[BCTed]

Maybe you could just ignore this forum? That would work for EVERYONE (incl you)... but I guess that would go against the Internet Troll Code? hahaha

Come on, man. We have had some good times on here. You're not really calling me a troll and suggesting that I leave, are you?

[Millstone]

It's pretty hard to read DC83. Everything seems to be topped off with a 'hahaha' which may or may not invalidate his point entirely.

[matt602]

I really don't see any reason to call BCTed a troll. He's making points that might be objectionable but he's doing it in a constructive manner. I've got nothing against RTH on the whole, but his replies against BCTed are consistently of the flaming nature and usually pretty demeaning. I'd be hard pressed to ignore if I had to put up with the same volley of posts directed at me.

[raisethehammer]

another point from the article, his architect lives here too.
Pretty cool to hear of all these guys moving here.

[thistleclub]

another point from the article, his architect lives here too.

Hauser is with Stanford Downey Architects, who did 1KW and reportedly did prelims for the Connaught (and of course moved to Hamilton). But Stinson apparently passed on the SDA design in favour of the consortium's architects, Cannon Design, who own Hamilton’s Moffat Kinoshita Architects. MFA principal and Cannon Design associate principal Andrew Nizielski presented alongside Stinson at the Chamber of Commerce forum.

[thistleclub]

Cannon has some interesting projects (http://www.cannondesign.com/#1,1) in their portfolio, BTW.

[Jon Dalton]

Nothing new here. I saw that this weekend and bought the paper nonetheless. Does anyone else wonder if he arranged to have this printed to generate exposure? A front page in the weekend paper grabs your attention more than anything else they've done.

I forgot: The funniest part of the article "...and if I may use the word, he doesn't (B.S.) people"
Apparently he can't use the word.

[realcity]

It's pretty hard to read DC83. Everything seems to be topped off with a 'hahaha' which may or may not invalidate his point entirely.

That;s because a lot of DC83's comments are hilarious. he also makes a lot of sense, one of my fav posters

[DC83]

That;s because a lot of DC83's comments are hilarious. he also makes a lot of sense, one of my fav posters

Awwww I'm seriously so humbled! This coming from the original SSP poster! Thanks, man! I really enjoy ur posts and you & steeltown are pretty much the reason I joined the site in the 1st place!

[SteelTown]

from thespec.......

His development plans were foiled this summer at the Royal Connaught Hotel, where plywood has just been nailed up over the windows, making that stretch of the core look doubly desperate.

But Stinson is beavering away right around the corner, where a yellow-brick veneer hides a handsome 1800s building. He and partners are completing plans for an 80-suite boutique hotel. He expects to go public with full details of the $16-million project in the new year.

...........

[FairHamilton]

Harry was present at the City Hall rally the other week.

[realcity]

I still believe in Harry. You can do it dude... show them all...

[astroblaster]

i still have faith.

[hmagazine]

http://hamilton365.com/index/photo/361#photo

[emge]

Great photo.

He sure doesn't lack vision.. can he get it done here? The news alone of his involvement began to change people's paradigms of how they think about downtown - downtowns in general - this city.

I'm looking forward to seeing what happens there... I can only hope that many more have courage to latch onto vision and see what can be, not get mired in what already is.

[flar]

^^that's a problem in this world, everybody sees things so realistically. We have so much information and conventional wisdom available we think we've got a grip on reality. In many cases all we've done is applied some kind of formulaic profit-loss rationale and estimation of financial risk, uncovering only a portion of the reality of a situation. That leaves no room for doing things the old fashioned way, taking risks on a vision (in other words, no room for imagination and innovation).

[highwater]

Here's to the unrealists!

[adam]

here's to not settling for the status quo

[realcity]

exactly flar

people with vision are labelled 'idealists' as if that's supposed to be something bad. In the 'realists' mind only they can make things happen and everyone else is a dreamer for thinking something different

[BCTed]

^^that's a problem in this world, everybody sees things so realistically. We have so much information and conventional wisdom available we think we've got a grip on reality. In many cases all we've done is applied some kind of formulaic profit-loss rationale and estimation of financial risk, uncovering only a portion of the reality of a situation. That leaves no room for doing things the old fashioned way, taking risks on a vision (in other words, no room for imagination and innovation).

What's wrong with seeing Harry Stinson in a realistic light?

[flar]

What's wrong with seeing Harry Stinson in a realistic light?
It's too easy and too common. I was speaking more generally than Harry Stinson though.

[BCTed]

It's too easy and too common. I was speaking more generally than Harry Stinson though.

