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New Tivoli and Centre Point Plaza owners say Hamilton’s ‘next chapter’ is at corner of James and Wilson
A pair of developers have announced their intentions to redevelop and restore the historic Tivoli theatre in downtown Hamilton.
In a press release, Aventus Development Corporation (Aventus) — in collaboration with Society Developments Inc. — made a joint announcement that they had purchased both the theatre as well as the adjacent Centre Point Plaza.
The properties are described as being “poised for the next chapter in the city’s evolution.”
Few details have been released about the project, which could see the revitalization of the languishing theatre, which has sat vacant on James Street North for years.
The building “was first constructed as a carriage factory in 1875, but by 1908 was established as the first in a sequence of theatres,” according to a city report from late 2016. The last theatre was enlarged to include a large auditorium in 1924 and renamed the Tivoli. The playhouse went on to become “a prominent vaudeville and motion picture venue” and is known as being the first cinema in Hamilton to show films with soundtracks.
That chapter of its history came to an end in 1989. After that, the Tivoli was used for concerts, religious services, live theatre and dance. But neglect eventually led to the city stepping in and tearing down the lobby portion of the theatre.
Back in 2013, Hamilton developer Domenic Diamante bought the Tivoli for about $900,000 from a charitable ballet ensemble run by his wife. At the time, he announced a plan to erect a 22-storey condo out front, right on James Street North. His supposed plans included fixing the theatre and connecting it to the new tower.
What exactly the future holds for the theatre and the plaza is still in the works, Aventus Chief Financial Officer Chris Mlinaric said in an email to The Spectator.
He said they are working with three “prominent and well-respected” heritage architects to produce a report on the state of the Tivoli.
He noted that once developers have been able to review the report and discuss its findings with community stakeholders, they will “be in a better position to understand how we will incorporate the Tivoli and the adjacent Centre Point Plaza into a vibrant and dynamic space that (Hamilton) will be proud of.”
The Spectator reached Mlinaric with several other questions about the project, but few were answered as the companies are “working through additional due diligence before being able to establish a development timeline.” Mlinaric did however note that they have begun the planning process and the sales of both of the properties took effect on March 28.
In a press release, Mlinaric said the pair of companies are “extremely excited to contribute to the downtown regeneration.”
Mlinaric, who says he lives downtown, said he believes “that with a careful appreciation of the community’s needs, we can breathe new life into the Tivoli.”
Ward 2 Councillor Jason Farr told The Spectator that he’s met with the proponents of the project a handful of times and that he’s “encouraged by their enthusiasm.”
Farr said the project could be a “shot in the arm” for the downtown core, especially as the city transitions into a post-pandemic world.
“It has a whole lot of potential to help the rebound on a street that has been the poster child for the rehabilitation of the downtown,” he said.
Farr did however note that the news of purchase would likely “resurrect some disappointment,” pointing to the failed plans of Diamante that left the Tivoli and the empty lot out front stagnant.
“Fortunately, I’m a glass half-full kind of guy,” he added. “I’m feeling really good about the near future. They’re really not interested in sitting on anything.”
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