Raise the Hammer

Hi Mahesh and Woody10

This is most certainly a long-term vision Mahesh. I don't expect the doors to open on such a facility overnight. I would love to say our target is that we'd be open to the public in time to play a significant role in the Pan Am Games activity - to help ensure that the creative community is a focal opint for that blip on timeline as a City (a very important blip mind you). It will take years to raise the funds, find the core tenants, renovate and envision the actual building project, etc. I'm in this for the long haul so long as there is community support.

With regards to the report. Having spoken with a number of key people about the report there are a few inherent issues that jump out.

(1) how have we determined economic impact without stating which building we're basing this on? The steering committee for the project has the site selection narrowed to 3 key locations. Unfortuntely they are all privately owned so it would have been foolish for us to say "the addresses are:...." as this would triple the price of those buildings. So since we know the preferred sites we've based our modeling on those locations. So the numbers aren't completely "pie in the sky" as some suggest, but they are hypothetical based on assumptions of purchase prices and such. Nonetheless they were created by a man (Barry Lyons) who knows buildings inside out and backwards.

(2) why haven't we got any tenants to show off?

We've spoken to dozens of key potential tenants and loads of little ones. But here's the trick. Would you publicly state that you're moving to into this project without me being able to tell you (a) price per square foot, (b) location, (c) renovation costs, (d)who the other players are? Of course not. so we're in a sitatuation where we need to find the mechanism that will enable us to secure one location from our list. From there out we can very quickly determine the costs and factors associated with the project and begin working with tenants.

We have some really incredible conversations going on. In Hamilton and beyond. Again I'm forced into a tough situation where I can't name names - we don't want to jeopardize realtionships for those potential partners by outing them - so we keep it tight and wait for the right moment. Some people feel this is me either (1) being a competitive jerk or (2) a liar. Call me what you like - I'm doing whats best for this project. And when we can be public about the list you'll understand why I"m also doing whats best for Hamilton.


With respect to Woody10s comments. Woody you're right, children play an enormous role in the cultural fabric of Hamilton, and there is no reason they should be engaged by this facility. BUT as you've noted there are many places like DVSA and HCA (two organizations I love) that are already doing this and doing it well. I DO NOT want to create undue competition for them in this market. We would certainly welcome their involvement in enhancing their programs within this site - but I will not be seeking out new school for teaching children in this space unless they are offering something new to the community.

In my mind I want this to be a facility where children come and get inspired by those who have advanced through the ranks of training to become professionals. It a place to graduate to as they progress. A place to mix, mingle and learn from our countries finest.
The energy that children bring to a space, even to us jadded professionals, is infectious. It must be incorporated into this project.


Keep the comment flowing folks. Read the report. Give us our feedback. Join the "Building a Creative Catalyst" Facebook group. Whatever method you prefer. Just keep talking about this. If City Hall makes up it's bleedin' mind on this we may have a few nickles to rub together and have a public forum on the matter.

Jeremy