Raise the Hammer
This has been a busy summer in downtown Hamilton with several reno projects, properties changing hands and many announcements of future projects.
Now that we're into the sunny dog days of summer I thought it would be a good time for a quick sampling of news from downtown Hamilton.
Lissa's Bistro (yes, that's with two esses) is opening soon on Augusta St in Hamilton's fastest growing dining/patio district. There will be a patio, but no word yet on menu items or style.
Gallaghers Pub at John and Augusta is getting rave reviews and has now opened a patio. Word is the menu will gradually expand to offer more food choices. I love the sliding 'garage door' facing John St.
Still on Augusta, check out the new mural on the exterior wall of the Cat N Fiddle. Awesome job to all involved.
One block south, the former Imperial Coiffures space is being turned into a little diner with homecooked food and takeout service. I'm already salivating. Now let's just hope they keep the incredible facade and signage on this great little building.
Moetion Productions is moving their head office from Copps Coliseum to the old Zacks Furniture store on King East in the International Village. Again, I hope the folks in charge will preserve the incredible Zacks sign which looks amazing from the window seat across the street at Three16 Lounge.
Speaking of Three16 Lounge, they now officially have the coolest patio in Hamilton. The back courtyard is a beautiful spot in the middle of downtown Hamilton. Be sure you check it out while the weather is warm.
Further north on Ferguson one can't help but be impressed with the gradual transformation in the Barton/Ferguson area. Take a walk or bike ride over the new Ferguson Ave bridge (great job by the city on the design) and check out the view of the new David Braley Cardiac Research building as well as the soon to open Mark Preece House on Barton. Hamilton continues to evolve into a research centre and the impacts on our economy and image are nothing short of spectacular.
The Gown and Gavel is finally re-opened and worth the wait. Those pining for an authentic pub experience should stick to Augusta St or the Celidh House. The G&G is pub no more. It's sleek and comfortable with some great interior reno work done to both homes making this a spot that will be busy all year long, not just during patio season.
The London Tap House continues to cram them in. I've had little success getting a seat on the rooftop patio this summer save for once on a blistering day back in June.
No confirmation, but rumours persist of a new Italian Bistro taking over the former Infusions space at the Gore.
Still in the Gore, the downtown BIA is slowly coming around to the idea of pedestrianizing the south leg of King. They've agreed to do it on a temporary basis. Most observers agree that it won't ever live up to its full potential until it is closed permanently and local businesses can set up patios, booths and live music acts in the Gore. In a downtown dominated by cars and parking lots, let's hope this tiny two-block stretch with virtually no traffic can become the true heart of the city for people to gather and enjoy themselves.
Downtown Bike Hounds is opening at Cannon and James. It is the first bike shop in downtown Hamilton! Better late than never!
Also, Mixed Media is moving to James and Cannon in September. There's lots of action happening on James North so stay tuned.
Finally, I'm pleased to inform you that the Bad Dog Cafe is set to re-open in their former location on Locke St. No word on an opening, but the place is slowly being put back together and should open soon.
That'll do for now. Yes, I said a 'mini' downtown update. There's too much happening to keep up with these days and that's a good thing!
Sorry to those I didn't get to, but a final few reminders - the >Art Gallery of Hamilton is currently showing a great exhibit of Asian art and culture, the James North Art Crawl in September should be a great one and the Fringe Festival continues downtown until August 24.
Editor's Note: RTH will be publishing several reviews of Fringe Festival performances over the next couple of days.
By Northender 98 (anonymous) | Posted August 21, 2008 at 12:25:11
An addition to all the happenings--La Petite Spa on James has new digs on East side of the street next to the "Loose Cannon" gallery. They have done a nice job with this small space. A bright spot in developments on James. Also, the ad signs are coming down from the old Jerry's Man shop/Hamilton Artist's Inc. building.
Northender
By adam1 (anonymous) | Posted August 21, 2008 at 14:50:23
Certain mountain councillors would be wise to change their tune and start embracing the 1 way to 2 way street conversions. All the new places (tax $$$) on James and John are becoming hard to ignore.
By jason (registered) | Posted August 21, 2008 at 16:04:45
adam1, all the places on James and John are very easy to ignore by folks who are never on the streets downtown. Your point is well taken though, and deadly accurate - revitalization=money.
By jason (registered) | Posted August 21, 2008 at 23:31:53
as far as I know, nothing is happening on any of those sites. The Napier/Caroline condo seems to have sold decently based on the number of occupied units I see while walking by. The rest of it all seems stalled, cancelled or not in a hurry to do anything. We've seen this too many times in this city. I wish city hall would stop committing money to groups that aren't ready to break ground immediately. However, much continues to happen downtown despite this so we'll see what happens. Harry Stinson is right on the money - all these property owners don't want to invest a cent of their own money to help turn things around. They are all sitting around doing nothing, hoping that someone else (like him) will take the plunge. At this point I'd be overjoyed to simply see dozens of downtown properties put up for sale in order to get rid of the slumlords we've had doing nothing worthwhile in this city for too many years. Their day has come and gone. It's time for a changing of the guard.
By jason (registered) | Posted August 22, 2008 at 09:43:13
after my first visit last night, I can now confirm the rave reviews of Gallaghers on John South. This place has it all from great food, friendly service, laid back atmosphere, great decor etc..... Starting today they open at 11am for lunch with an expanded food menu offering sandwiches, pizza, panini's etc.... The nachos were great. This place would appear to be well on it's way to being one of the most popular spots in the city. It certainly deserves it.
By MR (anonymous) | Posted August 22, 2008 at 16:23:33
I there any hope on Barton between James and Kenilworth? Moved from TO 2.5 years ago and have only seen it get worse. More hookers, more drugs!
Toronto is starting to look good to me again.
By jason (registered) | Posted August 22, 2008 at 18:44:51
I wouldn't say that Barton is worse now than 2.5 years ago. There have been a few reno's and the area around General Hospital seems to be slowly coming around. A few buildings have been fixed up between Hughson and James. Eventually, Barton will rebound once all downtown buildings are fixed up and rising in price. Similar to how attention turned to James North a few years ago after years of neglect, Barton's day will come. I wouldn't base your decision to stay or leave here on the worst stretch in town. There's a lot of good happening here.
By New Place (anonymous) | Posted August 25, 2008 at 11:16:59
"al Centro" will open up in the former Infusions space in approximately 1 to 2 weeks.
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