Downtown Update

[jgrwatson]

The owners of Indian Buffet at Main/Caroline, who opened the sportsbar upstairs a few months ago, also own the site at Walnut/Main.

They are opening up a new resturant. The other one went under.

[thistleclub]

Maybe not the best way to neutralize misconceptions about the downtown core.

A Slice of the Downtown Core Community [United Way of Hamilton Burlington Blog, Aug 15, 2011]

What do you think is in store for Hamilton’s future?
I hope that the small business community continues to develop downtown. It’s doing a lot for the core as it fosters a strong sense of community. There has been a lot of talk about people buying buildings downtown to develop real estate, condos and businesses. I think that is exciting and hopeful for Hamilton’s future because it will bring more people into the core, which will allow it to develop and grow, and change the face of the community. There is so much to do down here, we just need more people to invest and help the city move forward.

What do you think are some of the city’s biggest challenges in getting there?
I think that Hamilton’s reputation sometime precedes itself and people tend to write it off before they even come here and get a chance to see the beautiful buildings, the shops, the restaurants, the parks. There are so many misconceptions about the downtown core that make people afraid to come down here – but if they would, they would see how much it really does have to offer.

If you could change one thing in Hamilton, what would it be?
It would be so great if Gore Park could be somewhere nice that you could go and sit and eat your lunch, and not be hassled or feel unsafe. They are working on that now, and the promenade is doing a good job of that, but Jackson Square seems to be a magnet for some questionable people that look like they are into some questionable activities. Even some of the shops in the mall seem ‘off.’ If we could revitalize Jackson Square, perhaps bring in some new stores, I am sure a different crowd would come along with it.

[Dwils01]

There were three things I noticed while I was in downtown today.

1. It looks like they have started to tear down the building at the southwest corner of Hess and King. the top floor is gutted and part of the roof is gone.

2. There is scaffolding on top of the Pigott Building. I guess they are fixing the facade of something like that.

3. There is excavation behind the Tim Hortons at King and Caroline. Is this for the large proposed development in the area? I got a picture of it.

[durandy]

is that the Staybridge going up?

[thompsdk]

It looks like the Piggott is getting the following:

- two (2) natural gas fired make-up air units, and two (2) natural gas fired hot water boiler units, having a maximum combined thermal input of 5,275,280 kilojoules per hour;
- one (1) standby diesel generator set, having a rating of 151 kilowatts, to provide power during emergency situations, and;
- one (1) cooling tower

via the Ontario Environmental Registry:

http://www.environet.ene.gov.on.ca/i...-8E4KTQ-14.pdf

[CaptainKirk]

Originally Posted by durandy

is that the Staybridge going up?

Yes.



http://www.thespec.com/news/local/ar...the-west-wing"

[Dr Awesomesauce]

^ Is that the corner of George and Caroline?

[bigguy1231]

Originally Posted by pEte fiSt iN Ur fAce

^ Is that the corner of George and Caroline?

Thats the location. Check out the spec article:http://www.thespec.com/news/local/ar...-the-west-wing

[bigguy1231]

Originally Posted by bigguy1231

I just noticed as I was driving by tonight that the signage is off La Dolce Vita at Main and Walnut. Not sure if they have closed for business or not.

Maybe someone with contacts in the area can find out whats going on.

There's an ad in the Mountain News this week for the new bar at this location. It's called Mirage Nightlife. It's advertising itself as a lounge, sportsbar and club.
Judging from the people I saw out front the other night they are catering to the hip hop crowd.

[SteelTown]

At the former Liaison College at John St South a new 85-seat restaurant will open, it's called "U Shao".

[LikeHamilton]

I noticed today that they are doing some work on the Pagoda Restaurant building. They have removed all of the windows on the top floor.

[flar]

^^it was like that when I visited Hamilton a couple weeks ago. I was a bit concerned until I learned that that building was sold to the same guy who is redoing Treble Hall. So it seems to be in good hands.

[matt602]

Yep he owns the Pizza Pizza downstairs as well. I think I read that he plans a restoration/renovation of Pagoda as well, at least the sign. The Pizza Pizza will probably stay the same as it's franchise standard.

[SteelTown]

Another rebirth downtown

It’s a bit rough around the edges, but it’s got great potential. It’s good for international students, theatre arts and a local church group.

And it’s VERY good for the downtown.

“We’re still moving in,” says Bob Glaister, new co-owner of the former Downtown Arts Centre building at 28 Rebecca St., which sold in April.

The primary user now is the Southern Ontario College, a private international high school previously located at 430 York Blvd. near Dundurn. Glaister and partner Brian Inglis also own the school.

The building, once the Salvation Army’s regional headquarters, is undergoing some renovations. Although primarily a school, the theatre and church are a perfect fit, say its owners. The school holds daytime classes Monday to Friday. The theatre is available for use evenings and Saturdays, and the New City Church uses it Sundays.

Although the downtown location was a major draw for Glaister and Inglis, the building’s facilities (gym, cafeteria, and theatre) sealed the deal.

“We like this area,” adds Glaister. “It’s coming back. The Supercrawl just happened. The downtown core has a pretty good vibe now.”

“We need to be competitive,” Glaister said. “We need the facilities…And the location is fantastic. The kids love Jackson Square. This location is close to the library and the main bus (terminal) at MacNab.”

It’s better for the students, many of whom used to have to take two buses to get to school, he said.

The building has been renamed The Citadel in honour of its past use.

“We want to refresh it with a new name and paint jobs,” said Glaister. “This building was (relatively) unused, a little run-down. If we kept the name, that greyish background would remain.”

http://www.thespec.com/news/local/ar...birth-downtown

[matt602]

Keep in mind that this "Southern Ontario College" is the same type of thing they tried to do at Scott Park, and failed at. I'm not terribly excited about it, these international high schools don't seem to do too well with the exception of Columbia College.

[Dwils01]

Harvest Burger was being demolished today.
Any idea as to what will be built there or is it going to be another empty lot.

[LikeHamilton]

Originally Posted by Dwils01

Harvest Burger was being demolished today.
Any idea as to what will be built there or is it going to be another empty lot.

An A&W!.............

[Dwils01]

I would have liked something bigger but at least it won't be an empty lot.
When it's complete I might even stop there a few times to get a burger and root beer.

[LikeHamilton]

It originally started life as an A&W around 40 years ago.

[ihateittoo]

oh wow, i really had high hopes they would keep aspects of the original structure - this is a bit of a disapointment. Drive-thru on king at bay?