[SteelTown]

To market with a makeover
Big plans for making site more palatable

Plans to revamp the Hamilton Farmers’ Market — Canada’s oldest indoor market — include restoring the 1929 Birk’s clock, now outside Jackson Square, to make it a centre piece for a new gathering and activity area.

The plans for reconstruction by early 2009 are in two reports going to city council’s emergency and community services committee Tuesday. The downtown market project includes electrical, plumbing, window and structural upgrades as well as expanded special events areas for more cooking, nutrition and health classes and demonstrations, as well as live entertainment.

The city, which owns and operates the market, is hiring a project manager, who will then hire an architect for the job, says Anna Bradford, the city’s manager of culture. The remake is another stimulus for attracting more people downtown.

“It’s a great opportunity for downtown revitalization,” says Bradford, who is particularly pleased the plans call for it to be more of a gathering place.

This week’s opening of a new monthly outdoor market of artisans, artists, musicians and organic farmers on James Street North complements the Farmers’ Market nicely, she says.

“That whole James Street North area is fabulous … the more you make it (the area) a people place, the better it is.”

Bradford said the city is considering creating a space for weekend stalls for farmers who don’t have time to be at the market four days a week. There has been some criticism that the market vendors are no longer farmers.

Key design features include removing the ramps, redesigning the main entrance to give shoppers easier access to all levels, opening the market directly onto York Boulevard with public gathering places fronting the street, adding retail space on a new mezzanine and new elevators.

[SteelTown]

Sketches for the Hamilton's Farmers' Market

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/Appster/market.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/Appster/market1.jpg

[LikeHamilton]

dp.Ai Wins Commission for Hamilton Farmers Market and Central Library Renovation
January-28-2008

The City of Hamilton has formally announced that dp.Ai has been chosen to lead the Design Team to renovate the Farmers Market and Central Library Building on York Boulevard. The project will unfold concurrently with planned York Boulevard streetscape improvements and provides an opportunity to revitalize the area an important civic destination in Hamilton’s Downtown Core, This is an important renewal project for the City. Visit this website for updates on progress. The project will be delivered in association with rdh Architects from Toronto. Construction is planned to commence in 2009.

http://www.dpai.ca

David Premi
B.Arch, B.Tech, OAA, MRAIC, LEED AP
In the two decades following his education at Ryerson (1983) and Dalhousie (1985) Universities, David Premi was the project architect for many public buildings while employed by some of Toronto’s leading architectural firms. Most recently, these include the LEED Silver Plaza Building (2007) at Brock University with RDH and MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects, and Ryerson University’s Raymond Chang Centre for Continuing Education (2006) with RDH and Lett Architects. The latter won a 2007 OAA Award of Excellence.

David is a LEED Accredited Professional and an industry leader in sustainable design practices. He lectures at both Mohawk College and McMaster University in Sustainable Design and Construction Practices. In October 2007, David Premi was named as one of the “Faces of Change” of Hamilton.

David returned to his native Hamilton in 2005 to establish david premi Architect inc.

david premi Architect inc
101-75 Hunter Street
Hamilton, ON

Total Contract Price $ 660,000.00

[oldcoote]

would love to see a lot of glass incorporated. that concrete is too heavy.

[SteelTown]

Go to their website and check the proposal for Hamilton Artists Inc.

[the dude]

^hard to tell what's going on there. the website's kinda unfriendly, too.

[raisethehammer]

I've heard that the centre of the old Jerry's building needs to come down due to it being unsafe, so they are going to replace it with a large glass building (I assume that's the one being shown on that website) and a courtyard patio area for a restaurant to be located at the ground floor.
I hope they can pull it off. Would be an awesome addition to James North.

[DC83]

Go to their website and check the proposal for Hamilton Artists Inc.

http://www.hamiltonartistsinc.on.ca/intro.shtml ?? <--- this one?

[SteelTown]

^ No.....here I took a copy of the rendering from the website

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a382/hammer396/artist.jpg

I'd love to see something like that happen. It would totally brighten the area up with a video or screen like that on the glass walls.

