[DC83]

Since the "Downtown Update" section of a certain website has been missing for a while, I thought I would start one here!

We could dedicate this thread to new food / drink / retail shops in the core and inner-city.

I always like checking out new places as they open so I have something to suggest to friends and family when they visit me (and others) downtown.

So update away!!!

[SteelTown]

It's not in the downtown area but in the west end. It looks like construction for Camco building is about to start and there's a fresh new CAMNET rendering sign out on the property too, just went up. It's a huge sign so you can't miss it. So it appears construction has started for the layout.

It looks like the Camco building will be connected with the new CAMNET building as currently they are ripping a hole on the side of the Camco building to where the future CAMNET will go.

I guess I better make a McMaster Innovation development thread later.

[ihateittoo]

i heard a rumour that everyones favourite or second favourite* viet-thai restaurant PHO BEN THANH has been renovated in the last couple weeks and is apparently very nice looking inside.

*I base this on the fact that opinion is worth more than others.

[ihateittoo]

Also my favourite food court in Hamilton has been getting a lot of new development lately. The Hamilton City Centre food court has had three major additions since the city began moving in. And two are relatively big chains, a new country style, a hasty market (cigar store platform) and a new restaurant where the former breakfast place was. I am guessing this is more just a response to the city moving in but, it's nice to see some new development and a totally full food court.

It is the best food court because it contains so many styles: Mexican, Persian, Caribbean, Chinese, Italian and Greek and they are all mom and pop style shops, so there is no asking the manager about allowing for special orders.

[SteelTown]

Just to let you know there'll be an announcement soon about CANMET, as a hint the new huge sign out front of Camco is covered now and waiting to be unveiled. Also it looks like the city is currently building the Frid St extension.

[raisethehammer]

what is the Frid St extension??

[SteelTown]

Frid Street extension will go from where Frid St currently ends (a deadend) to Longwood Road. Basically spilting the Innovation Park in half.

[DC83]

The new Shawarma place I was talking about at John/Jackson beside Tailgate Charlies... wow this street is really picking up, eh? Think it has anything to do w/ two-way conversion? ;)

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b270/DC_83/DSC04399.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b270/DC_83/DSC04398.jpg

[DC83]

Lots of new (or newer) stores on KingWest

the urban clothing shop rth was mentioning. Not open yet, but it looks like they're setting it all up.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b270/DC_83/DSC04410.jpg


a Christmas junk store? Has some nice decorations tho

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b270/DC_83/DSC04411.jpg


Flatspot Skate Shop (not "new" but newer). They were originally located on JamesNorth

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b270/DC_83/DSC04412.jpg


Some wireless store

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b270/DC_83/DSC04413.jpg

[DC83]

And The Jump Off on KingEast (at John)
It's not new, but they've done a REALLY nice job inside this place. I'm starting to like the guys who are running this shop. They like to set up streetfront stores in urban settings. Next time ur walking by, step in and check out the inside! They have awesome chandaliers too.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b270/DC_83/DSC04414.jpg

[the dude]

lots of good things happening downtown. i do take issue with those dudes at the jump off. that sort of signage should be illegal in this city. a beautiful old building and they've covered it with an ugly sign that reeks of desperation.

[Cambridgite]

I kind of like it actually. It makes it look kinda funky, like Queen Street near MuchMusic in Toronto. It's the kind of store that will draw young people downtown.

[raisethehammer]

by the way, that "christmas junk store" is a great florist. just happens to be decorated up for christmas right now.
the old chandeliers at Jump Off are from the old arcade that used to be in there.
Yea, I hate those big banners. some nice apartments could go up there.

[the dude]

i wasted many a quarter in the two arcades that used to be on that block: the palace and...can't remember. they were seriously seedy. downtown is so tame today in comparison.

[DC83]

I'm not a huge fan of the vertical posters for The Jump Off either, but they couldn't apts up there anyway as the upper levels are retail too!

[raisethehammer]

really? it's a 3 level store? sweet, if that's the case.

[DC83]

really? it's a 3 level store? sweet, if that's the case.

I don't know about 3? 2 for sure. 3rd is prolly like storage.

[the dude]

almost overnight, a new cafe has opened on james north called 'bailey's.' it's in that block across from the church near colbourne. i'll try to get a picture of it. looks good.

[raisethehammer]

yea, it looks awesome...I saw that.

by the way, I have it on good authority that 'downtown update' will return to RTH tonight.

any menu for Bailey's?

