Update

[flar]

I'm in favour of parking garages, as a long term strategy to replace parking lots.

Of course, people will continue to park on sidestreets if the parking garage costs money. I know, I do it all the time (I sometimes park in municipal parking lots but I refuse to support the owners of private parking lots that ruin our city).

[DC83]

I agree with the parking garage, esp in this area. Hess overflows EVERY weekend with drivers. Unfortunately for us, a lot of these people who drive there drive home as well... drunk... But that's a whole other matter.

Aslong as it meets OUR approval, I'll be fine with it

Would this LCBO replace Jackson Square, Dundurn or Both?

Dundurn is my #1 favourite LCBO in this City (I love the small, homey feel... and it's open til 10), so I hope they don't shut it down?! Dundurn is starting to get a nice lil shopping area going on, and losing that LCBO would likely slow things down.

[raisethehammer]

Originally Posted by SteelTown

I've seen the concept design for the LCBO/Shoppers and it's basically three storey parking structure with retail on the main floor. All bricks. All glass for retail, Shoppers new design lately has wall-to-wall glass facade.

I think it's important to have this parking structure to stop people from parking in the neighbourhoods, that's the main complaints from the neighbourhoods (drunks walking back to the car). Plus we can incorporate this parking structure for a park and ride program for the B-Line.

I think most of the drunks are walking home, not to a car.

The original plan called for small shops/restos along George St...is that still in the concept?

[flar]

I hope they dont' get rid of the LCBO on Dundurn, I go there sometimes because they have a wider selection of beer than the LCBO in Dundas. I never go to the one in Jackson Sq. but it looks nice and I would hate for the mall to lose it. I suspect the LCBO on Dundurn would close though.


PS: drunk driving is an institution in Canada, too many people do it. Back in August I watched a professional firefighter down a mickey of Crown Royal and drive his family home.

[Jon Dalton]

The Claudia's building at 136 James South has finally been leased. It's some sort of media company.
The newest establishment on Augusta St. recently opened, a few houses away from James.

[SteelTown]

Originally Posted by raisethehammer

The original plan called for small shops/restos along George St...is that still in the concept?

It's almost the identical concept for the LCBO/Shoppers as the proposed parking structure at King William.

I think they are including restaurants along George St for the parking structure.

[highwater]

Originally Posted by flar

I hope they dont' get rid of the LCBO on Dundurn, I go there sometimes because they have a wider selection of beer than the LCBO in Dundas.

Ditto for their scotch selection. It would be very sad to see Dundurn close, not to mention what it would do to the street.

[FairHamilton]

Frankly, I'm surprised by the support of a parking garage. I'd expected more people on this forum board to be supportive of less cars in the core, not more. Guess we don't really need the LRT, that's a $1.1B savings....

Now if downtown wasn't already littered with parking lots, or it was closer to the Hamilton GO Centre that might be another story.

Also, didn't understand the park 'n' ride concept. Once you drive all the way downtown why would you need to ride transit anywhere is a small core area like Hamilton's.

I think, what needs to be worried about with this development is the pull-up-to-the- front door (parking out front) type building favoured by both Shoppers and the LCBO.

I'd be very surprised if the development created any sort of streetwall along Main Street (unless it's the side of the building without doors). I'm worried about a suburban building, being planted in the urban setting.

[markbarbera]

What I really would liek to see developed here is something akin to the Paramount in Toronto - multiplex theatre with retail and dining. Plus lower levels of parking. This would be a perfect adjunct to Hess Village.

[flar]

I'm worried about the likely suburban styled Shopper's, but as for the parking garage, every city has parking garages and they are much better than asphalt lots. Even with the LRT, many people will continue to drive downtown and Hess Village in particular. This parking garage will be replacing a parking lot and will have retail built in, so it achieves the objective of more infill without a loss of "precious parking." That said, this project obviously could be a lot better. I'd at least have a few floors of residential added.

[matt602]

Originally Posted by markbarbera

What I really would liek to see developed here is something akin to the Paramount in Toronto - multiplex theatre with retail and dining. Plus lower levels of parking. This would be a perfect adjunct to Hess Village.

QFT, although if the development ends up like Steeltown described, it shouldn't be too bad. Especially if reservations are made so that a residential tower can be built over it in the future.

[raisethehammer]

I echo the concerns here about a pull-up shoppers/lcbo format.
I've yet to see any of these chains do anything proper downtown, so why would they start now?? the last thing we need is another entrance/exit ramp onto Main St, where the LRT is supposed to run.

I favour the parking garage though....a parking lot is being built on. that's the goal...new buildings on our empty parking lots.

[DC83]

Originally Posted by markbarbera

What I really would liek to see developed here is something akin to the Paramount in Toronto - multiplex theatre with retail and dining. Plus lower levels of parking. This would be a perfect adjunct to Hess Village.

I think this would fit better in that huge lot down by Catharine/Rebecca area. That hood needs a development like that more-so than Hess.

On a different note, Street Meat BBQ (newest addition to John South)has a liquor license app up! I saw them working in there this AM.
Street Meat AND Beer? It's like a football game in a resto!!!

[raisethehammer]

speaking of liquor licenses, let's hope that the one at King/Bay is going to spruce up the place a little before blessing us with another Joe Butt's style patio.

[DC83]

I have no faith for that coffee place at the corner of King/Bay. The 'hotel' on top is actually a halfway house, who's tenants' rent is paid by the Gov't.

The owner of that building is a slumlord and has no vision, or doesn't care about the City. He even stuccoed his Durand mansion!!! wtf!?

Look at the structure just up the street @ Caroline. The landlord put some love into it years ago, and the retail is flourishing with desirable retail outlets such as a Hair Salon, Internet Cafe, Clothing Store, Flower Shop and I think there's an eatery? Can't remember right now.

The King/Bay structure has a no name 'cell phone business', that crack bar/coffee house, I think a Motorcycle Accessories (ie: key chains, hats, etc) Store... frig, I don't even know b/c I can't stand to look at the bldg b/c it's a piece of crap.

Can anyone find out who the landlord is? His first name is Gus and he has a crazy Greek last name (I dont' think it's the same slumlord who was just fined $100,000 for leaving disabled tenants w/ no utilities during winter, but I could be wrong).

If we want this Block to succeed, we need to 1st get rid of it's Slumlord!

[DC83]

Originally Posted by thistleclub

Today a crew was busily working on the exterior of European Restaurante at Jackson and Catharine.

Stucco, in case you're wondering. Which makes me wince more than the name of the place.

I also saw a group of 3 or 4 guys working hard on the Street Meat BBQ place this weekend.

Does anyone know when they're planning on opening?

[raisethehammer]

yea, I saw that too...it'll be sad to lose that beautiful facade.
I think they want to open in November.

[DC83]

New International Village Resto:

Sparkle Chinese Cuisine @ King & Mary Sts.

[markk]

Hi -- i'm new on this board.

If your in Jackson Sq. you may want to check Decco's Deli (near Coles Bookstore). The food is great and the guys who run it could teach clinics in customer service.

[SteelTown]

Welcome markk!