[raisethehammer]

just found out that that architect firm didn't win the proposal for the Inc. I'm not sure if someone else won with a glass box idea or not...will try to find out.

[DC83]

^ No.....here I took a copy of the rendering from the website

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a382/hammer396/artist.jpg

I'd love to see something like that happen. It would totally brighten the area up with a video or screen like that on the glass walls.

Wow, that would be awesome! That corner definately needs something to brighten it up especially with colour! Let's hope it turns into that!

[raisethehammer]

found out that this architect firm is moving to Gore Park... 2nd floor above South Side menswear.

[LikeHamilton]

Farmers' market, library makeover slated for ’09

TheSpec.com -BY ERIC McGUINNESS

HAMILTON — The long-awaited facelift of the Hamilton Farmers’ Market — and the first two floors of Central Library above it — is to start early next year.

The man in charge says he wants to make both more visible and inviting, but is just starting to figure out how. Architect David Premi, who moved his practice from Toronto to Hamilton hoping to play a role in downtown renewal, has been named lead consultant for the $7-million library-market job.

“It’s exactly the kind of project I was hoping to get involved in,” Premi said after the city announced his selection yesterday.

“I’m very interested in the future of Hamilton and the core in particular. I can’t think of a more exciting opportunity.

“One of the biggest issues we have in the market and library, moreso the market, is that they are removed from the street because of the change in elevation, like the art gallery used to be.

We want to re-establish a connection with pedestrians and the street. That’s a primary objective here.”

The city expects to call for tenders late this year, start construction early next year and complete the work by summer 2010.

Central Library will remain open, but officials are looking for a place to relocate the market.

Staff say Central Library, which opened in 1980, needs updates to better serve more than one million people a year.

Ideas include putting a quick-pick collection on the ground floor, creating more social space, enlarging the children’s department and making visitors more aware of what’s upstairs.

Market shortcomings include lack of sufficient electrical and water service and an awkward two-level layout with ramps and escalators

[JT Jacobs]

found out that this architect firm is moving to Gore Park... 2nd floor above South Side menswear.

It's always great news to hear that professionals are occupying office space around the Gore. A very good sign, to be sure. The artists are always the pioneers in any urban renewal project; getting the professional classes to follow is the next step.

[JT Jacobs]

Sketches for the Hamilton's Farmers' Market

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/Appster/market.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/Appster/market1.jpg

Steeltown: where did you find these fine sketches? The project looks cool.

I'm so glad to hear of this project. I have fond memories of growing up in the Hammer and using this Library and then touring the market on Saturday mornings.

Done right, this area of downtown could become exceedingly vibrant. The traffic on York BLVD has to be calmed before this becomes a vibrant pedestrian zone, though.

[DC83]

Done right, this area of downtown could become exceedingly vibrant. The traffic on York BLVD has to be calmed before this becomes a vibrant pedestrian zone, though.

I believe part of the plans are to expand outside by incorporating removable glass panel windows, as well as adding stalls along York.
Once moved outside, traffic-calming measured would be implemented. However, nothing would slow traffic down like two-way conversion... which (sadly) is still years off.

Once two-way conversion happens along York & Cannon alike, this whole area will be a great outdoor/indy market area especially with the growing interest of an 'Asian-Town' along Cannon Street just north of the Farmer's Market.

When two-way conversion hits, this area will be the hottest Market in the country!

[JT Jacobs]

I believe part of the plans are to expand outside by incorporating removable glass panel windows, as well as adding stalls along York.
Once moved outside, traffic-calming measured would be implemented. However, nothing would slow traffic down like two-way conversion... which (sadly) is still years off.

Once two-way conversion happens along York & Cannon alike, this whole area will be a great outdoor/indy market area especially with the growing interest of an 'Asian-Town' along Cannon Street just north of the Farmer's Market.

When two-way conversion hits, this area will be the hottest Market in the country!

