Regency on Main | ?m | 26 & 12 fl | Completed 2017

[ScreamingViking]

Originally Posted by Dr Awesomesauce

Any thoughts on what might go into the ground floor of the old Federal Building/ Bella Towers? It's a really big space. Given Vranich's recent opening of a Starbucks, I feel quite confident that he'll fill that space with something decent. Any preferences? Dreams? MEC ain't gonna happen. We know that already.

Would Shoppers Drug Mart move across the street into a more modern space? (I've never been in the one at Main and Hess - is it big inside?) Or a competitor like Rexall? (though they're in Jackson Square)

Williams Fresh Cafe?

A chain restaurant?

A bookstore?

That stretch of Main has been so devoid of retail, it's hard to imagine what might go in there. I'm not sure it would be affordable for smaller independent retailers, like the kind on King W.

[Dr Awesomesauce]

Yeah, there's the rub. While it's a great big space, there's very little foot traffic in that immediate area and the traffic's moving too fast to really notice anything that might move in there. It's really hard to say what might work. Perhaps nothing until Main is slowed down. He may also wait until the adjacent block gets underway and perhaps work in conjunction with those developers. Dunno...

But getting back to your suggestions, perhaps a bookstore/ cafe would best suit that space. A gym maybe? Either would be well-patronised by people living in the towers.

[coalminecanary]

Lcbo

[CaptainKirk]

Originally Posted by coalminecanary

Lcbo

Heard that the LCBO may move within Jackson Square, closer to Nations Fresh.

[coalminecanary]

Heard the same - also heard Dundurn LCBO is closing.

I'm just brainstorming large retailers who have no specific need for foot traffic :-)

[movingtohamilton]

Originally Posted by CaptainKirk

Heard that the LCBO may move within Jackson Square, closer to Nations Fresh.

Hope this happens. The last time I heard a rumoured move and asked LCBO, the answer was no, we're not moving.

Store needs to be much bigger, with better hours.

[movingtohamilton]

Originally Posted by coalminecanary

Heard the same - also heard Dundurn LCBO is closing...

Have to think Dundurn is a solid money-maker for LCBO, given the neighbourhood. Store is too small, imo.

[coalminecanary]

Every LCBO is a solid moneymaker for the LCBO haha - the rumour I heard is they want a bigger store... obvious solution is the main floor of 220 dundurn :-)

[ScreamingViking]

Originally Posted by coalminecanary

Heard the same - also heard Dundurn LCBO is closing.

I'm just brainstorming large retailers who have no specific need for foot traffic :-)

Closing to move into a bigger building, or pulling out of the area for good? Even though Jackson Square is not far, that would leave a big gap in west Hamilton (which must be a lucrative trade area for the LCBO)


Other ideas for Vranichville:
- A bank or credit union
- Staples
- Sleep Country or a home decor store
- electronics store
- dentist, optometrist, chiropractor, etc.

That's all starting to sound very big-boxy. But the area will become more attractive to certain retailers that don't have a nearby presence, with the recent developments, potential for more condos and infill, and demographic shifts downtown.

EDIT: And I know we're still in the early days of change and there's a lot of uncertainty about what may happen next, but things do seem to be starting to roll. Even some attitudes and the level of skepticism seem to be changing.

[HillStreetBlues]

Originally Posted by coalminecanary

Heard the same - also heard Dundurn LCBO is closing.

I'm just brainstorming large retailers who have no specific need for foot traffic :-)

I read this rumour in an article in the Spec about the Girard construction on Chatham Street, but have never read it anywhere else. I have heard it from people the last few months, and am not sure where it comes from. Where did you hear it?

Not purely for selfish reasons, I hope this does not happen. I do not think the store is too small; I do, however, think that the amount of vehicle traffic it generates should suggest that they need another location somewhere in West Hamilton. If this one closes, the gap will be very large, and the area will be under-served.

[Dr Awesomesauce]

All these potential issues with the LCBO are easily rectified - do away with it once and for all and allow supermarkets and corner stores to sell beer, wine and spirits. Time for Ontario to take the plunge and do away with its prohibitionist/ Presbyterian past.

Sorry - different discussion for a different thread. Now back to our regularly scheduled programming.

[HillStreetBlues]

Originally Posted by Dr Awesomesauce

All these potential issues with the LCBO are easily rectified - do away with it once and for all and allow supermarkets and corner stores to sell beer, wine and spirits.

This sort of system only happens in free countries.

[Innsertnamehere]

^ thats a bit sensationalist..

[Dr Awesomesauce]

Actually, even in countries ruled by authoritarian regimes, people can still go to the supermarket to buy a bottle of wine. But not here...we'd abuse that privilege. ;-)

[HillStreetBlues]

It was a joke.

And I do apologize. Dr. Awesomesauce is correct, and I wouldn’t want to lump us in with societies ruled by benevolent dictators who trust their subjects enough to buy and sell beer to each other.

[urban_planner]

Originally Posted by Dr Awesomesauce

Any thoughts on what might go into the ground floor of the old Federal Building/ Bella Towers? It's a really big space. Given Vranich's recent opening of a Starbucks, I feel quite confident that he'll fill that space with something decent. Any preferences? Dreams? MEC ain't gonna happen. We know that already.

A Keg Milestones, something higher end. Earls would be nice, It would save having to go to Burlington.

[Dr Awesomesauce]

^Yes. That would definitely augment what's on offer in Hess Village.

[CaptainKirk]

Originally Posted by urban_planner

A Keg Milestones, something higher end. Earls would be nice, It would save having to go to Burlington.

Is 28 Lister Chophouse Grill comparable?

http://28lister.com/

[drpgq]

What about the Jackson LCBO moving into the old Grand & Toy slot. A lot bigger than present, with a door to the street.

[Pearlstreet]

Originally Posted by drpgq

What about the Jackson LCBO moving into the old Grand & Toy slot. A lot bigger than present, with a door to the street.

So a line up prior to opening down the street instead is what would happen lol.