428 Main Street West | 37.6m | 10 fl | Proposed - Page 3

catcher_of_cats · #41 Posted **Dec 4, 2022, 10:16 PM**

I would think that this lot will stay dormant for a long period since the owner is literally installing a barbed wire fence. That is not the sign of imminent construction.

TheHonestMaple · #42 Posted **Dec 4, 2022, 11:01 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by catcher_of_cats

I would think that this lot will stay dormant for a long period since the owner is literally installing a barbed wire fence. That is not the sign of imminent construction.

If that's the case, why bother ripping up the parking lot? I suspect something is actually happening here. Some sort of preconstruction preparation.

King&James · #43 Posted **Dec 4, 2022, 11:55 PM**

Preventative action against those uninvited!

ScreamingViking · #44 Posted **Dec 4, 2022, 11:57 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by King&James

Preventative action against those uninvited!

There's nothing there though. Just a big empty space.

Innsertnamehere · #45 Posted **Dec 5, 2022, 12:50 PM**

there are no development applications here so construction won't be starting any time soon. I assume they are simply cleaning the site up a bit, for whatever reason. That fence looks fairly permanent.

ScreamingViking · #46 Posted **Dec 5, 2022, 4:53 PM**

Maybe they do want to minimize the risk of a "tent city" here as well, then. Though it's a very visible lot and the tents have moved to more discrete locations.

mikevbar1 · #47 Posted **Dec 5, 2022, 8:51 PM**

Should be a relatively easy application, and I can see Lamb following the suit of other developers by just prepping the site to give the impression he is ready to go whenever the city gives approval. The fence is probably a preventative measure against intrusions, yes, and also to dismiss city concerns that they will actually start without any permits.

TheHonestMaple · #48 Posted **Jan 10, 2023, 4:17 PM**

There's definitely something more substantial happening here than just ripping up the parking lot. I drive by pretty much everyday and there's plenty of activity. One area they even seem to be digging below grade level.

TheRitsman · #49 Posted **Jan 10, 2023, 5:12 PM**

I've reached out to staff to ask if there are any formal plans here that haven't been updated to the City's site.

TheHonestMaple · #50 Posted **Jan 10, 2023, 5:59 PM**

Thanks! Would be a nice surprise if this one was actually starting construction somehow...

TheHonestMaple · #51 Posted **Jan 14, 2023, 4:48 PM**

Yesterday they were excavating some sort of underground tanks on the north side of the site.

Innsertnamehere · #52 Posted **Jan 17, 2023, 5:34 PM**

https://pub-hamilton.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=346763

In front of the CoA with revised renderings. It appears that New Horizon has since picked this site up as well. Yet again, no new retail along Main.

TheHonestMaple · #53 Posted **Jan 17, 2023, 5:45 PM**

Stunning! Love it. Some retail would be nice, but the shops on Locke will benefit from the injection of residents anyway! I knew something more was afoot at this site!

King&James · #54 Posted **Jan 17, 2023, 6:07 PM**

Looks great, hopefully the CoA gave that a big rubber stamp, and let's get on a get it built!

ScreamingViking · #55 Posted **Jan 17, 2023, 6:40 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheHonestMaple

Stunning! Love it. Some retail would be nice, but the shops on Locke will benefit from the injection of residents anyway! I knew something more was afoot at this site!

I agree.

The majority of the Locke St. shops are blocks away (largely Hunter to Herkimer, thus far... they've been trying to market the first floor of 101 Locke but it's remained fairly empty) yet maybe this helps stimulate more along Main as well. And Dundurn.

TheHonestMaple · #56 Posted **Jan 17, 2023, 6:55 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScreamingViking

I agree.

The majority of the Locke St. shops are blocks away (largely Hunter to Herkimer, thus far... they've been trying to market the first floor of 101 Locke but it's remained fairly empty) yet maybe this helps stimulate more along Main as well. And Dundurn.

Exactly my thoughts. Sure having retail at every building is good in theory, but we need the people to support the stores first. 101 Locke is a prime example. Most of the units are still siting vacant. (although I did notice a new one went in a few weeks ago, some sort of massage place I think).

TheRitsman · #57 Posted **Jan 17, 2023, 7:06 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheHonestMaple

Exactly my thoughts. Sure having retail at every building is good in theory, but we need the people to support the stores first. 101 Locke is a prime example. Most of the units are still siting vacant. (although I did notice a new one went in a few weeks ago, some sort of massage place I think).

The main issue is a supply and demand problem with retail. Because there are so few retail spaces, the units are really expensive, especially being new and sit for a long time. Toronto has had the issue where demand for commercial space is so high that only expensive franchise stores can hold many unit leases. More commercial space is good because it provides additional supply that can't be made up later. It also provides options for those living above and nearby houses to go to essential needs like dentist office, coffee shops, doctor's offices, tax offices without needing to drive, even if they have a car. I always want to see retail on first floor as a result and will continue to advocate for it. It should almost nearly be a requirement in all new multi-unit buildings on arterial roads, and I'd also like to see the occasional one in residential only areas too like you see in Toronto, Seattle, Vancouver and older areas of Hamilton.

TheHonestMaple · #58 Posted **Jan 17, 2023, 7:41 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheRitsman

The main issue is a supply and demand problem with retail. Because there are so few retail spaces, the units are really expensive, especially being new and sit for a long time. Toronto has had the issue where demand for commercial space is so high that only expensive franchise stores can hold many unit leases. More commercial space is good because it provides additional supply that can't be made up later. It also provides options for those living above and nearby houses to go to essential needs like dentist office, coffee shops, doctor's offices, tax offices without needing to drive, even if they have a car. I always want to see retail on first floor as a result and will continue to advocate for it. It should almost nearly be a requirement in all new multi-unit buildings on arterial roads, and I'd also like to see the occasional one in residential only areas too like you see in Toronto, Seattle, Vancouver and older areas of Hamilton.

I mean I would also agree with you, and I think having retail at grade is a good idea. There's really no harm in it, and at least it sorta 'future proofs' a building for population increases in the area.

Just sucks seeing Vranich type builds with retail at grade and no one renting it

TheRitsman · #59 Posted **Jan 17, 2023, 7:53 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheHonestMaple

I mean I would also agree with you, and I think having retail at grade is a good idea. There's really no harm in it, and at least it sorta 'future proofs' a building for population increases in the area.

Just sucks seeing Vranich type builds with retail at grade and no one renting it

That's just Darko being useless. He doesn't want the hassle of renting out units, and claims them at a loss for tax reasons. The rents are extremely high, and contacting them is next to impossible. I've spoken to my realtor friends about their commercial units and confirmed that they are very difficult to deal with, on purpose.

Chronamut · #60 Posted **Jan 17, 2023, 8:00 PM**

Really hope that 5 story jutout roof is going to be used for something - such a big space..

Those are some nice big balconies though- nice and deep - more balconies should be made deeper..