You're absolutely right. The market's proximity to James ST North, the waterfront, and a burgeoning China Town all present the right ingredients for a very cool urban market experience that I'm sure would thrive.

Sadly, as you note, the real spoiler of this show is the one-way expressways. What kills me about Hamilton is the Council's refusal to acknowledge an easy remedy to what primarily ails them: one-way streets.

I love the idea of the market spilling into the streetscape--just brilliant!

[HAMRetrofit]

On Sundays York St. should be closed to allow the market to spill out onto the street. Outdoor market vendors should have a permanent presence on the north side of York street.

[the dude]

^too bad the market's never open on sundays. one of my beefs with the market is its schedule. hopefully it'll be open more often when it re-opens.

[HAMRetrofit]

It knew it wasn't open Sunday. Neither is St. Lawrence. I wish both markets were open on Sunday...at least for the morning.

[RePinion]

Farmer's markets traditionally are not open on Sundays. It would be nice for convenience's sake if this would change though. So many people (and particularly large families) nowadays do their major grocery shopping on Sundays that the FM could surely benefit greatly by staying open, even on reduced hours.

[Millstone]

are there a lot of religious farmers?

[the dude]

is dirt a religion?

[FairHamilton]

are there a lot of religious farmers?

Yep, "No Sun Sales" doesn't mean no sales on sunny days.......

[SteelTown]

June 4th council will get a peek at the draft version of the latest rendering and plans for the Farmers' Market redevelopment. The Spec will probably have a copy.

[hamiltonguy]

According to some recent surveys I saw rural residents were more likely to believe in God than urbanites, so maybe there are a lot of religious farmers?

[SteelTown]

So yes the Farmers' Market is relocating to Jackson Square, a lease agreement will be made with Yale. March 2009 until August 2010. It'll be relocated within "Phase 4" of Jackson Square, I'm sure fastcar or realcity know where this is (next to Copps?).

[adam]

are there a lot of religious farmers?

It goes back to a short time ago when everything was closed Sundays.

[markbarbera]

So yes the Farmers' Market is relocating to Jackson Square, a lease agreement will be made with Yale. March 2009 until August 2010. It'll be relocated within "Phase 4" of Jackson Square, I'm sure fastcar or realcity know where this is (next to Copps?).

Phase four is the Standard Life Tower at the west end of the complex. There's retail space that runs along the south end of Copps Coliseum that has been closed off for several years now. JS's hallway with the cinema entrance used to continue west beyond the dollar store and connect with the northern end of the atrium area in the Standard Life Centre, leading to the Bay Street entrance to JS. The closed off area is probably going to be the temporary home of the Farmer's Market. I believe the old ice rink on the second level is still vacant. They may be planning to use it for the market as well.

[SteelTown]

That's the spot that they'll be relocating into. Demo starts soon before installing the stalls.

Phase 4 - 35,000 sq. ft. Immediately

Large area with direct access from Bay Street, Copps Coliseum and the Food Festival. This would be perfect for an anchor tenant with double (corner) visibility. The possibilities are endless! Call for a tour.

http://www.yalecanada.com/Jackson_Square.html

[astroblaster]

I believe the old ice rink on the second level is still vacant.

where is this? i don't remember it. when was it open?

[SteelTown]

That would be nice to have a skating rink over the relocated Farmers' Market.

[flar]

There's a dormant ice rink in Jackson Square?

[adam]

Wow, talk about a good idea Bratina had to keep city hall permanently at the city centre. The ice rink they were planning is already there too!

[bornagainbiking]

I still remember seeing the Edmonton Oilers doing a skating practiice in the West Edmonton Mall 20 plus yrs ago. Imagine the draw for tourists and all the local hotels downtown. During in town tournaments the kids could skate or warm up prior to a game or at night while the adults watched over a coffee. Sure would make this an ideal location for tournaments during the slow season.
Go Bob Go......

[markbarbera]

The ice rink was indoors on the second level of the Standard Life Centre. I don't even know if it is still there. I seem to recall hearing it was removed for a dance studio or something like that.

