Rendering.....
Condo developer wants to raze heritage homes
August 24, 2007
Nicole Macintyre
The Hamilton Spectator
(Aug 24, 2007)
When structures of the past stand in the way of future development, can there be a compromise that respects new and old?
A plan to demolish three downtown houses of heritage interest to make way for condos is slowly winding its way through City Hall. It landed yesterday in front of the city's heritage committee, which was less than enthusiastic about the project's attempt at "symbolic conservation."
The developer, Alokin at Hunter, wants to tear down the pocket of homes in the shadows of highrises on Hunter Street just west of Bay Street to build a 64-unit, 11-storey condo building. Council has already approved a $1.3 million loan to help the building move ahead.
The $20-million project, which was set to start in November, includes plans for a lower front storey to maintain the current streetscape. Historic features, like fireplaces and banisters, from the homes will also be kept for the lobby.
A heritage consultant hired by the builder ruled the homes, which date back to 1860, 1890 and 1917, were not significant enough to demand preservation.
"We've gone the extra mile," said architect Rick Lintack.
But tearing down a historical property to build a highrise with a "heritage door" isn't a compromise at all, argued committee member Michael Adkins.
"If this goes through, we're going to set a nasty precedent."
Adkins would prefer to see the owner restore the homes, now divided into 11 apartments, as single family homes or maintain the buildings as part of the project.
"They could work with it ... if they weren't so greedy."
Mark Janjic, whose family has owned the property since the '60s, recoils at the word "greed." While the group is "ambitious," they are also investing money in the downtown, he said.
"That makes my blood boil ... I think we're doing something good for the neighbourhood."
The project has the support of downtown Councillor Bob Bratina, who argues it meets the city's goal of bringing more people to live in the core. The three houses likely wouldn't be missed, either, he said.
"I'm not sure what history will be lost ... they're basically an island among highrises."
A heritage advocate himself, Bratina said it's important to be selective about what properties are worth going to the wall for. This one isn't, he said.
Anne Charlton, chair of the heritage committee, agrees it's important to pick your battles.
"This is a real toughie," she said, explaining the houses embody old Hamilton. "I also understand that you can't keep everything. Each one of these is a heartbreaker."
At the very least, she wants the developer to bring back a design that doesn't just offer "token" heritage features. The committee voted to defer the issue to their next meeting to give the builder time to meet with local community members.
Janjic said the project is already costing more because of the added heritage elements.
"We've jumped through all of the hoops."
His father, Nic, is more pointed about what could happen to the project if the heritage committee puts up a fight.
"We're going to scrap it and let it burn."
Linear Mode
