Déjà vu || Hammer 2011

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What building are they tearing down?

Ed007Toronto said:

What building are they tearing down?

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It's the old Federal Building on Main St. (right near Hess Village).

Years ago, Darko Vranich bought it for a condo conversion. Like most of Vranich's projects, that never happened, now he's tearing it down for some vague condo proposal. I assume it'll be another parking lot.

You never disappoint Flar! Great to see you back where you belong!

Hamilton 2011 - Another neat look at Canada's Steel City...

Flar: Again another interesting tour of Hamilton...I found it quite interesting...

I will start with pic #3 noticing the mid 70s Mercury Comet and the row houses
that are behind it...

I will ask about other pics as time allows...LI MIKE

Does anyone have any more information about those renovations in picture 10? Those look like they would be amazing loft spaces.

Jayomatic said:

Does anyone have any more information about those renovations in picture 10? Those look like they would be amazing loft spaces.

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There was an article about it in the Spec recently: http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/582738--treasure-trove-in-treble-hall

According to the article, it won't be residential, but some kind of community space, as was its original purpose. In any case, the building seems to be in good hands after decades of neglect.

JasonParis said:

You never disappoint Flar! Great to see you back where you belong!

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Just temporarily, my visit was too short and I didn't get to see everything I wanted.

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Thanks for this, Flar!! Hamilton sure did miss your camera (and you, of course).

Can I ask which Hood has changed the most?
I see you spent lots of time in my most-recent hood (JamesNorth), as well as International Village. Both have seen turn-arounds as of late.
What's your observations since you've been away so (TOO!) long?

DC83 said:

Thanks for this, Flar!! Hamilton sure did miss your camera (and you, of course).

Can I ask which Hood has changed the most?
I see you spent lots of time in my most-recent hood (JamesNorth), as well as International Village. Both have seen turn-arounds as of late.
What's your observations since you've been away so (TOO!) long?

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I was curious as to how Hamilton would appear to me after being away for over two years. It was much how I remembered it. I thought it might seem smaller and shittier after living in Ottawa, but my visit confirmed my belief that Hamilton is much cooler than Ottawa. Hamilton has more food choices, more diversity, more interesting street life, way more character, more eclectic shopping options and a certain buzz that Ottawa is missing. Downtown has had slow and steady progress, but still a long way to go.

Hamilton would be truly awesome with some infill on all those parking lots downtown and a better mix of people. No offence to them, but the lowest income brackets stand out too much downtown, Hamilton needs to add more middle class people to the mix. That might stimulate some economic activity and fill the boarded up storefronts and underused buildings. Until there is more class diversity, downtown Hamilton will not be a destination. The unfortunate reality is that people from the burbs do not want to mix with drug addicts, mentally ill and sketchy looking people. Social problems need to be fixed, it seems central Hamilton is a dumping ground.

Great photo essay- it really captures the downtown well. I lived on Charlton for a few years and have very fond memories.

I agree with everything you said, Flar. You know Hamilton very well for a non-Native. Must be all the tours you've taken/photographed.
Also, yes, the North End has improved for the better since your last NorthEnd Phototour.. drastically! Still some work to be done (like getting rid of the NIMBY-based NEN - NorthEndNeighbours)

@ Bogtrotter: I LOVE Corktown, and have lived in 3 different places along Charlton-area (150, 155 Charlton East and 100 Forest). It's def one of the best/most under-rated hoods in Hamilton. But SHHHH.. housing prices there are relatively cheap still (can get a 2-bedroom condo at 150 Charlton East (The Olympia) for under $150,000 - and that bldg has upgraded Pool/Fitness Ctr, along with many other amenities.