Bottom line, the space is privately owned and maintained by Yale, so its future use would be determined entirely by them. And the city has anything but a good working relationship with Yale.

[matt602]

I tried to find it many times but I wasn't able to. It is definitely shrouded in secrecy.

[markbarbera]

Wow, talk about a good idea Bratina had to keep city hall permanently at the city centre. The ice rink they were planning is already there too!

That's right, one of the first things to consider when moving City Hall to a shopping mall is whether or not the neighbouring mall has a rink.

[Gurnett71]

I tried to find it many times but I wasn't able to. It is definitely shrouded in secrecy.

I remember skating there once way back when. I seem to recall that you just had to take the escalators up from the mall level at the Standard Life Centre up to the next level...I believe it was just straight ahead after coming off the escalator. I think the passport office is up there now, but I haven't been up that way in eons.

[SteelTown]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/Aallen396/farmersmarket.jpg

[markbarbera]

You know, this looks great. That would actually make a pretty good permanent home for the market.

[adam]

That's right, one of the first things to consider when moving City Hall to a shopping mall is whether or not the neighbouring mall has a rink.

As I recall they wanted to include a public skating rink in front of city hall, no?

[markbarbera]

As I recall they wanted to include a public skating rink in front of city hall, no?

Adam, having a public skating rink outside of our current city hall is vastly different from having a city hall in an old shopping mall which is connected to another mall that happens to have a rink inside on the second floor.

[adam]

Adam, having a public skating rink outside of our current city hall is vastly different from having a city hall in an old shopping mall which is connected to another mall that happens to have a rink inside on the second floor.

You're right! Now what?

[bornagainbiking]

As mentioned before. For 4 yrs I walked right across the front of City Hall on my way to and from work. At times from 0600 to 2300 hrs.
I never saw any activity out there, well maybe the occasional rally for an hour or two. Especially during the day I never saw city employees sitting at picnic tables or near the fountain. I saw more bums sleeping on the benches on the NW corner.
The whole concept is no one ventures out of city hall.
With this Farmers market and it looks good. You will draw more downtown workers into the market.
This is a great addition for the people who live downtown and have no grocery store.
Maybe the opportunist will fill that void, and open something adjacent to the market as well as Denningers.
So a skating rink outside City Hall may not have any draw with no parking especially during the day if city hall was open. Nothing nearby or washrooms.

[SteelTown]

Hopefully once the current home of the Farmers' Market is renovated that this temporary location could be used as an Asian Market or something similar, the city is paying I believe $1 million through rents to pay for the renovation for the temporary location.

[IronWarrior]

I remember the skating rink in Jackson Square! I skated on it many Saturdays as a kid back in the early/mid 80's.

[SteelTown]

When you start to think about the location of the relocated Farmers' Market it would actually be a good permanent location. In front of AGH, future McMaster/School Board, likely to have LRT next to it, next to MacNab transit station, a few restaurants and a visible location, whereas with York the market is at the back of JS and tucked away.

[flar]

I think the ceilings are too low and there are too many walls in Jackson Square for the market. It needs to be in a more open environment.

[SteelTown]

Demo will start after Christmas and renovations until move in day, Feb 1. The entire expense to the city is $1.25 million for the relocation.

[matt602]

Sounds good to me. I'm glad this project is finally getting off the ground. JS is really transforming before our eyes these days. The new food court seating area is also done now too, and I think they made room for an additional 3 or 4 food vendors there.

[SteelTown]

Market revamp sends stalls to mall

December 08, 2008
Dana Brown
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/478618

Clay Eborall is ready for a change.

After 20 years of running the Bentford Orchards stall at the Hamilton Farmers' Market, Eborall is prepared to shift to a new temporary location in Jackson Square.

The multimillion-dollar renovation that will be done while businesses are relocated will be key to helping the market survive, he said.

"I think the market does need updating," said Eborall, who is also president of the market's stallholders association.