[flar]

I was just down there taking pictures last week and I didn't even notice a new cafe was opening.

[DC83]

by the way, I have it on good authority that 'downtown update' will return to RTH tonight.

yay!!

[SteelTown]

I got to meet an architect (from Curran Architects in Hamilton) tonight at a Christmas dinner at Old Mills. I'm tired right now but he had a lot of good things to say!

During dinner I got stuck with a table that had a Brain surgeon, her husband who is an architect, Head Scientific Director, his wife, a new Principal Investigator on Stem Cells from England and his wife who happens to run Hillfield Strathallan College. Gawd I was out of the loop haha but thankfully the architect was next to me as we pretty much talked about downtown Hamilton all night, thank you god! Haha.

[SteelTown]

So yea the guy from Curran Architects helped save the Lister Block and so we probably talked over an hour about the Block and he said renovation should begin in the Spring.

He's from Hamilton but lived in Toronto for 10 years and just recently moved to Dundas along with his wife, brain surgeon that got recruited to McMaster. Curran Architects hired him because he specialize in residential hi rise and they are predicting condo craze will hit Hamilton soon.

He predicts downtown Hamilton will be turning the corner in a big way soon. He himself is in his 30s and said people like him young professionals and young adults are what is going to change the downtown core with residential hi rise.

The guy was surprised I knew so much about the downtown and heritage buildings that we're gonna keep in contact!

It was the most intimidating dinner I ever had but it was worth it.

[SteelTown]

So yes Best Buy is indeed looking at downtown downtown Hamilton haha. They did look at Centre Mall but nope apparently they couldn't get the big box size that they needed. They are also looking at Eastgate.

[raisethehammer]

who told you this?
Jackson square I would assume?? please don't tell me it'll be one of their 'new' buildings.

[Berklon]

Hopefully Best Buy will be located in an existing building instead of building a massive big box design.

That said, I think a Best Buy is a great addition to downtown. It's the type of store that does well with college/university students and 20 and 30-something professionals.

[SteelTown]

A friend of mine works at Best Buy, worked there for over 2 years now, and she wanted me to work there part time over the Xmas rush, but I declined.

If they go to Eastgate they'll likely replace the current Future Shop with Best Buy, that's why they are going to do with Meadowlands at Ancaster next year.

If they come to the downtown area they'll likely build a place as apparently they are looking for a huge box, Centre Mall couldn't give them a bigger big box for their Best Buy.

[the dude]

here's bailey's. don't think it's open yet. no menu posted so i don't know what they'll be serving.
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/the_dude1974/IMG_0541.jpg

[the dude]

work progressing on this cafe in the village. shouldn't be too far off now.
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/the_dude1974/IMG_0534.jpg

[the dude]

after years downtown, skinner optical has gone bye byes.
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/the_dude1974/IMG_0538.jpg

and guess where they've gone...
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/the_dude1974/IMG_0539.jpg

i'm sure they were rather unhappy about the methadone clinic opening across the street. that's never good for business.

[flar]

Best Buy would be a good addition to the downtown area. If it was at Centre Mall it might have put a dent in EHR's business. But downtown doesn't have anything decent electronics stores (little computer stores like Starspark should be okay because they sell a greater variety of parts for lower prices than best buy, which focuses on complete computers.)

btw, I've increased Hamilton's population by one!

[SteelTown]

^ Hey! Congrats on being a dad and Mrs. flar as well! boy or a girl? :dancing:

[raisethehammer]

awesome news Flar. congrats!

If Centre Mall couldn't give best buy a big box, then we sure as heck better not downtown either, unless it's in an existing building.

that optical place on john has had that sign up for a long time.

i suppose some people follow them out to the burbs...if a business I shop at ever closes and posts a sign that they are moving out of downtown I just shrug and say "ok, time to find another place to do that".
I wouldn't dream of following them out to no-man's land. whatever they are selling/doing isn't irreplacable.

[flar]

Thanks guys. It's a girl, Mrs. Flar and baby Flar are doing fine

[BCTed]

awesome news Flar. congrats!

If Centre Mall couldn't give best buy a big box, then we sure as heck better not downtown either, unless it's in an existing building.


Downtown Hamilton would be extremely lucky to get a Best Buy in any building.

