[SteelTown]

Core historic landmark on its way back
Foster Building was on the brink of demolition but a courageous developer saw potential

A national heritage landmark, vacant for nearly 30 years, is halfway through its rebirth in the heart of Hamilton.

For more than a year, Toronto engineer Tran Dieu has been busy trucking 129 dumpsters of debris and pigeon poo out of the Foster Building on King Street East. Its inside walls are now lined with fresh drywall as the project moves into its final stages.

“This is going to be an amazing space,” said Gord Moodie, the city’s co-ordinator of downtown incentive programs, on a tour of the renovation.

The building, made up of Victoria Hall and the MacKay building, sits directly across from Gore Park. It’s been empty longer than any heritage building downtown since its retail tenants moved in 1979.

Over the decades, there have been lots of big plans, but none that panned out until Tran Dieu arrived. He’s investing $1.8 million to restore the property with commercial and residential units.

Williams Coffee Pub has already inquired about renting the entire main floor, said Moodie. A study is under way to decide if the upper floors would better suit offices, rental units or condos.

Standing in the middle of one of the 2,000-square-foot units, Moodie points to the newly exposed brick walls and original wood beams as selling points.

“This would be an amazing loft,” he said, turning toward the bank of massive windows that will be restored in the coming months.

If finished as custom condos, the units would be among the largest ever sold in Hamilton with a price tag close to half a million, said Moodie.

Victoria Hall, directly beside the courthouse, was built in 1887 and is designated as a national historic site, on par with Whitehern and Dundurn Castle. It boasts the last metal facade in Canada.

“It’s very rare,” said Sharon Vattay, a cultural and heritage planner with the
city.

The MacKay building next door was built a few decades later and eventually connected to Victoria Hall by its high-fashion tenant Foster’s.

The city once considered investing public dollars to save the buildings from demolition, but backed away because of the costs. Most considered it not worth saving.

One more winter and Moodie predicts the building’s crumbling walls would have failed. Most developers, he noted, would have taken one look at the cracks and run away.

“He’s a pioneer in Hamilton,” Moodie said of Tran Dieu.

The city is trying to make projects like the Foster building more attractive with grant and loan programs. Council approved a $307,000 downtown residential loan for the project, which also qualifies for limited tax breaks because of its location.

The city just approved another grant program to help cover 25 per cent of the cost of restoring heritage designated features up to $150,000.

As other heritage projects like the Lister Block and Royal Connaught continue to struggle, it’s heartening to see a significant project move toward completion, said Anne Charlton, chair of the city’s heritage committee.

“It’s very courageous of (Tran Dieu),” she said. “It’s not an easy project at all.” The committee has been closely following the building’s renovations, which require heritage permits for work on key designated pieces like windows and the facade.

When completed, Vattay expects the project will garner attention far beyond the city’s boundaries.

“I think it will do well for the city.”

[raisethehammer]

yahoo! great news.

one point of interest in this article - it's been empty longer than any heritage building downtown - since 1979. Yet, it's being restored, not demolished.
Again, thank you to a TO invester...we need more of them here with vision beyond cheap, modern crap construction.

[SteelTown]

I'm excited to see Williams Coffee Pub coming to Gore Park! It's definitely one of my favourite coffee joint, it's popular at McMaster. A bit pricey for the foods though, a tiny little salad might cost like $4.50 something.

It'll be awesome once the South side of Gore Park is pedestrianized with plenty of patio space.

[raisethehammer]

yes, I'm happy about that too, if they locate there. They do breakfast and stay open late night for coffee drinkers...places like second cup and starbucks only offer muffins and things like that - and make terrible coffee!
Williams is being very strategic in Hamilton - McMaster, Waterfront and now Gore Park. awesome locations, AND there is room here for a nice patio. Very good news indeed.

[DC83]

Awesome. The more patio space the better.
And I love how it's WILLIAMS that's courting the owners to locate, not the other way around. What a great change.

I also shook my fist to learn it's been empty 10-years longer than Lister yet did not require demolition... Hmmm... hehe

Can't wait for this project to finish. Hopefully it turns into an awesome success so that the developers decide to do more projects in the core (Trebble Hall)!