Eborall's optimism comes on the heels of city staff deciding where the market should be located during the renovations.

If council approves the move, the nearly 200 vendors will move to a currently closed-off spot in Jackson Square near the food court.

The 18-month lease will start March 1.

The location is not far from the current market, but not all vendors are happy.

There's worry about whether customers will follow stalls to their new locations and concern about where shops will be placed when they move back into the revamped market in 2010.

"Everybody think(s) it's too long to be out from here because we're going to lose our customers," said Flora Munoz, owner of Florsam International Fresh Produce.

Others, like Jorge Rodriguez, feel there hasn't been enough communication between the city and the stall owners.

"Nobody knows anything about anything in here," said the owner of Ercilia's Fine Foods.

In a report to city councillors, staff said they chose Jackson Square for a variety of reasons, including the fact it's close to the current market. The space was also large enough to accommodate the market and had multiple access points to keep the pedestrian flow from the market to the mall.

The rate for renting the space, $16.75 per square foot, is also below the current $20 to $40 per square foot to lease space in the mall.

"In order to stay competitive the infrastructure of the current market facility is in need of critical upgrades and renovation," the report said.

Renovations are slated to cost the city $7.7 million. Another $1.25 million is needed to relocate the stalls, bringing the total cost of the project to around $8.95 million.

The city is potentially $400,000 short. Although many vendors say they'd prefer not to move at all, some are resigned to the fact.

"We have to renovate it sometime," said Maria Materno, of Genuine's Bread House Bakery.

[ryan_mcgreal]

When you start to think about the location of the relocated Farmers' Market it would actually be a good permanent location. In front of AGH, future McMaster/School Board, likely to have LRT next to it, next to MacNab transit station, a few restaurants and a visible location, whereas with York the market is at the back of JS and tucked away.

Bruce Kuwabara proposed this very idea (http://raisethehammer.org/article/333) a few years ago.

[coalminecanary]

To the people who derisively talk about moving city hall, and the market, skating rink, etc into "old malls":

Open your minds. Moving civic services and civic places into these buildings transforms them from useless dilapidated ex-retail warehouses into thriving public spaces. In other words they are no longer malls.

The jackson square block used to be the public space in Hamilton. We can all agree that it does not work as a mall. It will probably never work as a mall. So why don't we take it over as public space again?

It will be interesting to see what the market looks like in its temporary home.

But it will also be interesting to see the renderings for the market renovation which I don't think have been released yet.

Regarding walls and ceiling heights, anyone who has been to the market in Halifax knows that the market can still be really interesting and vibrant even in the tightest of spaces!

[SteelTown]

Bruce Kuwabara proposed this very idea (http://raisethehammer.org/article/333) a few years ago.

It would be a dream to have Bruce transform Jackson Square.

[bornagainbiking]

Well, I loved to go to the market early Sat morning. but it is so easy to stay at home and have another coffee.
So this week had to go to get a few things.
I really enjoyed my trip. It was so personable and a great chance to meet smiling happy people with pride in their stalls.
Laughing and joking and even a detailed recipe and cheese lesson at Sam's. I will make an effort every Sat I am available to hit the market early. And one hour free parking to boot.
I wish it was two.
You tend to forget what service and happy staff are like by going to a no frills. Sure I paid a bit more but the quality was superb. Mmmmmm 7 yr old cheddar and so many samples to expand or explain the points.
This is something to see and experience. I saw so many locals with their shopping carts.walking So there is a need there.
Thank you Farmer's market for a experience that brightened my day and started me off in a positive direction. Even pickeded up a $1 Spec and a coffee and read it when I got home.
Hope to get back soon.

[SteelTown]

Mark this on your calendar......

January 10, 2009, 10:00 am (Saturday) - Opening Remarks & Presentation
Hamilton Public Library Auditorium

The City of Hamilton is planning to renovate both the Farmers’ Market and the Hamilton Public Library.

This public meeting will provide an opportunity for the public to review the final designs for the renovations. Architect David Premi will present a video simulation and artist renderings to illustrate the changes that will be made to the two downtown landmarks.