[beanmedic]

I'm not sure where this building is, and I'm not sure where to post this, but this is from Randy Steele's photo blog:

it sat dormant for decades, but now a couple of toronto developers have seen the light: they're preparing to resurrect hamilton's historic foster building. this will be the city's first live/work space. you have your office in one part and live in the other. there are seven units just like this--each one about 2000 square feet. the downtown units will reportedly sell for somewhere in the area of 350-thousand.

http://steelecitysnapshots.blogspot.com/2007/12/it-sat-dormant-for-decades-but-now.html

[matt602]

I'm honestly not really opposed to Best Buy having a location in the downtown that is big box. It is still a big name store that is going to bring a ton of patronage back to the downtown, regardless of the shape or type of building. I don't think it will be all that damaging to the surroundings either, hell there's meth clinics and halfway houses downtown that somehow blend in with their surroundings more or less fine, a big box store isn't going to bring the rapture.

[DC83]

Foster Bldg sounds so familiar... just can't put a picture to it's name.

But if their big box was too "big" for Centre Mall, then where the hell is it going to fit downtown? And with no parking??? Ya right! Unless the city forces them to build an underground garage or parkade or something.

Only land big enough would be the wasteland of lots in the area behind (north of) Int'l Village. Either that or Meth Alley (Ferguson North)?

[SteelTown]

Victoria Hall and the MacKay building, together referred to as the Foster building.

[beanmedic]

Victoria Hall and the MacKay building, together referred to as the Foster building.

Now that I didn't know. confusing, but good news. should somebody make a new thread?

[DC83]

Victoria Hall and the MacKay building, together referred to as the Foster building.

Thank you Mr. Informative! Wow... that I didn't know either. Now I'm even more excited about it.

ps: I didn't realize Randy Steele was so... well one of us!? haha What's he doing on CHCH then? He's too good for that place!

[raisethehammer]

Downtown Hamilton would be extremely lucky to get a Best Buy in any building.

no we wouldn't.

[raisethehammer]

I'm not sure where else to post this, so I'll do it here.
There's a new rendering up today on Cannon at the site of the Asian Business Centre.
Honestly, it looks pretty darn good for a 2-storey. better than the original rendering.

[HAMRetrofit]

Yes it would be lucky to have Best Buy.

Downtown Hamilton needs to increase capacity across every retail platform S-M-L-XL if it is ever to have any kind of regional consumer or population draw. Draw in the maximum amount of uses within a tight area and don't discriminate.

[raisethehammer]

yes, in an exciting, properly built urban form.
Not like a mini-Meadowlands hell hole.

[raisethehammer]

more general info that I'm not sure where to post.
I noticed last night that there are lights on the top of the new apartment building on Strathcona. Nothing spectacular, but they look neat.

[DC83]

more general info that I'm not sure where to post.
I noticed last night that there are lights on the top of the new apartment building on Strathcona. Nothing spectacular, but they look neat.

I like when bldgs do that!
You can even see the 100 Main Christmas "Tree" from HWY403 thru Aldershot. Very neat!

My bldg, however, has yet to put up it's lights!

[raisethehammer]

I wish more buildings in the city would put lights on them.
Harry Stinson mentioned this...get some cheap LED lights on Pigott and other downtown towers. would really brighten up the city. I realize Stelco Tower is half empty, but why not blaze that thing in purple or blue light at night. would look awesome.

[markbarbera]

Agreed. It's not a large building, but that accounting office atMain and Hughsin looks great lit up for the holidays.

[raisethehammer]

great news here:

http://www.investinhamilton.ca/pdf/MR-Banko0907a.pdf

nice to hear of a downtown business in the creative field with double digit growth, commitment to downtown AND the rave reviews of the downtown renewal department.

most of all, notice the difference in the attitudes of the banks compared with a few years ago....I'm hearing this a lot more downtown now.
Heck, the guy who owns Irvings Famous Clothing on James North just had to hire a new employee...he told downtown renewal that it was the first time in over a decade that he's experienced increased business like this.

[raisethehammer]

now, for some REALLY exciting news.

I cancelled my Spec subscription today!! lol.

My wife was like, "it's about time. you hate reading it".
she was right....as usual. haha.

[beanmedic]

Foster building:

I wonder if they are going to replace this: http://steelecitysnapshots.blogspot.com/2007/12/some-of-original-wallpaper-still-lines.html

[raisethehammer]

wow...beautiful. I'd love to live there.

[matt602]

I've been in there many times and I can't even recall where that is...

[raisethehammer]

FYI...tomorrow night is the annual Christmas tree lighting in Gore Park.
I think it's sometime around 5 or 6pm.
always a fun event to check out with live music, rides for the kids etc....