I'll gladly stick to realistic, easy, and common when it comes to Harry Stinson.

[emge]

When I look back at how things were done the "old fashioned way" I think the great advantage we have these days is that there are lot more mid-level players --- more visionary people overall and each has more power...

Although each may have less power (not just concentrated as in the past, in the few in the upper echelons with power and money) there are a lot of more average people with money, ideas and passion, and as opposed to 150 years ago the middle-class and upper middle-class can get more done.

I think that will be one of the key to the revitalization of a lot of smaller properties once some landmark projects and big visionaries get things started.

Although certain projects run into tens of millions, there are many people to whom a half-million or a couple million is not a lot of money, and a lot of buildings like Treble Hall where significant progress could be made by one person.

[realcity]

The "Hamilton Grand" will be announced next month.

[SteelTown]

Never mind

[MsMe]

Stinson: I don't knock down older buildings

March 28, 2009
Harry Stinson
The Hamilton Spectator
Hamilton
(Mar 28, 2009)
Re: 'Old Staunton residence will be reception centre for new immigrants' (March 21)

It should not be assumed that developers want to tear down older buildings.

I was most disappointed by the comments in the article on the sale of Unity on the Mountain church property to SISO that I -- and apparently any other developer for that matter -- wanted to acquire and tear down the 1905 Staunton residence.

Nobody discussed my intentions with me, and, frankly, I don't think any other developer was even interested. Yes, I did make an offer, because I live virtually next door and I was concerned about the ongoing use of the property, which has become a bit tired in recent years. Apparently SISO offered a bit more. That's life in the real estate biz. As neighbours, we have now met with SISO, and we wish them well.

The assumption that I would have torn down the old mansion is of serious concern to me and is totally inconsistent with my track record, given the number of landmark restoration projects I have been involved in and heritage awards I have received.

http://www.thespec.com/Opinions/LettertotheEditor/article/538622

[SteelTown]

Looks like Harry is eyeing another project....

Would you like to "get in at the ground floor"?

We have just become aware of a real estate situation (involving a bank foreclosure on a unique property) that is ideally suited to the experience of the Stinson group and are swiftly assembling an investment syndicate. The minimum investment is $18,000, and the rate of return is 20% (annually) with a two year term. If you are interested in participating,

Please let us know immediately for an e-mail information package. Brokers are welcome.

Feel free to contact Harry Stinson directly at 289-389-1022.

[BCTed]

Looks like Harry is eyeing another project....

Would you like to "get in at the ground floor"?

We have just become aware of a real estate situation (involving a bank foreclosure on a unique property) that is ideally suited to the experience of the Stinson group and are swiftly assembling an investment syndicate. The minimum investment is $18,000, and the rate of return is 20% (annually) with a two year term. If you are interested in participating,

Please let us know immediately for an e-mail information package. Brokers are welcome.

Feel free to contact Harry Stinson directly at 289-389-1022.

Oh boy. Where do you find this stuff?

[matt602]

I'm going to guess Connaught.

Good luck with that one. You'll need it.

[fuller]

Or maybe something more attainable like the New Dawn Centre, at the top of the Claremont Access and Rosedene Avenue.

Didn't Stinson lose the bidding on that one to SISO? I believe they're in bankruptcy proceedings now.

[MolsonExport]

that crook stinson again? I've got a bridge to sells ya.

[scott000]

Oh boy. Where do you find this stuff?

I got the same message in an email from Stinson School Inc. I think it went out to everyone who's signed up for one of the projects (ie. Stinson School Lofts, Hamiton Grand).

[BCTed]

I got the same message in an email from Stinson School Inc. I think it went out to everyone who's signed up for one of the projects (ie. Stinson School Lofts, Hamiton Grand).

Gotcha. Fun fun.

[SteelTown]

http://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/news/2011/04/26/hotel-niagara-auctioned-for-125m.html

"Kara ended up out bidding Harry Stinson, a real estate developer and investor from Hamilton, Ont. Stinson’s top bid was $1.25 million."

[DC1983]

I have to say I've lost all faith in Mr Stinson.

Since he's come to Hamilton all he's done is the typical throw around ideas, release Press Releases/Design Plans, sales centres, etc etc and yet we've seen nothing.

In that time, the West Ave School Apts were started and completed, W Lofts & Urban Condos have began planning and sold out w/ construction happening this summer while Stinson literally wanders downtown looking homeless.

WTF!?

[realcity]

DC. Stinson School Lofts are selling well. And he's expanding it to the mansions next to the school for row homes/walkups.