[SteelTown]

Designs Of New Farmer's Market To Be Unveiled
Ken Mann
1/8/2009

The public is about to get its first look at plans for a renovated Hamilton Central Library and Farmer's Market.

The designs of architect David Premi will be on display on Saturday morning in the library's auditorium.

The renovations will cost about 10.5 million dollars, and will include upgrades to the electrical, plumbing and heating systems at the market.

Library upgrades include a new reading atrium, a giant aquarium in the children's area and improvements in accessibility.

Farmer's market vendors will be moved to a nearby temporary location, a closed off section of Jackson Square, while the work is carried out.

It will begin this spring and is expected to take about 18 months to complete.

[SteelTown]

I heard maybe they'll be LED lights for the Public Library, which would be nice since it's a perfect building to have LED since it's stacked backed on each level.

That's one thing the city lacks, LED lights for buildings, the Right House would be killer, hopefully Lister Block, Connaught, and hopefully City Hall as well.

[NuclearNerd]

The press release makes no mention of bringing the farmers market out to York Blvd, or building a ground level platform or any of the suggestions I heard at last years public info session. I hope that doesn't mean they've been cut ($10 million isn't much). I won't be able to go, will someone report back here?

[SteelTown]

That's seperate. The City will redo the streetscape for York Blvd at the same time and that's where the market will come out to the street.

[SteelTown]

Anyone planning to attend tomorrow's unveiling of the Farmers' Market plans?

[FairHamilton]

^Considering it.

[SteelTown]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/Appster/hamilton_market_library_full.jpg

[SteelTown]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/Appster/farmers.jpg

[SteelTown]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/Appster/farmers1.jpg

[SteelTown]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/Appster/farmers3.jpg

[SteelTown]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/Appster/farmers2.jpg

[SteelTown]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/Appster/farmers4.jpg

[SteelTown]

Market and library designs "wow" Hamiltonians

January 10, 2009
BY ERIC McGUINNESS
The Hamilton Spectator

Stephanie Ross, who lives in Kirkendall Neighbourhood west of downtown Hamilton, was wowed by plans unveiled Saturday for a dramatic makeover of the Hamilton Farmers’ Market and ground floor of Central Library.

“I was really moved by the presentation. I cried,” she said.

“The architect has done an amazing job understanding the current problems in the market and coming up with a vision for downtown that is inspiring. It’s going to be a beautiful thing if they build it.”

Mayor Fred Eisenberger left little doubt city council will go ahead with the $7-million project, slated to start by late March and be finished by fall 2010.

Speaking to hundreds of people crowded into the library’s auditorium for a first peek at the renovation plans, the mayor said, “There is no better time to make strategic improvements in our downtown.”

In an apparent reference to the current economic recession, he said, “It’s more critical now than ever before to make investments to improve the quality of life downtown.”

Many others in the audience, while less emotional, shared Ross’s enthusiasm, but some stallholders aren’t happy about plans to replace the market’s two escalators with stairs and an elevator. Those with prime locations also worry about being moved.

Downtown Councillor Bob Bratina, who first visited the then-outdoor market with his grandmother to buy live chickens more than 50 years ago, told stallholders, “I guarantee you will all be proud of what we come up with.”

Bratina said the revamp will add a wow factor to the market and help “recapture the fun that there was 50 or 60 years ago,” a time downtown “was active and vibrant, not dark and empty.”

Jennifer Gautrey, chair of the Hamilton Public Library board, said there’s been little change in Central since it opened in 1980, but users now demand more computer access, multimedia materials and public space, needs that will be met in the renovation.

Premi, a Hamilton native who moved his family from Toronto to open an office here, calls the job “probably the most significant urban renwal project Hamilton has undertaken in the past 30 years.”

He says a glass curtain wall along York Boulevard, along with new glass walls inside, will make the market-library complex “about as transparent as a building can be.”