[raisethehammer]

I noticed today that the downtown area has nifty new lights for Christmas...blue and white stars. looks sweet.
it's about time they updated their Christmas decor. should look nice tonight once everything is lit.

[matt602]

I was going to go to the tree lighting with a friend but as fate would have it I got struck with a horrible case of food poisoning or something this morning.

Oh well, I guess I'll see it next time I'm down there.

[raisethehammer]

it looks great...they've definitely made improvements.
I hope the BIA people were there to see the crowd. It was by far the biggest yet.
huge lineups of kids for the rides and a good crowed for the canadian idol guy.

I took a real good look around the fountain and I do believe that an ice rink could go around the fountain...it would be so cool to have that down there.
It's amazing to me to be in the Gore on a cold winter night and have thousands of people all enjoying downtown...tons of people in Jackson SQ and PAM's...infusions was packed, Mahal was packed etc....
we had dinner at the Forbidden City...King St was downright bustling.

The downtown BIA needs to realize that with regular events and a permanent closure of the south leg of King we could see downtown turn around in a huge way. being there tonight definitely sold me on the idea...the amount of people was awesome. I said to my wife "it feels like we're in a proper downtown full of life".

It could be that way all the time if that BIA board wasn't so obsessed with parking lots.

[beanmedic]

I wish I had this view from my living room http://steelecitysnapshots.blogspot.com/2007/12/downtown-view-out-side-windows-of.html

[raisethehammer]

wow...those units are going to sell quick. what a great building.

[DC83]

La Boca

It seems there's lots of work happening on the inside of the old La Boca restaurant on Jackson @ Catherine.
There's been huge bags of stuff being thrown out almost on a daily basis, there's been lights on during the evenings, and there were Duct ppl there today (I'm assuming) working on the duct work there.

Anyone know what's going on? New restaurant? Residential conversion?

[SteelTown]

I believe that building got approved for the residential loan program.

[DC83]

I believe that building got approved for the residential loan program.

kewl. Well I'll keep an eye out and see what's going on.

Anyone know about Gallagher's on Augusta @ John? Their renos are done, there are tables set up, and they've got their server's computer systems up. So what's taking it so long to open? Staffing?

[raisethehammer]

no, they were finished and then the building dept told them they need sprinklers.
information that would have helped a little earlier.

[coalminecanary]

i'll help them install sprinklers for the price of future free pints. i live just down the road and i have time off over christmas. i'm not a pro or anything but i'm pretty handy at most renovation stuff. pass my message along :-)

[DC83]

^^ hahaha sweet! If they allowed that, there'd be a line up along augusta all the way down to Walnut! "FREE PINTS!?!" haha

Well can't wait to check this place out. I hope they post their menu soon.

[BCTed]

no, they were finished and then the building dept told them they need sprinklers.
information that would have helped a little earlier.

Information that they should have tried to obtain a little earlier.

[DC83]

Information that they should have tried to obtain a little earlier.

hahaha Ya, really. You think a development of any sort would realize it needs sprinklers!? haha

As for this store, it's new but not completely.
I believe it's the old H-Town Connections shop that used to be at Agusta/John in Corktown.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b270/DC_83/DSC04410.jpg

[raisethehammer]

if anyone has a camera and is downtown tonight or tomororw, snap some pics with all this beauty snow. looks awesome!

[raisethehammer]

by the way, I know folks who own restaurants/cafes downtown. We were chatting about the sprinklers thing. they all said that when renos start, the building department comes by and gives them the list of everything they'll need to do.
Apparently in this case, they didn't mention sprinklers until after everything was done, so there is some contention between the owners and the city regarding some financial costs of redoing some of the renos etc....
hopefully they work it out and get this place open. It looks great.

[coalminecanary]

Not sure if this is "news" but the london tap house has the scaffolding down. i didn't have a camera with me but all of the exterior looks complete... they did a great job

[DC83]

This is apparently a Bistro called BCE Bistro or something along those lines.
They had the name painted on the window w/ some art work.

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/the_dude1974/IMG_0331.jpg
Props to TheDude for the pic

[DC83]

La Boca

It seems there's lots of work happening on the inside of the old La Boca restaurant on Jackson @ Catherine.
There's been huge bags of stuff being thrown out almost on a daily basis, there's been lights on during the evenings, and there were Duct ppl there today (I'm assuming) working on the duct work there.