[raisethehammer]

I also like how the article ends, by stating that this will garner attention from far beyond the city's boundaries.
that's what happens when you lovingly restore history.
Nobody will oohh and aahh over a cartoony, fake, cheap Lister replica. They will, however, over the real thing.
Disneyworld's 'Venice canal' is a friggin joke. The real thing is amazing.

by the way, today is the big day - no more Spec delivery! lol.

[matt602]

Yes it's amazing to think that this place has been empty for so many more years than Lister and was arguably in worse condition yet was restored for only $1.8 Mil. What are we looking at for Lister now, $30 Mil? Of course Lister is a 6 storey building but that still doesn't add up. The Foster building all combined isn't too small either (and probably required some more careful attention to detail to restore given it's age).

Anyway cheers to Tran for stepping up to the plate. I think that once this is complete it's going to spur a restoration of the entire South side of Gore. The Williams will do well, probably getting a ton of customers from the courthouse.

[fastcarsfreedom]

Great news...been hearing rumblings of the restoration of this property for years--glad to see it finally happen. Somewhere in my parents' vault there is a picture of my brother and I with Santa in Gore Park and I recall the Foster's signage still being visible in the background.

Williams would be a great addition to the Gore. I can remember when Grandma Lee's was located over on the south side back in the 80s.

[raisethehammer]

yea, I didn't pick up on that sentence in the article, but it is good to hear of a business ASKING to locate there instead of us having to beg. haha.

[raisethehammer]

so, here's my question - does Williams carry any weight in 'corporate N.America'?? some of you guys are up on this stuff more than I.
What I mean is this - will their locating at Gore Park sound out any signals to other retailers/eateries to come here as well or do they not carry the same repuation or influence as a Second Cup or Starbucks?

[block43]

I think they are still a relatively small chain (less than 40 franchises).

From their website (www.williamscoffeepub.com) Williams Coffee Pub has a strong presence in Ontario universities and suburban neighbourhoods

[matt602]

so, here's my question - does Williams carry any weight in 'corporate N.America'?? some of you guys are up on this stuff more than I.
What I mean is this - will their locating at Gore Park sound out any signals to other retailers/eateries to come here as well or do they not carry the same repuation or influence as a Second Cup or Starbucks?

I would assume that any positive repercussions of this would be due to the restoration of the building itself, not the main floor tenant. They definitely don't carry as much influence as Second Cup or Starbucks.

That said, they make an awesome iced cappuccino (and I bet their hot chocolate is nothing to shake a stick at).

[flar]

Williams would be a nice addition to downtown and they could have a nice patio there too.

btw, there is another metal facade building in Guelph:

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k28/segaert/guelph/00012.jpg
(it needs a little work too)

[raisethehammer]

wow...awesome building in guelph. the restaurant looks sweet too.
Yes, the restoration is definitely going to be the main event.

[fastcarsfreedom]

Williams is definitely in a growth cycle currently--and trying to solidify it's presence in Ontario. I would assume that like any competitor they would definitely influence the decisions of other players in the coffee-house business. They are a unique player of course having differentiated themselves sufficiently from Tim Hortons on one-side as well as Starbucks and Second Cup on the other. They seem to make the effort to be a bit more of destination-player with a slightly larger store format and greater product selection. In addition to the locations previously mentioned, I believe they also operate on Redeemer University's campus in Ancaster.

[matt602]

According to their website, you're correct.

[raisethehammer]

I think there is one actually on the Mac campus too, not just the big one on Main St.
Campus locations are a no-brainer for any company like this....the city locations are what intrigue me - waterfront, Main West, Gore Park. Very smart.

[flar]

Williams does have a smaller location in the Student Centre at Mac.

[LikeHamilton]

Taken Wednesday

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/3292/img4206ub0.jpg

[raisethehammer]

Lots of work happening in both buildings now.

[matt602]

One of the boards covering the street level of Victoria Hall came off. If you look between a crack in the corner of the boards you can see a weird wooden facade being constructed with greek pillars. Looks kinda tacky and I'm not entirely sure if it's new or a carry over of the last failed plans for the building. The wood looks fairly new.

[matt602]

The wooden facade has been uncovered.... looks a little odd.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k201/sugarton/Downtown%20Hamilton/mackay.jpg

[SteelTown]

Seriously I don't think I've ever seen what it looked like without a boarded up Victoria Hall. Looks a lot better without the board.

[raisethehammer]

I'm assuming that's just a wooden 'mould'. They should be covering that in metal or some material to match the rest of the building.
Anyone know if Williams Coffee Pub is in fact locating here??

[HAMRetrofit]

I could see them using a canopy where new meets old and finishing the wood with a dark stain.

[Tony]

I am so happy that those two buildings have finally been restored to something useful again.

[the dude]

that's seriously exciting. never thought i'd see the day.

[SteelTown]

That Victoria Hall be removed from the Endangered Buildings and Landscapes List.

CARRIED

[beanmedic]

That Victoria Hall be removed from the Endangered Buildings and Landscapes List.

CARRIED

Is that good because it is being taken care of or bad because it will be torn down?

[SteelTown]

It's a good thing as it's no longer endangered of being torn down.

[chris k]

I don't think the wood facade looks too bad when your walking right by it but from a distance is a disaster:yuck:

[realcity]

these buildings are gorgeous.

what's going on with them?

"Foster Building was on the brink of demolition but a courageous developer saw potential", 2005 it was reported in the Spec

How courageous has the developer in question been? I think I remember it being owned by a Toronto based company. At least not one of our local lameasses. I don't believe it was pure speculation, they had a plan for work/live lofts.

[raisethehammer]

yes, live/work lofts and retail on the ground floor.
Williams Coffee Pub inquired about locating in one of the spaces. I would love that - add more patio space to the Gore.

Speaking of which, it's high time Infusions get new patio furniture and do a top-rate patio like Acclamation or Hess. It's looking kinda run down now.

[thistleclub]

Divvying up the space in the MacKay has been a little less than elegant (the steel studs are pretty much right in the middle of the centre pane), but that's probably pragmatic -- aside from installing "sun tunnels" or cutting windows into the east and west walls, all of your natural light seems to coming in the front, and you want to share it. If you need that sort of thing, that is, and not everybody does.

And the wood treatment on Victoria Hall is still a bit irksome. The materials and style seem dislocated from the rest of the building. There's a bit of that happening with the MacKay's ground floor, but because the upper building is less ornate, the disconnect isn't as obvious. Still, easy enough to overlook if you distract me with tenants.

[Lukey]

I walked by tonight and there's some posters detailing floor plans in the windows. Also, a website is posted there. http://www.freewebs.com/66and68king/

It also said something about an open house. However, I can't recall if there's specific times or what not. I would love to see the inside. If nothing is posted here by Sunday, I'll likely walk by to see if I can stroll through.

[raisethehammer]

awesome!! This project is great. I can't wait to see the finished product.

[trueviking]

geez...i saw the heading and thought....hamilton is getting a norman foster building?....then i opened the thread...

great stuff anyways.....love to see old gems find new life...congratulations.

[matt602]

Wow the rent is REALLY cheap. I'm very surprised. I'm assuming they're bach. or 1 br. units? It doesn't seem to specify.

[hamiltonguy]

Wow the rent is REALLY cheap. I'm very surprised. I'm assuming they're bach. or 1 br. units? It doesn't seem to specify.

4 to 5 bedrooms. Holy crap, I wish I had planned on moving out now instead of in like 5 years...

[raisethehammer]

dang...2100 sq feet. bigger than my house.
why are they renting them so cheap??

[block43]

the rent is per bedroom, so there would be 4 or 5 roomates per flat.

[highwater]

Sounds like an ideal set-up for student housing, although I see a rise in communal living arrangements across demographic groups in the future. As the boomers age, it's an ideal way for seniors to support each other, and economic and energy constraints are going to be changing the living choices of singles and families as well.

[raisethehammer]

I hope that something great locates in the bottom floor....a cafe with patio etc...

[raisethehammer]

wow...I saw inside one of the occupied units tonight. Amazing! This place is gorgeous. From the street, you can see the interior and people enjoying themselves.
Should have no probs renting these out. Job well done.

[FRM]

Here's the website they put up with some information on it, it looks like they will be targeting some high end residents for the apartments.

We select good tenants only since each unit is
completely new and the landlord invested over
$200,000 on the renovation work on each unit.

http://www.freewebs.com/66and68king

[raisethehammer]

they should show some interior pics on the site. The interior is amazing.

[matt602]

I kinda saw a glimpse of the interior tonight while walking by. I was utterly amazed to see residential lights on inside one of the units (second or third floor of the Mackay). The stairway and entrance up to the residential units is also on the bottom floor of Victoria Hall, basically in the middle of the two buildings. Looks alright. The upper floors of Mackay and basically all of Victoria Hall still appear to be under construction, especially the retail space. It's just bare bricks and mortar in Mackay's ground floor. I hope they keep the exposed brick.

Definitely great to see the warm glow of human activity in these buildings after 30 years of dark windows.

[raisethehammer]

yea, it looks great from the street.
So, obviously that one unit is occupied now. Hope to see the rest of the building alive soon, including the street level.

[ihateittoo]

yah - my old roommate and some friends of mine moved into that unit because I left and moved to south korea.

We moved their stuff in at the end of august but they were not able to move in until yesterday because they needed to finish some things. At the end of august three of the apartments were pretty much done - all in the right hand building. They are massive and quite cheap but I was curious why they were so many rooms - it seems they may be marketing it towards students because they are all four bedrooms. The top floor apartments are all two floors and have beautiful layouts.

A great building.

[thistleclub]

Looks like the facade work on Victoria Hall is making strides. The street level woodwork is now white gloss enamel, which seems to be carried up the entire face of the building, having blasted the scabby paint off the metal moulding (and comprehensively primed). Looking forward to the reveal when the tarps and scaffolding come down.

[matt602]

I hope they make that tin shine. I was really worried they'd strip it all off and replace it with brick or something. That tin facade is very, very rare.

[thistleclub]

The tarps are down now and the scaffolding is almost down. Beautiful, even on a grey morning.

Now if someone could do something similar with the Mills China building...

[geoff's two cents]

Pics? Can't wait to see this. . .

[thistleclub]

First saw it from across the street. Walked by it yesterday on the south side and wasn't quite as knocked out (gloss white on brick makes me squirm) but I'm still glad it's cleaned up and coming back to life. That ornamental molding is really something.

[matt602]

Did they keep most of the tin facade on Victoria Hall? I won't be incredibly disappointed if they didn't, because I understand it's a very rare facade material and it wasn't in good shape, but it would be great if they did.

[realcity]

can someone tell me why its all white now?????? looks like Sh*t

[thistleclub]

can someone tell me why its all white now?????? looks like Sh*t

The more I see this the less enthused I am about it. I can only remember the scabby pre-reno look, but even if it was white (seems to me there was some gret in there), it wasn't blinding white. It might be that they intend on returning to the facade in spring to take advantage of better temperatures -- they were painting in sub-zero, which isn't the best for longevity of the work. Anyway, even if it was an all-white building, I can imagine it being done in three or four shades of white to give the ornamental detail some definition (and maybe ease it into the streetwall). But maybe pollution will tone it down soon enough.

[Hammer Native]

Maybe the paint colour changes somewhat and gets toned down, (I hope) maybe to a more antique look. I'm thinking about that historic house on the northwest corner of Main and Hess Streets. There was a story in The Spec about it a couple of months ago if anyone remembers. The owner painted it what was originally a bright yellow and people hated her, but that's what happened with that type of paint, now it looks more naturally aged.

[adam]

An ivory colour would make a big difference. Nobody really paints things pure white anymore (or at least I thought)

[thistleclub]

Given that this facade is a nation-wide rarity, does anyone know what the heritage designation of VH might have to say about the palette used on the facade? I imagine it might look better in a mode more sympathetic to the Victorian eye or in deference to the mimicry of stonework, but do the property owners have any obligation in that regard? Or is that more a matter of individual preference/conscience?

[jgrwatson]

Check this out:

I created a new Wikipedia page for Victoria Hall on King St.. There is not a lot of information about it out there, but with recent renovations, etc. (and a family tie to the purchase), I have compiled a lot of information.

Wikipedia, Victoria Hall, Victoria Hall (Ontario) - A commerical Building.

Check it out!

BTW, the Reason why it was painted white (I read in another post), as this was the original facade color in 1888. The architect for the site recommended it - I personally think it looks sharp.

Cheers!

[emge]

Well done wiki page!

Was there more work ongoing this week? I saw scaffolding out front a couple days ago in the early morning - didn't look at it again though later to see what was happening.

[astroblaster]

great work!!

[jgrwatson]

Yeah,

The developer is doing some finishing touches on the paint job, also cleaning the windows.

It is GREAT to have more people living downtown - definitely a sign!

[SteelTown]

Welcome! And good job on the Wikipedia page.

[hmagazine]

I'm hearing rumblings from folks close to the project that the commercial space on the main floor of the Victoria is currently being converted to apartments (?)

Isn't the Gore a perfect place to open a business or at least encourage the opening of businesses - c'mon it's right next to the courthouse! Cafe? Restaurant? Something?

[FairHamilton]

^And so it continues :(

[SteelTown]

That might be against the City’s zoning bylaw. I know in downtown Niagara Falls (the real one) some retail stores are trying to convert the ground floor to residential but they aren't allowed since it's zoned retail.

[FairHamilton]

That might be against the City’s zoning bylaw. I know in downtown Niagara Falls (the real one) some retail stores are trying to convert the ground floor to residential but they aren't allowed since it's zoned retail.

Absolutely, it's against bylaw as it is along King Street East, Barton and others. But being against bylaw is obviously not an obstacle or deterrent.

[matt602]

The bylaw certainly has no effect on King Street around Wentworth.

[markbarbera]

I am having trouble finding a bylaw that prohibits this. Can someone point me in the right direction?

I certainly hope that this will not be done to Victoria Hall. Why bother with such a pleasant restoration just to have it retrofitted in such an unseemly manner? As was already pointed out, this would be an ideal spot for a coffee shop or some other kind of foodservice. Heck, the heritage building with its white finish is begging for that familiar green "Starbucks" sign mounted along its first floor transom. Surely they'd be able to attract sufficient business from the judges and lawyers next door...

[emge]

Was that the building Williams Coffee was looking at before? Did the interested party just drop out due to time or other things? A Second Cup there would be fantastic too.

Williams (and Second Cup) do franchise. . unlike Starbucks (except in rare locations like airports/campuses where access is an issue) they're all company-owned.

I like independent coffee shops very much, but there's value in having recognizable and familiar chains that visitors and commuters are already comfortable with as well, especially downtown.

I suppose it hasn't been worth the trouble to look at any more locations in Hamilton when there's other areas easier to open Starbucks in, which to me is surprising. There's a few locations that would be perfect... Bay/King for one.

There's Second Cup franchises at St. Josephs here and in Toronto at St. Michael's. And there's an empty lot at Barton and Wellington by the General.. (I can dream, right?) Port Credit in Mississauga has a Second Cup in a converted Victorian house - the possibilities for that here in many locations are huge.

[jgrwatson]

Update:

Yes, the developer was planning on converting the first floor into residential units.

I contacted the city, found out that an original permit issued in 2007 for "Interior Alterations" were for 7 res units and 2 first floors commercial. Along with this permit, the developer was required to apply for two other additional permits if and when development on the first floor started....

I found out two sets of leases were planned for the first floor - two 3 bed apartments. FYI, there are no windows on the first floor and they were planning for the front of the building to be a "fake retail" establishment.

I then contacted the building department who issued an "order to comply" for the site as they were working without the proper permit (as per 2007 permit). I contacted the city which mentioned that the NEW city of Hamilton Z/B allowed for res. on the first floor (HELLO BARTON!!??). THEN, they got back to me and mentioned that the Zoning actually excludes Gore Park and James North. SO, the city issued a STOP ORDER on the building and it is currently posted...

The property manager had planned for tenants to be moving in May 15th. In addition, they planned to install skylights on the 2nd floor flat roof of Victoria Hall (which also requires a permit). Everything has stopped, tenants on the 2nd floor are happy and the building (and DT Hamilton) is spared from an unsuitable use in the Downtown.

Besides, part of the reason it is protected federally is because of "its contextual value and location on the street". It originated as a commercial building, so something should be maintained for historic reasons AS a commerical building.

This is why I am so frustrated with the Thomas Building b/c the city moved so quickly on VHall....most likely because I was calling three times a day complaining . . . people need to call the city! If you call every department, visit city hall often, things can happen...

[highwater]

Wow! Great work. Thanks!

[FairHamilton]

This is why I am so frustrated with the Thomas Building b/c the city moved so quickly on VHall....most likely because I was calling three times a day complaining . . . people need to call the city! If you call every department, visit city hall often, things can happen...

Pleasant, but persistent.

Thank-you, and please know there are others in the city doing something very similar.

[matt602]

Good stuff :)

[jgrwatson]

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to update you guys on the progress at 66-68 King St. E (Victoria Hall in particular).

Construction has re-started on the first floor with the intention of a commercial use (what is currently permitted under zoning). Official site plans were submitted to the city whereas previous to these, ALL construction on the first floor was illegal. I would also like to mention that the city DID NOT inspect the site for the official site plan approval and has no idea what actually happened on the first floor.

- - - I personally have photo documentation of the removal of several support beams on the first floor. With this, the 2nd floor has slightly buckled at the exact location of the removed support beams - coincidence? I have contacted property standards - no response.

With the continued construction, the site plans included skylights on the internal flat roof, which has access, only, from inside the apartment.

- - - this may shock you. Legally, all construction requires 60 days notice under the T-Landllord Act. Two of the tenants were sitting on the flat roof last Thursday morning, having a coffee, as per usual. I have photos to document that a saw suddenly came up through the floor (13 feet up) cutting into the flat roof for the skylight! Safety anyone? If tenants had been near the saw, imagine! The landlord is avoiding entering the unit to install b/c notice is required. . .

The skylight is complete (because they intend and are in the process for rezoning the 1st floor to residential) and it is honestly not a skylight. It is 4 feet wide by 8 feet long by, no lie, 5 feet high. The "windows" are locating facing north and south, with a roof. It looks like a large shed and could house several bikes. I also want to mention that this 4 x 8 ft hole was not closed off for several days with a 13 ft drop to the first floor....

So, just so everyone knows, there are plans to slander the landlord not only for defacing a historic building, but misleading several tenants in the building. In addition to false advertising, illegal construction (not to mention workers who are using blow torches on the flat roof without a fire extinguisher), the landlord is evicting several tenants who had signed leases for the first floor and has collected double rent in several units for the summer months. There is no garbage pickup, recycling or mail delivery. There is a large hole at the rear of the building which a small child could fall into.

I am ashamed that the Heritage Committee is firstly, not being informed when the building permit was submitted and secondly? and secondly that they have approved (if) all the horrible construction going on inside. Addtionally, the city has not responded to almost 10 complaints from numerous people about any of the potenial safety hazards (for workers, the building's structure, holes).

Okay, my rant is going on and on, I apologize - but expect huge billboards on the front facade stating things such as:

SLUMLORD
ILLEGAL CONSTRUCTION...etc.

People are open to ANY suggestions!

Enjoy!

[matt602]

Wow, thanks for the heads up. I'm REALLY disappointed with the owners of the building.

[FairHamilton]

For worker safety issues, they should be reported to WSIB; http://www.wsib.on.ca/wsib/wsibsite.nsf/public/SafeWork (1-800-663-6639).

[Jon Dalton]

And this project if I recall correctly, was to be held up as a shining example of respectful heritage project with a legitimate and profitable use. Way to go Hamilton, you almost got it right, almost except for this big illegal shitstorm aspect, but still, close.

[drpgq]

There's a big sign now on the ground floor of the MacKay building giving the rental price as $2500 for 2500 sq feet, in case anyone was curious.

[thistleclub]

The ground floor of Victoria Hall now shows signs of life – some white lattice-style patterning in the upper windows and (if I saw that correctly) a corresponding white accordion folding gates inside. Not my favourite look but at least it signals more confidence than the blast shields favoured elsewhere in the neighbourhood.

[jgrwatson]

Thistle,

Upon closer inspection, that "lattice" is actually metal bars ensuring no one breaks in.

Its very sad and tragic what this building has become post-reno. In fact, people are living behind the front "office" in rooms with no windows, but only a skylight. The 2nd floor living room has now been divided into two rooms, also detracting from any character that once was...

Slum lord at its best.

[thistleclub]

The ground floor of Victoria Hall now shows signs of life – some white lattice-style patterning in the upper windows and (if I saw that correctly) a corresponding white accordion folding gates inside. Not my favourite look but at least it signals more confidence than the blast shields favoured elsewhere in the neighbourhood.

Good news: At long last, there's a commercial tenant.

Less so: It’s a money transfer shop. (http://www.babylonfx.com/)

[jgrwatson]

Good news: At long last, there's a commercial tenant.

Less so: It’s a money transfer shop. (http://www.babylonfx.com/)

Typical. I could have called it. How sad: is this seriously all the downtown can attract?

Hamilton seriously drains a person. What a sad use for the building, definitely does not pay homage to what used to be!