He said it will let library users and market shoppers see each other and be seen from the street "while filling the entire space with natural light."

A glass wall wrapping around the outside of Central Library and the Hamilton Farmers’ Market is the most striking feature of the facelift designed by architect David Premi.

The library’s first floor will stretch to the York Boulevard sidewalk, enclosing what library officials call a new community living room with comfortable seats, 50 public Internet stations and low bookshelves accessible from wheelchairs and scooters.

The wall, with colour-changing LED lights built in, will also create an indoor walkway and cafe connecting the library and market. Sliding glass panels will open the market to a widened sidewalk in summer.

A new staircase and glass-sided elevator will replace two escalators in the market, which will also gain an eating area, demonstration kitchen and sinks and refrigeration in each stall.

[coalminecanary]

considering what they have to work with, this looks pretty good. opening the wall between the market and the library will be great, and having street level stalls is essential.

i just wish they could blow some holes in the ceiling to bring light from above...

[thistleclub]

Looks good. Plays off the form of Copps a bit, lets in more light, and provides an excuse for getting rid of the oversized old-timey signage hanging like a guillotine over York. Plus: Panton chairs!

[SteelTown]

I like it. It's good that it'll link the Library and the Farmers' Market together. The glass wall is great especially with LED lights (need more in the city). I agree that I wish there were skylights but I'm guessing that would interfere with the JS rooftop patio.

It's good for $10 million.

[matt602]

Definitely a great design.

[SteelTown]

Would be nice to have the glass wall idea along Copps as well. Include the LED lights and perhaps a ticker along the wall for Copps to display upcoming events.

[flar]

The pictures look nice enough. I hope there are lots of entrances. Perhaps someday Copps Coliseum will be renovated to match?

[realcity]

It looks awesome. At least with the LED lighting the lights will be turned on at night. It's so dark down there now, mostly because most of the lights are burned out and I don't know who is responsible. I think LED lighting is always on, or at least not expensive?

Was Trevor Garwood-Jones responsible for the current building?

[SteelTown]

Dunno about the Farmers' Market but I think Garwood-Jones did the Public Library.

[hmagazine]

Dunno about the Farmers' Market but I think Garwood-Jones did the Public Library.

Anthony Butler was part of the team in charge of the library/market.

[hmagazine]

Would be nice to have the glass wall idea along Copps as well. Include the LED lights and perhaps a ticker along the wall for Copps to display upcoming events.

anything would be better than the billboard monstrosity they have now...

[markk]

I really like this design. I think it does a nice job bringing in some design elements that Hamilton could really use ... glass and LED lights.

I'm also impressed with the idea that the glass walls could open in the summer/spring to bring the market onto the street.

[SteelTown]

I also like the colour picked (lime green, yellow, pink, etc) for the market and library. Hamilton seems to be afraid of colour, we always pick bland or natural colour. One thing I like about Montreal is that they aren't afraid of colour.

[markbarbera]

Without looking at detailed designs, it looks like the Farmers Market will remain mostly below grade. IMO this is a bit of a disappointment. The York Blvd stretch should be at-grade if you want to effectively integrate the market with the street.

[hammergirl]

I like it.

[adam]

Without looking at detailed designs, it looks like the Farmers Market will remain mostly below grade. IMO this is a bit of a disappointment. The York Blvd stretch should be at-grade if you want to effectively integrate the market with the street.

I think that when you can see the market-goers from the street its safe to say its integrated. I got that info. from reading the article - last half.

[SteelTown]

Bigger and clearer renderings from RTH....

http://www.raisethehammer.org/images/new_market_render_01_lg.jpg

http://www.raisethehammer.org/images/new_market_render_02_lg.jpg

http://www.raisethehammer.org/images/new_market_render_03_lg.jpg

http://www.raisethehammer.org/images/new_market_render_04_lg.jpg

[matt602]

Is it just me or does the Birks clock look really out of place in the rendering?

[thistleclub]

Is it just me or does the Birks clock look really out of place in the rendering?