Anyone know what's going on? New restaurant? Residential conversion?

So it did re-open as a new restaurant: European Restaurant.
Noticed the new sign up yesterday. It's a great addition to the several restos already on Jackson: Slantes, Tailgates, Lopresti's, La Cantina.

Now all we need is that horribly huge lot behind 100Main converted into something significant. I think there are more pkng lots in this general area than the rest of downtown combined (Rebecca/John area excluded).

[raisethehammer]

European Restaurant is the name?? or that's what it is?

[DC83]

European Restaurant is the name?? or that's what it is?

hahaha Hmmm... well that's what the sign above the door says. I'm assuming it's a European Restaurant called European Restaurant!?! hahaha

I'll have to check out the menu n see what it's all about!

[LikeHamilton]

Updated pics 02 Jan/ Main and Caroline. Rear only.

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/4492/img4082oz7.jpg

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/5747/img4083aa2.jpg

[raisethehammer]

I'm not sure who's in charge around here, but I'd like to request a new section be added under the construction/land development heading.

Call it what you will, but I'm thinking 'Green Development' or something like that.
other local forums have this section and I've come across some great pieces lately that I'd love to post here, but have nowhere to put them.

thanks

[DC83]

Speaking of "Green" Development; I've noticed that the Federal Bldg (pictured above) has a crap-load of solar panels along it's roof. Do they plan on using/implementing these into the new development? That would be FANTASTIC!

[SteelTown]

^ The new student condo at Main St W has all the solar panels up, quite a lot of panels.

[raisethehammer]

found out that at Queen and York an Asian grocery store is locating in the big building being reno'd.
The current Korean BBQ place will become a new Asian restaurant of some sort.
Also, this property owner and the folks who own the corner building with the Hasty Market etc.... are talking about joining forces and doing a condo building at the corner of Queen and York. Here's hoping!

[DC83]

^^ Sweet! So looks like a Little Asian District is closer to reality?
Hopefully this area can thrive... first-things-first tho -- get rid of 1-way on Cannon!!!

I dunno how "newsworthy" this is, but they are laying the foundation for the new Queen Vic School at Walnut/Charlton today.
I'm happy to see development, but kinda sad it's happened already as I've been using the frozen-over field as a hockey rink :( NOW where am I going to skate? OH WAIT, it's +13 degrees out!! hahaha

[chris k]

^^ Sweet! So looks like a Little Asian District is closer to reality?
Hopefully this area can thrive... first-things-first tho -- get rid of 1-way on Cannon!!!

I dunno how "newsworthy" this is, but they are laying the foundation for the new Queen Vic School at Walnut/Charlton today.
I'm happy to see development, but kinda sad it's happened already as I've been using the frozen-over field as a hockey rink :( NOW where am I going to skate? OH WAIT, it's +13 degrees out!! hahaha

Yeah i drove by there awhile ago and meant to ask how its coming along. I initially thought it was going to be another apartment buildings as its basically surrounded by them. Hopefully that gets done quickly.:cheers:

[NorthEndRules]

I was told that the Asian supermarket next to the Vietnamese restaurant on Cannon st had bought up the piece of land next door to build a larger version but it had been scuttled by red tape. They now use it as a parking lot. Does anyone know what happened?

[ihateittoo]

anyone know if the subway at john and young is closed down now? or are they renovating?

If it's gone kudos to atlantic sub for winning the war.

[DC83]

anyone know if the subway at john and young is closed down now? or are they renovating?

If it's gone kudos to atlantic sub for winning the war.

Wow... I was actually just about to add the update!!

Subway is undergoing reno work.

As for the war, I'm allied w/ Atlantic... their subs are just so classic. Mmmmmm.

[the dude]

here's the asian market on queen near york. i'm guessing the area on the right might house a restaurant. a coat of paint and bob's yer uncle.
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/the_dude1974/IMG_0659.jpg
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/the_dude1974/IMG_0658.jpg

[raisethehammer]

found out this weekend that we might be getting 2 more hotels at Main/Bay. This time in the old HMP used lot on the south side of Main.
2, 15 storey hotels planned for that site.

Also, a possible Sobeys or Lowblaws might be coming to the Darko-owned site at Queen and Market, might be mixed-use with residential too.

[matt602]

About time a proposal for a grocery store downtown comes about. Hopefully whichever one comes does one of the "urban format" stores.

[flar]

A grocery store would do wonders for downtown, let's hope it's true and takes the proper urban format.

