McMaster Primary Health Care Campus | ? | 6 fl | Complete

[SteelTown]

Mac steps up downtown search

Wade Hemsworth
The Hamilton Spectator
(Nov 22, 2007)

McMaster University has identified three other downtown sites for a major new family health centre, but continues to court Hamilton's public school board in the hope of making a deal on the keystone property where the board's headquarters now stands.

The university is not disclosing its alternative locations, but the list does not include previously identified contingencies immediately behind City Hall and at McMaster's own continuing education centre in the former county courthouse at Main and Hughson streets.

Meanwhile, the university and David Braley -- the benefactor who has put $10 million toward a new family medicine centre -- stepped up their courtship of the school board this week, in advance of two board meetings that will deal with the subject early next month.

In separate conversations with education director Chris Spence, they emphasized McMaster's readiness to consider options that could see the university and the board work together, possibly in a single building.

Braley said he considers the project so important that he is prepared to buy the property personally and will even consider financing the building if necessary.

"The most important thing is that we're looking after people who need a family doctor," he said in an interview.

The university's plan is designed to solve two problems: to build a major new multidisciplinary training centre for a growing number of family doctors and other clinicians, and to provide primary medical care for as many as 15,000 patients.

The university needs at least 100,000 square feet -- roughly the same floor space occupied by the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Glanbrook.

The centre could see as many as 75,000 visits per year. Braley and the university hope those visits and related activities would also help with a third challenge: invigorating Hamilton's blighted core.

The school board, meanwhile, is considering which of six options it will pursue for seven of its administrative buildings across the city, including its Education Centre, set on a property with exposures on King, Main and Bay streets.

Ideas on the table range from selling the headquarters property and moving to the Mountain to keeping the 1967 building and adding to it. Among the issues are cost, the effect of leaving downtown and the architectural significance of the present building.

The board is to meet in camera Dec. 3 when it will discuss funding scenarios that could be attached to those options. It is to debate the issue publicly Dec. 10.

Meanwhile, with medical students already in the system who are destined for specialty in the expanding family-medicine program, and McMaster already straining its existing facilities, expansion must be complete by 2010, said David Price, chair of family medicine at the DeGroote School of Medicine.

"That train has left the station and it's well down the track," he said.

Given that it would take two years to design and build a facility, the university needs to secure a site within the next year, he said. McMaster wants a property with easy access to bus routes that would carry patients from every part of the city.

The university's proposal for the centre was revealed in late June when Braley donated $50 million to McMaster's medical school, including $10 million in seed money for the project. Braley said he hopes the university and school board can work out a mutually beneficial plan.

"This is the place where it should be," he said.

Spence said his job is to make sure trustees understand McMaster's intentions as they consider their "incredibly difficult" decision.

"When all is said and done, we've got some issues that we have to address. I absolutely believe that has to be the driver for the decision-making," he said.

"But we're also part of a community. We don't work in isolation. We're not an island. That's why it's important that they get all those pieces. That's not to push them in one direction or the other, but it's in fairness to them that they get all the information."

[raisethehammer]

good! let's hope this search includes some of the mega-empty lots downtown instead of perfectly good buildings.

[DC83]

Originally Posted by raisethehammer

good! let's hope this search includes some of the mega-empty lots downtown instead of perfectly good buildings.

Exactly!!

Ideas on the table range from selling the headquarters property and moving to the Mountain to keeping the 1967 building and adding to it. Among the issues are cost, the effect of leaving downtown and the architectural significance of the present building.

Here's a crazy idea... I know it's Hamilton afterall... but why not KEEP the existing building which has unique architectural significance (esp in a city like Hamilton) and build in the huge empty lot behind it (King/Bay)!?!

Am I the only one who thinks this makes the most sense???

[raisethehammer]

I've wondered all along why they don't do that. they have a TON of prime land there.

[SteelTown]

I know Braley has started to spend his millions at McMaster already. At my lab, which we got $15 million, is starting construction soon for a stem cell library. It's gonna be cool with the robotic machineries (cost $7 million alone), the only one in Canada.

[raisethehammer]

I saw the sign today at Innovation Park.
Looks like a 2 or 3 storey building being built.
Can't wait till it starts.

[SteelTown]

Originally Posted by SteelTown

The board is to meet in camera Dec. 3 when it will discuss funding scenarios that could be attached to those options. It is to debate the issue publicly Dec. 10.

Tomorrow we will find out what the School Board is leaning towards.

[raisethehammer]

here's hoping!!

[DC83]

Predictions Anyone?
I hate to be a negative nelly, but I'm going to say the HWDSB leaves for that crazy development land we call Turner Park (Upper Wellington/Rymal area).

I really really want them to stick around downtown, but if they do, chances are it'll mean tearing down the current HWDSB Bldg

So I guess it's a lose-lose situation!?

[the dude]

i have zero faith in the school board making a good decision. they're in the business of making money and saving money. they're robots.

i still say one of the lots adjacent to the continuing ed building would be best. it is a good question, though, as to why they won't just build on the lot behind the board of ed. perhaps the board is asking for too much. i thought i'd heard that braley wants the whole thing and then to build a hotel on that vacant lot. we shall see.

