BCTed
Active Member
Oh, gotcha! Looks like a proposal for a proposal.
Lake Ontario
Active Member
Chris R.
Senior Member
Some additional photos showing more.up close what walking next to it may feel and look like:
DC83
Senior Member
Those storefronts look much better in real life, and after a few years exposed to Hamilton’s climate, they may fit right in.
They look a bit goofy in the aerial shots lol
Any word on retail/commercial tenants?
I’m hoping for less bougie restos!
They look a bit goofy in the aerial shots lol
Any word on retail/commercial tenants?
I’m hoping for less bougie restos!
Chris R.
Senior Member
I wouldn't expect less bougie restaurants in the larger, a newer units on "restaurant row".
My partner and I are really hoping for a wine bar, and a smaller niche grocer, with maybe some produce and such, maybe even 24h because downtown continues to be a bit of a food desert unless you have a car or want to walk/transit/bike with quite a bit of food.
Chronamut
Senior Member
I am hoping those holes are for planters - that area DESPERATELY needs some trees. Once some awnings and big trees are there I think it will look a lot better - it's very stark so far - need some things that make the first floor feel "first floorey" and sort of separated from the rest.
Sunnyside
Senior Member
Nations Isn't that far, but I imagine it still wouldn't be the most desirable trip to make. A real grocer downtown is increasingly becoming a necessity.
Chronamut
Senior Member
isn't the farmers market LITERALLY right there? Lol..
Sunnyside
Senior Member
Yeah, good point! But, I think it's like Nations, in that it isn't really the kind of place you go for your staples. I'd want a "real" grocery store, even if its a No-Frills or Sobeys. Though I'm definitely not dismissing the idea of expanding the Farmers Market into a one-of-a-kind one-stop Grocery Store with a more 'typical' grocer presence to bridge the gaps (figuratively, but literally would be nice) between it and Nations.
Chris R.
Senior Member
The hours are not conducive to being a regular spot. Most of us work 9-5, so that means there's only a few hours per week that is accessible for essentials like produce. Not to mention real grocery stores or even shoppers with produce are open until at least 9pm, sometimes 10 or 11.
Chronamut
Senior Member
ah yes this is true, as I think the farmers market closes at 4 pm
Hamiltonian
Active Member
Nations definitely is a "real grocer"... A well-rounded grocery store perfectly suited to get your staples. I often drive there to do grocery shopping.
Chris R.
Senior Member
The issue is that is not very close to many people if you're not driving, and it misses out on a lot of staples and many other staples are incredibly expensive. Even just having a small place like Barton Lettuce on James St would help, hence my suggestion for a grocer of sorts in this building. I shop at Nations somewhat regularly, but their selection is heavily weighted toward ethnic foods and produce which I love when cooking ethnic foods, but the selection is less than optimal for many other meals.
DC83
Senior Member
Nations is wildly expensive, and their meat is questionable. Also, they pass loss onto customers by forcing them to buy 4-5 pre-wrapped veggies vs 1-2 loose items.
I used to stop in every now and then before the Pandemic, but the combination of price increases + huge crowds/lineups has kept me away for years. I’m sure I’m not the only one.
The fact is, you can do all your grocery shopping in the core, albeit at different spots:
Deningers, Nations, T&T on Park, Alamin Butcher Shop on King William, Lighthouse & International Fish Markets on James North, etc.
The Hamilton Farmer’s Market is literally not on option for anyone who has a full time job that isn’t inside Jackson Square.
I think those who ask for more ‘grocers’ Downtown Hamilton really mean they want the Loblaws-style of grocery store we’ve (Gen X, Y, Millennials) grown up on; That being everything all in one spot at reasonable prices and minimal human interaction.
I used to stop in every now and then before the Pandemic, but the combination of price increases + huge crowds/lineups has kept me away for years. I’m sure I’m not the only one.
The fact is, you can do all your grocery shopping in the core, albeit at different spots:
Deningers, Nations, T&T on Park, Alamin Butcher Shop on King William, Lighthouse & International Fish Markets on James North, etc.
The Hamilton Farmer’s Market is literally not on option for anyone who has a full time job that isn’t inside Jackson Square.
I think those who ask for more ‘grocers’ Downtown Hamilton really mean they want the Loblaws-style of grocery store we’ve (Gen X, Y, Millennials) grown up on; That being everything all in one spot at reasonable prices and minimal human interaction.
Chris R.
Senior Member
Literally a mini-No Frills downtown would be a blessing, especially if it was somewhat central like in this tower. I just need produce, basic meat, eggs, dairy, and maybe frozen veggies or fruit. That's the majority of our items when we shop.
We usually make the trip to Fortinos, but just shopped at No Frills the other night because I had to make a stop at Rona, and it honestly is great for the basics. Nations packaged produce sucks, and they have far too much variety. I still use it for basic items like sugar, salt and such, but even condiments are in odd tiny expensive sizes, and their fair is inexplicably expensive.