Don't give up on Stinson.

[SteelTown]

As the saying goes, "timing is everything".
It's not about a carefully-prepared schedule that tells you the exact time to buy, and the exact time to sell; it's about 'instinct'. Sometimes, one runs across a situation where you just know it's time to take action.
I was sitting on the GO train, filling my time plowing through newpapers and ran across an ad for a bank foreclosure of a historic hotel. The photo was fuzzy, but the building was quite striking, as was the headline "Bidding will commence at $145,000". To make a long story short (although it's all happened in a matter of weeks), we are now moving forward with an extraordinary project, on rather unusual terms.
Despite the scale of the building, only a small number of suites are being sold publicly, at prices from $49,900 (fully furnished).

Thus, back to our original theme of "timing".
On the one hand, the opportunity won't last long; on the other hand, by e-mail you can let us know if you are interested in receiving further information, and we can swiftly send it out.
If I do say so myself, this is amongst the most exciting projects I have ever been involved in, and I am pleased to personally discuss the various features and options.

regards,

Harry Stinson (harry@stinsonschool.com, 289-389-1022)

[thistleclub]

I was sitting on the GO train, filling my time plowing through newpapers and ran across an ad for a bank foreclosure of a historic hotel. The photo was fuzzy, but the building was quite striking, as was the headline "Bidding will commence at $145,000".

http://www.buffalonews.com/incoming/article304140.ece/BINARY/w620/hotel.niagara.jpg

The 12-story Rainbow Boulevard Hotel was claimed by the State Bank of Texas at a foreclosure auction earlier this year. (http://niagara-gazette.com/local/x1465575479/Interest-in-vacant-Hotel-Niagara-peaking)

[thistleclub]

Also: Any psychologists care to give us some thoughts on "subconscious impetus"? ;)

http://media.mmgdailies.topscms.com/images/fe/00/6e56a38b4c9992a2ea42f72507a4.jpeg

[SteelTown]

What I don't understand is that Kara bought the building already, beating Harry's bid.

http://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/news/2011/04/26/hotel-niagara-auctioned-for-125m.html

"Kara ended up out bidding Harry Stinson, a real estate developer and investor from Hamilton, Ont. Stinson’s top bid was $1.25 million."

[thistleclub]

What I don't understand is that Kara bought the building already, beating Harry's bid.

As the saying goes, "timing is everything".

[BCTed]

Pay no heed, RTH. Come springtime naysayers like BCTed will be eating crow bigtime.

I have to admit, my initial reaction to Stinson's appearance in the Hamilton scene was greeted by scepticism, based mostly by the bad press articles about him during the past year. However, I dug a bit deeper and did a bit of research on Stinson's role in development in Toronto. In a nutshell, some of the projects he started he saw right through to the end, but not all. I decided to research the projects that Stinson did not see right through to see what went wrong. Know what I found out? They did not go wrong at all - just shifted hands to different developers.

For example, a few days back, BCTed described The Candy Lofts as a Stinson failure. I thought to myself, wait a minute, this was a successful condo development in Toronto, why is he going on about this being a failure? So I read up on the Candy Factory. This was a development that Stinson envisioned over a decade ago. It was also his first stab at development on a large scale, and a learning experience for Stinson on municipal bureaucracy and financial backers. The development was delayed due to city planners' concerns about the redevelopment of a former industrial space as a residence. He also had difficulty securing financing from banks because they saw the site as in an unsavoury part of town and therefore an unsound investment (sound familiar?).

The protracted delays stretched Stinson's development costs to his limit, so he sold the development to Metroontario Group. They were an established development firm with deep pockets, and were able to see it through to the end. Today, the Candy Factory is a highly successful condo development which set the standard for future redevelopment of former commercial spaces in Toronto into condominium residences.

Another 'failure' Stinson's critics cite is 1 King. The fact of the matter is that this development is the first successful high-end hotel condiminium development in Toronto. It is perceived as a failure because a group of investors, led by David Mirvish, launched a law suit against Stinson because their investment return is not as high as he projected, due to the fact that municipal taxes are using the commercial rate rather than the residential rate that Stinson used to estimate their returns on investment. Again, I emphasize their beef is they are not making as much money as they thought they would, which is very different than losing money on an investment. The fact that 1 King was recently recognized with a Pug Award for Toronto's best new residential development.