It's aesthetically anachronistic, sure... No historical link with the site and the only evident departure from the neo-'60s aesthetic of the rest of the project. But whatever. It wasn't a much better fit at King & James.

Where does the gym fit into this?

[SteelTown]

Is it just me or does the Birks clock look really out of place in the rendering?

Ah being located next to a modern all glass elevator doesn't help but at least it's inside. Maybe it should be relocated in the middle of the Library and the Farmers' Market.

[SteelTown]

Video of the renovation......

http://www.myhamilton.ca/myhamilton/CityandGovernment/ProjectsInitiatives/MarketandCentralLibraryRenos/video.html

[ryan_mcgreal]

Friendlier video of the renovation:

http://raisethehammer.org/blog/1202

[SteelTown]

Thanks!

[SteelTown]

Library, market renovations starting soon

February 19, 2009
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/516228

Hammers will be swinging at the downtown Farmers' Market and Central Library in just a few weeks as construction begins on renovations to the York Boulevard structures.

Timelines are not firm, but the city plans to close the main entrances to the library and the market. Access to both can be gained through Jackson Square.

The market will be closed for about five days in March and some vendors will be moved to temporary spots in Jackson Square. Library services will remain in operation, but the first floor will be closed.

Official plans for the project were unveiled in mid-January and new features will include additional spots in the library for reading and work areas and a larger section for young children.

Additions to the market include a "community kitchen" for workshops and more public seating. Road improvements to York between Bay and James streets will run in tandem with the upgrades, to be completed by fall 2010.

[ihateittoo]

I personally don't like the colour scheme. In my opinion the design is a little too fad based for a public space that won't be upgraded for decades. I feel as though, especially with the colour scheme and, from what I can guess will be shitty plastic, the "future" chairs in the new sitting area, certain elements in this project will make it feel as though it is "dated" by the time it's finished.

That being said I am a fan of the porject in general - just feel that the designers cheaped-out on the "expression aspects" that will of dictate the overall character of the market. But I guess we'll see in the end,

[SteelTown]

Market to move after the Easter season

March 16, 2009
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/530790

The move of the Hamilton Farmers' Market for renovations has been pushed back until April.

The market was supposed to be closed for about five days this month as vendors moved to another spot in Jackson Square.

But the new plans have the market moving after the traditionally busy Easter season. The market is now slated to be closed for several days starting Sunday April 12.

Vendors will be able to reopen on Thursday, April 23, in the market's new Jackson Square location, near Dollarama.

The renovations, which also affect the Central Library, are expected to be completed by Fall 2010.

The city is currently reviewing bids for the project and is expected to award the renovation in the next few weeks.

Library services will still be available during the renovation but the first floor will be closed.

Road work along York Boulevard, from Bay to James streets will be done in tandem with the renovation project.

[FairHamilton]

The city is currently reviewing bids for the project and is expected to award the renovation in the next few weeks.

I for one am surprised (though maybe I shouldn't be) that projects have not yet been awarded and the move was originally supposed to be happening this week.

[SteelTown]

They've likely already awarded a separate bid for demo/cleaning before construction/reno bids.

[realcity]

judging by the amount of work i saw going on to that section, im hopeful it stays open after this. It looks super big and nice to see all the way to the Bay st exit from the escalators

[SteelTown]

I also hope JS management will find a way to keep this section open after the market relocates back. Perhaps an independent arts and craft stalls?

[emge]

I personally don't like the colour scheme. In my opinion the design is a little too fad based for a public space that won't be upgraded for decades. I feel as though, especially with the colour scheme and, from what I can guess will be shitty plastic, the "future" chairs in the new sitting area, certain elements in this project will make it feel as though it is "dated" by the time it's finished.

That being said I am a fan of the porject in general - just feel that the designers cheaped-out on the "expression aspects" that will of dictate the overall character of the market. But I guess we'll see in the end,

i'm not a fan of it either - i was wondering if they were trying to incorporate a lot of those "ice cream' tones that are already in there and save costs?