News:
Demolition paves way for new downtown landmark
May 10, 2006
The City of Hamilton and CityHousing Hamilton have marked the beginning of redevelopment of a major downtown property. Mayor Larry Di Ianni, Ward 2 Councillor Bob Bratina and Ward 1 Councillor Brian McHattie, President of CityHousing Hamilton took part in a demolition ceremony at 87-89 King Street East, near John Street today. Construction of a new $2.1 million five storey residential and commercial complex is scheduled to begin this spring and be completed by early, 2007. Funding for the project will come from the City's Downtown Housing/Construction Reserve.
L to R: CityHousing Hamilton Board members June Noonan, Councillor McHattie, Vicki Woodcox and Peter Shafft standing in front of 87-89 King Street East.
Photo credit: Erin Mifflin, City of Hamilton.
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Once completed, the landmark building will house 16 residential apartment units and two store front commercial units. The monthly market rents for the apartment units will be in the $650-$700 a month range. The new building will replace a vacant, deteriorating building in the downtown core and enhance Downtown Hamilton's unique historical and architectural heritage.
”Projects of this nature show that affordable housing is a link, and not necessarily a final destination in finding shelter and security for individuals and/or their family,” said Councillor Brian McHattie, President of CityHousing Hamilton. “Providing an opportunity to transition to home ownership also enhances personal and long term financial stability for residents in our community who need it most.”
“It is my hope that this new housing project will be a catalyst for additional private sector reinvestment in our downtown,” said Mayor Larry Di Ianni. “As a City we remain committed to a healthy, vibrant downtown and this project goes a long way towards that goal.”
"I could paraphrase an advertising message and say the City is removing the blight one building at a time,” said Bob Bratina, Councillor – Ward 2. “This is proof to those who question that our Downtown is on the move, that the renaissance is underway. Our new building will bring even more life and vitality to a Downtown we can be proud of."
The new building will be registered as condominium, which will provide flexibility to transition tenants to ownership at a future point in time.
The design of the building is in keeping with the overall streetscape, land use, urban design and architecture of the existing buildings in the Gore Park area. |