Finally, there is the latest Stinson development that BCTed describes as a 'failure' - the Sapphire. Again, this is a development that has been delayed by city hall planners concerned that its height would cast a shadow across Nathan Phillips Square. This has led to nearly two years of delays and significant cost overruns as designs were redrwan several times over. With the Mirvish lawsuit pushing Stinson's development business into bankruptcy protection, Stinson decided to sell Sapphire to generate funds sufficient to settle the bacnkruptcy claim. This was a hard decision no doubt, because the signature tower was meant to be Stinson's greatest development triumph. However, its sale settles his bancruptcy and positions him to do what all visionary developers do: carry on. To our good fortune, his creative energies are being brought down the road to Hamilton. And, for the record, Sapphire is carrying on much like the Candy Factory, only with another development firm seeing it through to the end.

Upon reflection, these items could be described as setbacks for Stinson's business specifically. However, it should be noted that, of his perceived failures, the Candy Factory and 1 King developments are successfully completed, and the Sapphire is on the road to development. Toronto has benefitted greatly by these developments, as Hamilton will be by whatever developments Stinson starts on in this city. That's a heck of a lot more than what Hamilton is getting from its current set of so-called developers.

I say we roll out the red carpet for Stinson, and any of his Toronto colleagues who may now take Hamilton much more seriously due to his interest in the Hammer.

The springs of 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 have come and gone since this post was created.

[DC1983]

The springs of 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 have come and gone since this post was created.

He just always has the be the voice of opposition. I've learned to ignore his posts.

I think it's obvious at this point that Stinson's done in Hamilton as well. Chances are, if he somehow gets to develope this Niagara Hotel (which he doesnt own) he'll move to that region.

Stinson gave a good try at a comeback, he really did and I'll give him credit for making such noise in Hamilton. But it's obvious at this point that his reputation preceded him and can not garner the financial backing he thought possible. Now he blames Hamilton for his delays while several others are moving ahead with construction while he continues with new project announcements. It wreaks of Vranich et al.

Im blessed with the ability to use common sense and accept facts (hence why I'll never be a Conservative), and the writing is on the wall in big bold letters for Harry!

[CaptainKirk]

I haveb't given up on Harry Stinson. Sure Hamilton Grand and Stinson lofts are moving slower than expected, but they are still moving forward. And that`s a good thing, especially for Hamilton.

Remember all the recent news about Hamilton being a great place to invest in...

[mattgrande]

The School is taking part in the Stinson Neighbourhood Garage Sale again this year.

Warning: PDF (http://www.stinsoncommunity.ca/data/Map_Stinson%20Neighbourhood%20Yard%20Sale_2011_with%20table_2.pdf)

[durandy]

Im blessed with the ability to use common sense and accept facts (hence why I'll never be a Conservative), and the writing is on the wall in big bold letters for Harry!

but you seem to lack a sense of irony

[BCTed]

He just always has the be the voice of opposition. I've learned to ignore his posts.


I assume you are referring to markbarbera. To be fair, the post I dug up is several years old, so this was a bit unnecessary. To also be fair, the reason I dug it up was because I saw mark continuing to defend Stinson in the Stinson school thread.

[SteelTown]

‘Hamilton doesn’t believe in Harry’

Harry Stinson has a feeling he’s about to regain his lost “aura” of success.

He could be right.

In a surprise move, the Hamilton developer is partnering with Jamil Kara on the multimillion restoration of the historic Hotel Niagara in Niagara Falls, New York.

Kara is the developer behind FilmWorks Lofts on King William Street and turning The Spectator’s former downtown printing plant into condo-lofts.

He bought the vacant 12-storey Hotel Niagara for $1.3 million at an open auction in late April with the intention of bringing it back to life as a condo-hotel.

Enter Stinson, the man once known as Toronto’s flamboyant condo king who came to Hamilton about four years ago to mixed reviews.

Stinson, whose own bid on the circa-1924 Niagara hotel came in second, says he and Kara have now finalized an agreement that puts Stinson in charge of the project.

According to Kara, Stinson brought $10 million to the table.

http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/596044--hamilton-doesn-t-believe-in-harry

[matt602]

I guess that article pretty much confirms that the Hamilton Grand is dead.

[BCTed]

I guess that article pretty much confirms that the Hamilton Grand is dead.

We have known this for a while, actually... the supposed flight of investors from the project was mentioned in a Spectator article a few weeks ago.

[thistleclub]

He's been all about Niagara for the last six months, recently hawking $24,900 "boardroom suites" in an investment hotel. What I don't quite understand is how he was outbid on the Hotel Niagara by a $50,000 margin, yet he's able to bring $10 million to the table four months later. I'm sure the answer is somewhere in the fine print.