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Construction at 325 James Street North has moved into a new phase, with a tower crane now in place and structural work rising above grade in Hamilton’s West Harbour neighbourhood. Designed by Lintack Architects for Core Urban, the 12-storey mixed-use rental development adds to the growing pipeline of mid-rise intensification projects across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
In July, 2025, early excavation was underway following the departure of the shoring rig, with a CAT hydraulic excavator breaking up and stockpiling soil and fragmented material at the base of the dig. Perimeter shoring walls line the excavation, stabilizing the site as crews work toward full depth for the two-level underground structure.
By January 2026, excavation had reached full depth, with the footprint clearly defined and extended at the northwest corner where the dig tightens against the adjacent building. The shoring system was fully engaged, with two rows of internal bracing: raker struts bearing against the excavation walls at the corners, and rows of tiebacks to resist lateral soil pressure. Below, the base of the excavation is active with equipment, materials, and crews preparing for the next phase of construction. At the same time, an orange tracked excavator positioned along Barton Street West extends its boom into the pit to continue bulk excavation and clean-up operations.
Later that month, the recently erected crane rose above a low-rise area of Hamilton.
In early April, 2026, the P1 slab was poured and formed. The crane rises from the north end of the site, with a white concrete boom pump on the south side. Rebar projects upward from the slab, as wall formwork systems are staged and partially assembled along the perimeter for upcoming foundation walls.
Projecting rebar emerges at grade later that month, with preparations underway for the ground floor slab pour.
This month, from Barton Street West and James Street North, first-floor structural work is now underway. Formwork panels are assembled across the slab to define columns and shear walls, while a newly poured concrete column stands near the centre of the site. In the foreground, bins, a concrete bucket, and construction materials are staged along the curb lane.
325 James Street North's podium levels have been designed in a style reminiscent of the warehouses that one stood in central Hamilton, while the upper levels will take on a more contemporary expression. Once complete, the building will rise to a height of 45.7m and deliver a total of 127 rental units.
UrbanToronto will continue to follow progress on this development, but in the meantime, you can learn more about it from our Database file, linked below. If you'd like, you can join in on the conversation in the associated Project Forum thread or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.
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