Hamilton new Arena and Convention Centre

[ScreamingViking]

Originally Posted by King&James

I like the plan to build kitty corner to FOC , do 10,000 sq ft and convert FOC into an expanded convention centre. Not sure what happens to EF building, sell it and convert to hotel, move provincial office space to somewhere in JS.

What do you mean by "EF building"? The diagonal block has the former SJAM school and a small co-generation power plant (which should be compatible with an arena)

[Gurnett71]

Originally Posted by ScreamingViking

What do you mean by "EF building"?

Think they mean the Ellen Fairclough Building.

[ScreamingViking]

Ah, that makes sense. I was thinking spaces only related to an arena move.

Re: the tower, the province does need local offices for various activities but perhaps they'd see savings in a move out and sale of the asset or reduction in their leased space if the city owns the building.

The existing convention centre could be sold and repurposed, but it could also remain as some kind of a private event facility; I think those spaces are in demand even if a larger new building comes on-line downtown. Much of it lies to the side of Fairclough though... so it may also be possible to demolish a large portion and build new on that site: https://goo.gl/maps/fdssSnhKENC9nEDs9

[thistleclub]

Originally Posted by ScreamingViking

Re: the tower, the province does need local offices for various activities but perhaps they'd see savings in a move out and sale of the asset or reduction in their leased space if the city owns the building.

That site, entering off of what is essentially a subterranean tunnel, might be a hard sell. Government services are less sensitive to aesthetic considerations.

The municipality could amalgamate various downtown resources to within a block of City Hall.

It has a substantial footprint in the City Centre: Audit Services, By-Law, Budget & Taxes, Forestry, Horticulture, Licensing & Permits, Municipal Law Enforcement, Roads & Maintenance, & Waste Management all call 77 James North home.

If that building sells to be redeveloped, the City may be looking for somewhere new to hang their hat.

[King&James]

Originally Posted by Gurnett71

Think they mean the Ellen Fairclough Building.

Yes, thanks sorry for short form.

[King&James]

It's a bit of a dog's breakfast, but with some imagination and brick removal, the king street frontage could become animated again.

If FOC were converted to new convention centre, some great opportunities to introduce some residential to that footprint. JS needs a resident population.

[ScreamingViking]

Opening up the AGH to King made a big difference (nevermind the total makeover... she became a completely new building!)

As much as I appreciate many of Garwood-Jones' designs in the city, I really don't understand his penchant for hiding the entryways.

[Dr Awesomesauce]

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[Dr Awesomesauce]

Originally Posted by ScreamingViking

Opening up the AGH to King made a big difference (nevermind the total makeover... she became a completely new building!)

As much as I appreciate many of Garwood-Jones' designs in the city, I really don't understand his penchant for hiding the entryways.

Some things are inexplicable. I does seem to have been a design trend, though. I believe it was Wright, many decades before, who first started placing the entrance to homes, in particular, off to the side as opposed to facing the road. Perhaps the post-modern type buildings are a continuation of this trend.

I'd love to see a re-imagining of that area ie Commonwealth Square, the EF building, etc. I really don't think it's that hard to imagine Summers Lane being a more inviting little street. A seven-year-old could manage that!

Summers Lane: https://www.google.com/maps/@43.2562...7i16384!8i8192

[king10]

Originally Posted by Dr Awesomesauce

Some things are inexplicable. I does seem to have been a design trend, though. I believe it was Wright, many decades before, who first started placing the entrance to homes, in particular, off to the side as opposed to facing the road. Perhaps the post-modern type buildings are a continuation of this trend.

I'd love to see a re-imagining of that area ie Commonwealth Square, the EF building, etc. I really don't think it's that hard to imagine Summers Lane being a more inviting little street. A seven-year-old could manage that!

Summers Lane: https://www.google.com/maps/@43.2562...7i16384!8i8192

Pretty sure the City is starting on a big reno of Summers Lane in short order.

[Dr Awesomesauce]

Hopefully they intend to open it up somewhat.

[realcity]

I like Summer's Lane the way it is. I use it as a shortcut to JS instead of walking along Bay St.