[SteelTown]

I say McMaster will win it's just up to the School Board to get a storefront size or share the office space with McMaster. Ultimately I think the School Board will keep all of its administration office in the downtown with McMaster. McMaster, or more like Braley, will pay extra to cover the cost of an underground parking garage. That's the stumbling point for the School Board, cost associated with an underground parking garage, it's cheaper to relocate up on the Mountain and have a giant surface lot for parking.

[DC83]

Public input sought in new education centre
Dec, 11 2007 - 6:00 AM

HAMILTON (AM900 CHML) - Trustees with the Hamilton Public School Board are now looking for the public's input as it tries to come up with a plan for a new education centre.Seven options are on the table.

The cheapest option would be to build a new facility on the mountain.

But many trustees have indicated they'd like to stay in the downtown core.

Staff has been asked to come up with a business plan for one building to amalgamate all the board offices.

A public meeting will be held on January 10th.

http://900chml.com/news/news_local.c...news_local.cfm

[raisethehammer]

might as well enjoy attending all these public meetings before they move to a location in the middle of suburbia that nobody can get to.
what a pathetic excuse for 'educational experts'.

[SteelTown]

Board seeks public input on ed. centre

Rob Faulkner
The Hamilton Spectator
(Dec 11, 2007)

Hamilton's public school board last night asked staff to make a business case for a one-building option for a new education centre.

But, instead of endorsing one of seven options up for debate, they left the door open for input from public delegations on the matter Jan. 10 and city hall's thoughts on the matter.

Last night, nearly all of the debate on options for 100 Main St. W. was done in a private session. But when trustees emerged, they let slip that staff prefer "the $33-million option" and that it is for a new building.

Among the options on the table, the cheapest was to have the board headquarters leave downtown for a new, $33-million building on the Mountain.

The board sees itself at a crossroads, with old buildings in need of repair, and too many administrative staff to fit in 100 Main St. W. Staff last night were looking for permission to develop a plan for their preferred option: a single building, with a downtown presence. It doesn't imply the building will be built downtown.

Previously, board director of education Chris Spence raised the idea of erecting a kiosk or storefront run by the board downtown, but a new building elsewhere.

Trustee Laura Peddle got board support to ask staff to amend the wording of their recommendation: instead of asking them to research their favourite option, she wants them to present a business case for their preference, but also summarize other options available.

The original four options brought forward by staff are: renovate all seven buildings; build one new building elsewhere; build two buildings, one downtown, one elsewhere; or renovate and expand 100 Main St. W.

This fall, trustees asked for two variations, and Spence, absent last night, raised the idea of a storefront downtown presence.

Peddle said staff can't "expect success" if all they bring forward at meetings is their favourite option, without explaining why other options are being discarded.

Interim superintendent of business Dennis Webb said allowing staff to research an option doesn't bind the board to only one option, but lets staff approach the Ministry of Education for financial advice.

If you want to be a delegation to the special committee of the whole meeting on Jan. 10 at 5:30 p.m., direct requests to Chris Spence via e-mail at kelsey.crawford@hwdsb.on.ca.

[SteelTown]

A fight to save a landmark
Petition favours preserving downtown education centre

January 04, 2008
Rob Faulkner
The Hamilton Spectator


A retired high school teacher is leading a petition to save the Hamilton public school board's education centre from the wrecking ball.

Ancaster's Bob Philip, 71, taught in local high schools, went to McMaster University and has kept an eye on both during his retirement.

With 112 signatures, he hopes to convince public board trustees to save architect Joseph Singer's 1967 ivory tower at Main and Bay, as the board contemplates moving to the Mountain.

"The building is a landmark building, and it's an indication to people that education is important," Philip said of the site at the western edge of downtown.

He plans to present comments from the petition (at ipetitions.com/petition/Education-Centre) at a meeting 5:30 p.m. Thursday on the future of the education centre.

"We were after quality input. The numbers didn't bother us," Philip said of the three-week-old petition. Strip multiple and anonymous entries and his petition has about 90 names.

Hamilton's public school board sees itself at a crossroads, with a headquarters that needs repairs, and administrators scattered across the city at former school sites.

Last month, trustees told staff to study a plan for a new single-building headquarters. Staff appear to favour a $33-million building on the Mountain, but must still share plans with trustees for final approval.

Philip said the board and Mac are taking the "wrong" approach. He thinks board staff could fill old schools emptying from declining enrolment, and that Mac can locate its future family health centre elsewhere downtown.

City official Gord Moodie, in the downtown renewal division, is expected to address trustees Thursday, to outline how a downtown education centre fits into plans for the city's core.

On Philip's petition, people like Singer the architect, historical tour guide Robin McKee and others argue for the preservation of 100 Main St. W.

The irony is that the board in the 1960s located downtown only with city hall inducements. Singer argues the costs of renovating 100 Main St. W. are too high and must be verified by contractors.