I also posted a downtown tour (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=144966) in the city photos section, I gave it a provocative title and intro so that lots of people would look at it. So far some pretty interesting responses...

[flar]

^^you guys can feel free to answer other forumers' questions about downtown too, I don't like to continually reply to my own threads in city photos.

[raisethehammer]

I'm trying to verify this, but I heard that the Stelco Tower has been completely leased. Great news if it's confirmed to be true.
A fairly reliable city hall source told me this. apparently a rather large firm (I guess so, to take up 10 floors or whatever was available).

[SteelTown]

^ I also heard the same news but that was like 4 or 5 months ago. During the same time Jim from RIM wanted to get an NHL team to Hamilton so I assumed it might be RIM but I dunno but I know I heard rumours of a large leasing deal for Stelco tower, erm 100 King West tower.

[fastcarsfreedom]

That would be great news. Much of the unleased space resulted from the departure of Stelco--but nearly as much was vacated by Philip Environmental from what I recall. RBC took a swatch when they moved over--and other existing tenants have expanded. I know American Express Member Services now has two full floors...could be that others are expanding their existing presence too.

[SteelTown]

I dunno where to put all this information so I'll just type it here for now....

Project Status Report
As of January 8, 2008

Project and Budget Approved

Engineering building - February 2009 - ($38 million)

McMaster front entrance - Summer 2008 - ($5 million) Design work complete. First stage of landscaping to be implemented with construction of the new Engineering building in 2008.

Burke Science Building - Spring 2008 - ($41 million)

Ronald V Joyce Stadium - February 2008 - ($33,500,000) Tendering 99% complete. 99% of garage related concrete complete. 95% mechanical/electrical site work complete. Structural steel complete. Precast concrete stands complete. Stadium participant work 85% complete. Work on media box has commenced.

Project not Approved and Budget Pending

MDCL 2nd floor fitout - Summer 2009 - ($26 million) Architect retained to provide schematic design. Final approval pending.

Burlington campus - Fall 2009 - ($35 million) Business plan and functional plan currently being developed.

Project not Approved, Under consideration

Liberal Arts Building - a space audit of existing space within the Faculties of Social Sciences and Humanities has been completed. Functional programme development to be completed in Spring 2008

Thode Library Learning Commons - Preliminary concepts have been produced for an open house in late November to receive feedback on potential scope.

Above Ground Parking Structure - On hold pending a campus wide parking review

Sports Arena - offsite location

Tennis Courts

[SteelTown]

For the Sports Arena I do know McMaster, the city and David Braley is working together to work out a financial plan. From what I heard it might include a new aquatic centre (the city wants this), large arena for like hockey, basketball, etc (McMaster wants that). The city would like to locate it by the waterfront around the CN train track, much like Hamilton's 2014 Commonwealth bid.

But this is still very much in the early stages. Hopefully the arena will be something of like 10,000 seats and the Bulldogs can relocate to this arena.

[oldcoote]

Do they need a 10,000 seat facility? Why don't they put an arena adjacent to the MIP?

Coronation Arena, which MAC currently uses for training, is a hole.

[DC83]

Why don't they put an arena adjacent to the MIP?

Coronation Arena, which MAC currently uses for training, is a hole.

Wow, that IS a great idea! But where would they put the Big Boxes ;)

[SteelTown]

Won't happen at MIP.

This is years away though, probably 5 years before blueprints are made if given approval.

I believe the arena size will largely depend on a successful bid such as Pan Ams or Commonwealth Games.

[SteelTown]

Here's an article about it from the Spec in Nov 2007

http://www.thespec.com/printArticle/288333

"Bringing hockey back to McMaster would require a new arena, likely to be built within the next five years. That facility -- possibly on campus and almost certainly somewhere close to the university -- could include one, two or three rinks at a cost of as much as $25 million, and be shared among recreational and competitive users.

That money would be raised separately. The university is currently studying the feasibility of the arena project, including potential collaborations with other possible users. The idea for the M Club comes from Hamilton businessman and philanthropist David Braley, a university supporter who himself has committed $58 million in donations to McMaster in recent years.

"This is the next phase of building the athletic department," Braley said. "It's an opportunity to build the athletic department to make it very, very strong."

Recently retired McMaster chancellor Mel Hawkrigg, who is chairman of Braley's flagship company Orlick Industries, is also chairman of the new effort, now in its early stages."

[raisethehammer]

any info on this 'Burke Science Building 2008' ??