Treble Hall

Location: King Street East at John Street North in downtown Hamilton
Owner: Historia Building Restoration Inc. | Jeff Feswick, President
Architectural Advisor: David Premi
Purchase Price: $735,000
Restoration Costs: $2 million (estimated)
Completion: 2014 (approximate)

Treble Hall, one of Canada’s last remaining examples of Renaissance Revival architecture, was designed by James Balfour and completed in 1879.  This upper two floors have remained vacant for more than sixty years and the overall structure has deteriorated significantly due to lack of care and maintenance.  The renewal goal is to create a vibrant mixed use property with retail at street level and open floor plans on the upper two stories suited to public gatherings.  Preferred uses include performance spaces, art galleries, and unique dining and entertainment destinations.  A commitment to active public engagement during all phases of renewal make this development extra special. The vision is to see Treble Hall helping to kick start a wave of similar restoration activity in the surrounding area and beyond.

Sample 2012 milestone moments that will be featured in the Treble Hall video case study include:

• Informal public gatherings (tours, performances, talks, etc.) on the upper floors concurrent with construction
• Installation of custom-built windows
• Planning meetings with project design team
• Discussions with area landlords, businesses and residents to help stimulate improvements to the public realm
• Discussions with key influencers and decision makers regarding advancing Hamilton’s renewal agenda with a particular emphasis on preservation and restoration

Discoveries arising from these and other activities will also be used to shape the Renew Hamilton education and training curriculum.