About 250 people work in the building today. The board says it needs space for 604 if it's to close former schools that house administrative staff across the amalgamated school board.

The board will hear public delegations on the education centre at a special committee of the whole meeting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at 100 Main St. W.

Philip plans to present comments from the petition in his 15-minute address. He notes that, as Hamilton tries to consolidate staff, Toronto District School Board trustees say its centralized mega-board is dysfunctional.

[DC83]

Here comes another Parking Lot!! YAY!

[SteelTown]

We'll find out tomorrow what the future holds for the School Board, will we have two major disappointments this week?

[raisethehammer]

I'm betting on yes.

[SteelTown]

Now if Mayor Fred had any shred of leadership he would talk about relocating the Public Health department to the current School Board building and let McMaster and the School Board work together on a new building together so each can save money.

But my expectations are low.

[SteelTown]

Trustees to learn about new option
Downtown block would include school board HQ

January 10, 2008
Rob Faulkner
SPECIAL TO The Hamilton Spectator

Board chair Judith Bishop says the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board faces a "conundrum" in deciding what to do with its Education Centre.

Because Ontario won't fund administrative space, the board feels it must sell land at Main and Bay, and in Ancaster, to pay for new headquarters.

But Bishop is eager to hear a city proposal -- at a meeting of public delegations at 5:30 p.m. today at 100 Main St. W. -- that adds a new twist to the options trustees must consider.

City staff are scheduled to present an option that would put McMaster's family medicine centre, the school board, city public health and two private hotels on a redeveloped Hamilton Education Square at King, Main and Bay.

"It is added pressure," Bishop said of competing outside visions for what the board should do.

She said the cheapest option at $33 million is to build a new ed centre on the board-owned Jerome site, a site large enough for a headquarters and future high school southwest of the Linc and Upper Wellington.

Hamilton's public school board sees itself at a crossroads, with a headquarters that needs repairs, and administrators scattered across the city at old, converted former school sites.

Bishop said most trustees want to stay downtown but know they have to be "fiscally responsible." She expects criticism if the board builds any new headquarters when schools need repairs.

Tonight represents the first full public meeting for delegates wanting input into the board's plans. The six present- ers represent downtown businesses, residents hoping to save the Education Centre, city hall, parents in the board and a board staff union.

Board staff are putting together a proposal for trustees for a single-building concept. What that means is unclear. Bishop said it doesn't imply a single new building on the Mountain, and may mean a shared site downtown.

She said one possibility is that the board sell part of its 100 Main St. W. site -- with McMaster being the first public body to have a chance to buy it -- and then share the cost of building underground parking if its surface lot is sold.

David Price, chair of family medicine at McMaster, said the university's plans for a $30-million to $50-million family medicine centre are awaiting a school board decision on its "wonderful location."

"It's a wonderful location but, just as when you find a wonderful house, there are times when that house is not for sale," said Price, who hopes to find a downtown site for Mac this year.

Pressure is mounting to grow medical residency spaces at Mac over the next two to five years in anticipation of a wave of physician retirements, he said.

He calls tonight's city pitch -- that the board, Mac and city public health share space -- "amazing for downtown Hamilton." Trustees will see a gorgeous architects' rendering of the possible complex: lots of glass, modern slanting roofs and insignia emblazoned on the sides of each public party's building.

Director of education Chris Spence said a partnership may be possible, as long as it gives the board enough space. It estimates it needs 128,800 square feet; the city plan has nearly that for the board.

The board now has 291,100 square feet of noninstructional space, scattered over 16 hectares across the city. The sites have $28 million in deferred maintenance and $16 million pending for accessibility and building-code upgrades and other costs.

The board has said that the current centre houses about 250 people, but needs space for 604 if it hopes to close old schools housing administrators.

Spence called the Mountain site "not the most likely path" but it "definitely deserves strong consideration."

He said he believes anything is still possible.

The board will hold a special committee-of-the-whole meeting at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 28 to hear a staff-preferred option for the Education Centre, allowing them time to integrate input from public delegations.

Trustees are expected to vote on it that night.

East-end trustee Ray Mulholland said the board shouldn't go anywhere: He thinks a good audit of required space must be done before the board sells off a $10-million asset at Main and Bay.

"If we make a decision, we shouldn't make that decision only on cost. Location is the most important thing," he said, hoping to stay downtown in the 1967 building designed by Joe Singer.

The new twist

The city is proposing to remake the block bounded by King, Main and Bay into Hamilton Education Square: a cluster of buildings housing the public school board, a new McMaster University family medicine clinic, city public health, two private hotels and more. It would see:

* Separate buildings for various public agencies but shared ancillary space for clinics, community centres, retail

* A shared 600-space underground parking lot

* Two hotels built by the private sector; the city claims private interest is real

* Collaboration on immunization, healthy schools, environmental health

* As required, a lead role for the city's for-profit downtown development corporation, the Hamilton Realty Capital Corporation.

Next steps for the city: Explore redevelopment option with the board, prepare a business plan, have partners review and confirm proposal, present business plan to the board, have the board confirm redevelopment as its referred option.