Downtown Update

[ScreamingViking]

Originally Posted by urban_planner

Not sure anyone really cares but apparently the lights are permanently on. As of last weekend they were still on at night. They do look decent in my opinion.

It would be great if they could change colours! But it does make the tower stand out better at night, and it's a nice little addition.

[TheHonestMaple]

I noticed that the TD branch at 194 James Street South (at Robinson) has closed. I wonder if there's something planned for that piece of land. It's prime real estate for either residential or commercial. Was the land sold?

[Innsertnamehere]

I drove down Wilson today and noticed some pretty extensive pedestrian detours being set up in the curb lane in front of the Hydro substation next to Beasley Park.. anyone know what is going on there?

[Innsertnamehere]

found it on the city's road construction map:

We are replacing the South Durisol wall of the Elgin Transformer Station. We need to remove and replace the existing wall. This will involve full removal of exiting posts and excavations for the installation of the new posts.

Seems relatively minor. There are some heavy duty metal barriers set up for the pedestrian detour, which made it feel like it would be something more substantial.

[TheRitsman]

Originally Posted by TheRitsman

On my walk today, saw something some people here may be interested to see at the Bella Towers.

Paper over this window and the mailbox are new as of today. Anyone want to take guesses?



Not sure if this is related or not, but I also saw this with the door ajar, anyone know what that machine is for?

Permit in the window indicates there will be alterations to the unit 4 she'll to allow for a financial office. We absolutely need these types of businesses downtown, and they're quite small units so not too surprise, I just hope it's public facing and looks decent.

[Innsertnamehere]

I'm not sure we have a thread for it, but the new Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre is in front of the CoA for variance approvals:

https://pub-hamilton.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=314059

[urban_planner]

Originally Posted by lachlanholmes

It could become a nice little stretch, but man, the buildings both to the north and south are awful eyesores at the moment...

There is some fencing up around this building with a sky jack out front. Wondering if some more facade work is going to happen.

[TheRitsman]

Looks like this still needs a lot more work...

[TheRitsman]

Fire escape? added to front of building. Really curious what the plan is here.

[King&James]

Better than previous , hoping they are adding back other elements

[TheHonestMaple]

Weird that they're adding those on before finishing the facade?

[catcher_of_cats]

If the owner adds some styrofoam, stucco and paint then their problem is solved.

It is unfortunate for the streetscape how this building will turn out.

[TheRitsman]

Originally Posted by catcher_of_cats

If the owner adds some styrofoam, stucco and paint then their problem is solved.

It is unfortunate for the streetscape how this building will turn out.

That's what I'm suspecting will happen based on the fire escape being added before. One wonders why millionaires purchase these buildings with no love for their historical elements. Like buying a 1950s classic and altering it to look like a 2015 Honda Civic...

[Chronamut]

I wonder if they kept the pediments - I think the new law post william thomas states any details like that you have to maintain preserve and then put back on once its taken off.

This city has had a very bad history of ripping off all craftsmanship for an ikea-like boring "modern" facade - slowly destroying hamiltons character one bit at a time. This area is still pretty richly neo-victorian with the treble hall and the royal connaught in the distance and the windsor hotel being restored - I would very much like to see those details go back up.

Not all of us like clean lines and sleek edges - some of us are still highly traditional - it has to suit the area it's in - and our citys history still needs to be respected. We are one of the last ones left aside from toronto with as much historical facades as we do.

[TheRitsman]

I do hope something more classic is put back on the front. The building looks to be preconfederation, so putting a modern front on would be an affront to the history of the building.

[Chronamut]

Originally Posted by TheRitsman

I do hope something more classic is put back on the front. The building looks to be preconfederation, so putting a modern front on would be an affront to the history of the building.

I think also due to that argument it may be against the citys laws to do so. The only exception may be because this building is LITERALLY at risk of collapse.

[urban_planner]

The old two story brick building on the northwest corner of Augusta and Walnut that has been up for sale, now has a sold sign on it. I thought there was a proposal here several years back. I tried to look for a thread but couldn't find. one. Anyway I figured I'd share.

Also the for sale sign that was up for the property beside A&W now is just a plain plywood sign. I'm not sure if the original sign just blew away and they are working on a replacement. Again I figured its worth pointing out.

[TheHonestMaple]

The May 12th DRP meeting has been cancelled due to no submissions.

[TheRitsman]

https://twitter.com/ward1wilson/status/1519361350136442880?t=GbPjCMoWQmtwDwKBQ5bwHw&s=19

"A report going to the next Public Works Committee mtg to allow for a "Gage to Gore" Open Streets temporary Linear Urban Park Program. SO EXCITING!

Report attached. https://t.co/pYyGen44QX "

[TheRitsman]

Mansard roof is on, and the back of the building still needs a lot of work: