[FairHamilton]

Do you happen to know if anything is planned for this building? OR are they just holding on to it hoping someone will buy/lease it..?

I believe there was a plan for condos at one time, but nothing's going to happen anytime soon. It's a prime candidate for demolition by neglect.

[markbarbera]

In today's Spec:

City toughens inspections on idle buildings
Nicole Macintyre
The Hamilton Spectator
(Jan 3, 2009)

The city is launching quarterly inspections of vacant buildings in hopes of preventing future collapses and spurring redevelopment.

"We're taking a proactive approach," said John Spolnik, director the building services.

The new inspection system, which heads for council approval this month, was sparked by the collapse of the Balfour building on King William Street last April.

Currently, Hamilton depends on public complaints to point it to unsafe buildings.

It's the same approach taken by all large Ontario municipalities. Now the city plans to inspect about 75 known vacant buildings every three months.

When buildings are found open to trespassers or the elements, the city will order immediate repairs. If the owners don't comply, the city will complete the work and add the cost to the property tax bill.

Spolnik expects the aggressive approach and resulting expenses will force some owners to take a hard look at buildings they may have left sitting for years.

"I'm hopeful it will stimulate the reuse of the buildings."

But he's also aware that some owners may chose to demolish their properties instead. That's likely to spark concern when many of the city's vacant buildings have heritage value.

"It's not going to be very popular with some people, but it can't go on," said downtown Councillor Bob Bratina, noting there's just not a market to support redevelopment of all the city's old buildings.

"That's too bad, but there's too many buildings that aren't viable."

The city has been lucky no one has been injured or died because of the state of Hamilton derelict buildings, he added.

"We really need to get on this," Bratina said, noting the recent snowfall and thaw only makes the situation more dangerous. "Building are going to start collapsing."

Dozens of downtown residents and business owners packed council chambers last spring to demand that the city enforce its property standards bylaw in the wake of the Balfour collapse.

Dave Kuruc, owner of Mixed Media and co-organizer of the protest, is pleased to see the city proposing a proactive approach, but says the proof will be in the execution.

"It's one thing to say they'll do it, but will they actually do it?" he said, noting he's becoming increasingly frustrated with the city's lack of enforcement.

"We're a downtown core full of modern ruins."

While many property owners on James Street are investing in their properties to help with downtown revitalization, Kuruc notes there are just as many who are content to sit on their vacant buildings waiting for their payday.

"We're the ones who are being penalized."

In recent years the city has allowed buildings damaged by fire to remain with open roofs and missing windows. Spolnik points to an old building on James Street North at Vine Street as an example.

The building, former home to a flower shop and apartments, was damaged by fire more than a decade ago, but it was water leakage that eventually made the building unsafe. The city ordered it torn down last year.

If the city forces buildings to be secure and protected, Spolnik believes it will stop further decay, which will limit the risk to public safety and potentially save the properties.

"We don't want the buildings to get to that state."

It's impossible to know if the new protocol would have prevented the Balfour collapse, he said. Legally the city can only inspect the outside of the buildings unless they have strong evidence it is unsafe and no one knows if the Balfour was showing outside damage.

Even with the new protocol, which the city plans to enforce with its current staff, there could be another collapse from hidden damage, Spolnik added.

"It will not ensure that every building in the city is safe."

[SteelTown]

It's a good step in the right direction.

What if the owner doesn't pay the property tax bill?

[markbarbera]

The same rules for current property tax arrears will apply - don't pay your property tax bill and your property is auctioned off by the city to cover the arrears.

[astroblaster]

does anyone know anything about st. christophers school in rosedale?
they closed it this year right? any word on whats happening with the building?

[MsMe]

There are many that have been closed over time and so far from what I have seen are just sitting empty. That goes for both school boards as well. The Catholic board doesn't seem to be closing as many as the Public board.

[flar]

It will probably be subdivided and sold for new home construction, at least that's what they often do.

[MsMe]

It will probably be subdivided and sold for new home construction, at least that's what they often do.

A lot has to do with the locality. The locality of the one on Beach Rd. isn't great so it sits empty. I wouldn't doubt they are renting out that property to Dofasco for storage/parking. So in a way they are at least making some money off of it.

Ones I know of sit empty after closure. Add to the list if you know of others.

Closed and Empty.

One across the street from General Hospital.

Scott Park. This one at least has the pool adjoining the school though which is still be used as far as I know.

Kentley and Nash.

Beach Rd.

Closed and torn down.

Bartonville.

Bishop Ryan.

Closed and now being used for other things.

Where Barangas is.

Bell Cairn.

[flar]

The one across from General ( West St. School) has a heritage designation. The one on Beach Rd. might too, I know it is used for movie shoots.

One of the schools in Pleasnt Valley in Dundas was demolished and subdivided, and I'm pretty sure that will be the fate of Central Park school as well.

I wonder what will happen to Dundas District? I think it is also a heritage building.

Stinson School is another with a heritage designation.

[MsMe]

I'm surprised Bartonville wasn't saved due to the heritage of it. But so true about that issue.

We should make a new thread for this and move these there. :)

[FairHamilton]

Does anyone know anything about the empty church at Main & Balsam (Southwest corner)?

[MsMe]

Does anyone know anything about the empty church at Main & Balsam (Southwest corner)?

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=152984&highlight=balsam

[hmagazine]

The one across from General ( West St. School) has a heritage designation.

Correct me if I'm wrong - but I think I read that Spallacci (King Terraces) has either bought this building or is planning to buy it from the city and turn the school into apartments - while maintaining the actual building. Could be great.

Anyone know about this?

[MsMe]

I love the steeples on the old schools. :)

[FairHamilton]

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=152984&highlight=balsam

Thanks, I figured it had been talked about here, but knew the name of the church.

[omro]

Correct me if I'm wrong - but I think I read that Spallacci (King Terraces) has either bought this building or is planning to buy it from the city and turn the school into apartments - while maintaining the actual building. Could be great.

Anyone know about this?

I think someone said words to that effect in a thread in which I asked what the building was.

[MsMe]

Thanks, I figured it had been talked about here, but knew the name of the church.

I was made to go there when I was younger. So I knew the name. I haven't been a church goer since. They kicked me out when they saw I grew some horns. :jester: :D

[matt602]

Additions and some changes to your list, if I may:



Closed and Empty.

One across the street from General Hospital. - Closed, yes, but still partially active according to a few sources. The building still has hydro and is maintained.

Scott Park. This one at least has the pool adjoining the school though which is still be used as far as I know. - Closed but definitely not empty. Rumor is that a technical college or ESL classes are using portions of the building. The front doors are often open with a car or two parked out front.

Kentley and Nash. - Yep, closed and empty. Was supposed to turn into a retirement home but it seems the plans have fallen through and the developers have abandoned it. No work on the building for at least a year now.

Beach Rd.

Closed and torn down.

Bartonville.

Bishop Ryan.

Tweedsmuir (no replacement built on site)

Queen Victoria (replacement being built on site, should open soon)

Hillcrest (replacement built on-site, currently active)

Prince of Whales (replacement being built on site, nearing completion. Should be ready for September.)

Closed and now being used for other things.

Where Barangas is.

Bell Cairn.

[MsMe]

Additions and some changes to your list, if I may:

Thaks for that info. :tup:

[MsMe]

I'm trying to think of the name of the one on Beach Rd. but my brain is alseep here.

[flar]

This one in McAnulty on Beach Rd was torn down? It must have been recently.
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k28/segaert/twilight2/00022.jpg

[MsMe]

No it's still there Flar. I just couldn't remember the name of it.

[palace1]

Lloyd George School is the one at 360 Beach Rd. The City of Hamilton website shows it assessed as Commercial Taxable for $365,000.

The Spec article abstracted below says it is the same owner as Scott Park?

The Spectator - Hamilton, Ont.
Author: Christine Cox
Date: Jul 23, 2005
Start Page: A.04
Section: Local
Text Word Count: 444

Career college, 10 homes planned for Lloyd George site

Lloyd George closed two years ago. The Hamilton public school board recently sold it for $250,000 to Mo Yau Ching, who had earlier purchased the former Scott Park Secondary School. Ching wants to turn Scott Park into a skilled trades school.

Realtor David Field, who represents Ching, said Lloyd George will become a career college offering programs such as hotel management. The target market for students will be primarily Asia and it will be an ancillary operation to Scott Park.

If the severance goes ahead, whoever buys the former playground at the rear of Lloyd George would have to seek approval for housing development. Field said the site should allow for construction of 10 homes on lots 25 by 105 feet, the typical lot size in the neighbourhood now.

[matt602]

Speaking of Scott Park, I passed it today. Lights were on out front and an older asian man walked out of the doors. Definitely not empty and disused.

[MsMe]

Lloyd George School is the one at 360 Beach Rd. The City of Hamilton website shows it assessed as Commercial Taxable for $365,000.

The Spec article abstracted below says it is the same owner as Scott Park?

The Spectator - Hamilton, Ont.
Author: Christine Cox
Date: Jul 23, 2005
Start Page: A.04
Section: Local
Text Word Count: 444

Career college, 10 homes planned for Lloyd George site

Lloyd George closed two years ago. The Hamilton public school board recently sold it for $250,000 to Mo Yau Ching, who had earlier purchased the former Scott Park Secondary School. Ching wants to turn Scott Park into a skilled trades school.

Realtor David Field, who represents Ching, said Lloyd George will become a career college offering programs such as hotel management. The target market for students will be primarily Asia and it will be an ancillary operation to Scott Park.

If the severance goes ahead, whoever buys the former playground at the rear of Lloyd George would have to seek approval for housing development. Field said the site should allow for construction of 10 homes on lots 25 by 105 feet, the typical lot size in the neighbourhood now.

Thanks for that info. :)

[FairHamilton]

Speaking of Scott Park, I passed it today. Lights were on out front and an older asian man walked out of the doors. Definitely not empty and disused.

We swim a couple of nights a week at Jimmy Thompson pool next door and the ladies at the pool told us there was a plan to put in a Columbia College type school.

And the people connected with Scott park frequently come into Jimmy Thompson to use the washrooms. So definately activity of some sort.

[omro]

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k28/segaert/staticvoid/00139.jpg

I walk past this building almost every day. It makes me so sad :(

[matt602]

Theres work being done on it. What for? I don't know. It has an active power connection now though and the building has been secure for some time.

[highwater]

I walk past this building almost every day. It makes me so sad :(

Me too. I don't hold out much hope for this one. It's not in the best location for adaptive reuse, IMO.

[FairHamilton]

Me too. I don't hold out much hope for this one. It's not in the best location for adaptive reuse, IMO.

But the building transcends the area. Just like the old bank building close-by at Westinghouse & Barton that is now low rent residential.

Barton-rising!! With a few sparks of inspirational thinking it can happen.

[omro]

But the building transcends the area. Just like the old bank building close-by at Westinghouse & Barton that is now low rent residential.

Barton-rising!! With a few sparks of inspirational thinking it can happen.

I thought that was an old bank.

[omro]

And what's happening to that old school? On Barton/Gibson? It's quite an attractive building, though they need to knock down what looks like a tacked on gymnastium to reveal the front again properly.

[matt602]

It just closed recently, I honestly don't have a clue whats to happen with it. I believe it closed at the same time as Stinson school. I agree, it is a beautiful school. Hopefully it won't meet the same fate as Prince of Whales, Queen Victoria, Hillcrest and many other lower city schools that have closed in the last few years. Theres at least 3 more that I'm forgetting here, all of which have been demolished. Only the 3 that I last were directly replaced with a new building.

[flar]

That old school is one of the last surviving 19th century schools in Hamilton (along with Stinson and Central). I'm pretty sure it is protected, and I think someone said it was being converted to residential in another thread a few months ago.

As for the Westinghouse building, that section of Barton and area could be great: a solid commercial strip and a bunch of sturdy brick houses from around the turn of the century. Actually, some of the houses right next to the old building are very nice:

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k28/segaert/gibson/00160.jpg

[matt602]

Wow, they are nice, especially that yellow one. Never even noticed before.

[omro]

Having walked up and down Barton for the last two and a half months... Yes I can see why people say it's not that nice of an area, but.... there are many really nice side streets!

On the same street, directly opposite those houses is a park which is having an "Extreme Park Makeover" to include a "Green Gym" by the end of this month.

[FairHamilton]

I think we are getting our schools mixed up, West Avenue and Gibson.

The West Avenue is being converted to subsidized housing, and is most likely the one Flar is referring to above. Gibson is an early 20th Century built School, and I have not idea on plans for that one.

[flar]

yes, I did mix up the schools. The west ave school also has a crappy addition, but not as bad as the one on the Gibson school.

[bornagainbiking]

Just south of the Westinghouse bldg is a major nasty area. Check it out after dark. The only chance for this area is a major influx of civic minded citizens. The park would be a great starter.
As a unique hamilton necessity there is a Tim's within strolling distance (600 metres).
That building could be starter condos for newly weds or nearly deads, empty nesters. Not to mention young medical profesionals from the HGH, a very short bus ride, mild walk or a pefect cycle (1.2 km). So close to James north (2.4 km) bus down-cab back.
The centre will rise again. :notacrook: :notacrook:

[Blurr]

^^^
I think that there are areas that are in transition and more desirable now that require more attention before we spread the focus (money) to thinly and fail on everything.

Although the Westinghouse is nice, the area has a long way to go to sell condos profitably there.

[SteelTown]

City crackdown gets results
Owners of dilapidated properties taking steps to fix issues

August 21, 2009
Nicole Macintyre
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/622096

Two months into a crackdown on vacant buildings, the city has issued orders against more than a dozen dilapidated properties.

Council approved proactive inspections of some 75 known vacant buildings earlier this year in hopes of protecting the city's building stock.

Since starting the initiative in late June, city staff have visited more than half the buildings checking for violations.

Inspectors discovered several properties have been demolished or were reoccupied, but numerous locations were found unsecured or in violation of city bylaws.

The city is already seeing a positive impact from the new aggressive approach, said Carmela Vidic, co-ordinator of municipal law enforcement.

"It's a really good protocol."

If a property is found in violation, such as allowing a building to be open to trespassers or not removing graffiti, an order is issued, detailing the required repairs.

Public safety is the top priority, but the city also wants to ensure that properties meet esthetic standards, said Vidic.

"It's partially to do with the image of the city."

The city hopes it will encourage owners to maintain their properties and spur redevelopment, she said. If the work isn't done, the city will step in to do repairs at the owner's expense.

In early July, the city issued an order against 212 Wilson Street after finding the empty home unsecured. Neighbours were pleased to see the house boarded up after months of watching transients and suspected drug users come and go.

Barbara Hoye, who lives in an apartment building across the street, said parents used to keep their children inside so they didn't see what was happening at the house previously damaged by fire.

"They don't need to see that."

Since the plywood went up, the problem has gone away, said Hoye.

"It's made a big difference."

Downtown Councillor Bob Bratina said he's already noticed the proactive approach working. He notes the crackdown has coincided with increasing intolerance in the community for derelict buildings.

"It's a distinct difference from before," he said, noting he feels that owners of rundown buildings are starting to take the hint. "It's pressure for sure ... Things have really improved."

Some property owners are even going above and beyond the city's requirements.

The bottom windows of the former Federal Building on Main Street, which has sat empty for several years, have recently been covered and painted to blend in.

"We just wanted to keep it up," said owner Darko Vranich, explaining he ordered the improvements on his own initiative. "I want to be a good corporate businessman."

The new protocol for vacant buildings was spurred by the collapse of the Balfour Building beside the Lister Block on King William Street last summer.

Previously the city relied on public complaints to find unsafe buildings and was heavily criticized for its enforcement standards.

The city's bylaw enforcement branch has since undergone a major overhaul.

[jgrwatson]

Good start!

I love how the city is at the forefront for Property Standards By-Laws and creating a phenomenal "Demolition by Neglect" By-Law, but was too afraid to enforce anything - I guess that notion is changing...

[FairHamilton]

I think we are forcing them to pay attention and to take action. And we need to keep the pressure/attention on so it never returns to the old laissez faire attitude in regards to vacant and unkempt properties.

[omro]

The bottom windows of the former Federal Building on Main Street, which has sat empty for several years, have recently been covered and painted to blend in.

"We just wanted to keep it up," said owner Darko Vranich, explaining he ordered the improvements on his own initiative. "I want to be a good corporate businessman."

Then why wasn't it kept up from day 1, rather than after several years of being empty?

[Imperial]

The NRB was built in 1954 but I'd love to find out who the architect was and who the artist was that did the reliefs at the front entrance. Anyone know of a good historical site that might have that info? I'd go to the library but its closed today...might have to wait until tomorrow.

[palace1]

Elizabeth Bradford Holbrook was the sculptor of the "the stone panels above the doors at the old federal building on Main Street"
http://www.thespec.com/article/527264

[SteelTown]

Vacant Building Registry By-law

http://www.hamilton.ca/NR/rdonlyres/7915AC60-02BD-4BED-9656-462F93097087/0/Oct05EDRMS_n93877_v1_PED09031c_1.pdf

[padthai]

I'll be sure to apply for the FTE that will be enforcing and administering the Vacant Building Registry By-law. Talk about having job security! They'll never run out of work.

Half of that position's time will probably dedicated to what's known as "Vranich time."

And a $37,000 vehicle to boot? I like it.

[SteelTown]

City gets tough on vacant buildings

Nicole O’Reilly
http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/264948--city-gets-tough-on-vacant-buildings

Hamilton’s efforts to keep tabs on its vacant building problem just got some teeth.

A committee of council approved a vacant building registry bylaw Tuesday afternoon, which, if passed by council next week, would make it mandatory for most building owners to register their property after 90 days of vacancy.

Property owners who don’t comply will be taken to court, said Marty Hazell, the city’s director of parking and bylaw services.

First-time residential property offenders will face fines up to $10,000 on the first offence and up to $20,000 on subsequent offences. Commercial property owners will face fines up to $50,000 on the first offence and up to $100,000 on subsequent.

Staff will automatically have to flag the Ministry of the Environment if there is any suspected environmental concern, Hazell said.

Fire and bylaw staff can recommend sites be registered, members of the public can suggest properties through the city’s website, and city staff will be driving around looking for vacant buildings.

Residential properties fit for living and agricultural properties are exempt.

Those registering will pay a one-time administration fee of $240 and a $600 annual fee, Hazell said. Properties found to continually violate bylaws will face additional fines.

The need for an official, well-documented and regularly inspected list of vacant city properties has long been a source of contention.

This past year alone saw the debate resurface when the heritage Century Theatre was forced to be demolished after falling into disrepair, apparently unbeknownst to the city.

The debate gained strength when investigations into abandoned barrels, possibly containing toxic waste, were discovered at three unused properties on Hess, Catharine and Wentworth streets north. These properties’ owners face a long list of health, safety and environmental compliance orders.

Vacant buildings used to be complaint-based only, Hazell said, which inadvertently allowed many properties to fall into disrepair. In January of 2009, the city created a vacant building protocol, wherein properties on the vacant property list are proactively inspected.

That ever-changing and ever-growing list had 76 properties in June 2009. It had ballooned to 165 by Tuesday.

Keeping up with it became too costly, Hazell said. Now the list will be folded into the new registry and the registry’s fees will pay for at least one staff member and a vehicle to keep on top of the vacant buildings.

Staff expect the number of properties on the registry to grow exponentially.

Properties on the registry must be inspected by the building’s owner at least every two weeks and bylaw staff will inspect every three months, he said. Staff will also have more opportunity to document concerns.

Community activist and now Ward 2 council candidate Matt Jelly launched “bylaw crawls” to highlight the problem following the Century Theatre collapse. It was also his complaints about the properties on Wentworth and Hess streets north that led to the ongoing investigations by the city and Environment Ministry.

The registry gives the city more opportunity to gather information about vacant properties, he said.

Councillor Scott Duvall said some of these abandoned buildings, particularly those storing toxic waste, have been an embarrassment to the city.

“I think this is a good start, but we need more,” he said.

Councillor Lloyd Ferguson also referenced what he called a “toxic stew.”

But he’s worried the good guys will pay the extra tax, and the bad guys “will say go take a hike.”

Hazell said that’s where the fines for not registering will hopefully deter would-be law breakers.

Councillor Brian McHattie went a step further and suggested the registry may also encourage people to develop properties to avoid the vacant building fees.

[coalminecanary]

that's great news

[LikeHamilton]

Here is a good article in the Globe & Mail on vacant buildings. It seems to be a problem everywhere.

"Firefighters face increasing peril as vacant death traps proliferate" by CHRISTIE BLATCHFORD.

While dilapidated urban cores and desolated downtowns have been widespread in some American cities for years, their Canadian counterparts have been spared until recently, with Toronto in particular long proud of its vibrant inner core. But the economic slowdown has begun to be felt across Canada, especially in towns and cities in Ontario, the country’s former industrial heartland.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/christie-blatchford/firefighters-face-increasing-peril-as-vacant-death-traps-proliferate/article1860962/

[LikeHamilton]

Former Siemens plant being reborn in Hamilton's north end

Empire Steel hopes to have plant totally up and running by mid summer

By Adam Carter, CBC News Posted: May 9, 2013 5:04 PM ET Last Updated: May 10, 2013 10:17 AM ET

The former Siemens plant in Hamilton's north end is still a ghost of its former self — but not for long. Empire Steel Inc. has taken over, and come mid-summer, they hope to have the place rattling again with the sounds of manufacturing.

“I can't have this place empty. It has to go to work,” said Sherif Khalifa, Empire Steel's president. “We have some big shoes here to fill.”

But the property got a fresh start when Khalifa was handed the keys for the Myler Street site on January 1. The property is massive — 450,000 square feet of space sprawling over 18 acres of land and equipped with the largest overhead cranes in Canada.

Khalifa spends a lot of time walking around the space as employees frenetically work to outfit the plant for the importing and exporting of flatroll and carbon steel. That steel gets shipped overseas and is used to make everything from cars to heating ducts.

Even before things were fully up and running, the space was still being used — the upper floors of one of the buildings was turned into a makeshift hospital to film scenes from The Calling, an upcoming Susan Sarandon movie.

Empire Steel is a smaller company than Siemens, and won't be employing as many workers — about 150-200 compared to 550. But any kind of growth in the steel industry in a difficult economy is a good thing, Khalifa says. Because so many parts of the plant are in such good shape, things will be up and running much sooner than usual, he says.

Even still, he's anxious to start producing, and become part of Hamilton's economic heart, he says.

“I'm sure we're here to stay for many years."

Full story plus a video

http://www.cbc.ca/hamilton/news/story/2013/05/09/hamilton-empire-steel-siemens-plant.html

[SteelTown]

Excellent. Plus I'm hearing they'll be more businesses coming soon.