Wigs
Active Member
If only the LRT was well underway, what a difference that would make in accelerating development
Sunnyside
Senior Member
This extends beyond residential development, anecdotally; retail/commercial space has taken a hit since the pandemic, and a lot of that has manifested in the last ~2 years. But downtown and the broader lower city is holding on quite well, all things considered.
For comparison, I was very shocked to see the state of parts of Queen West in Toronto, recently.
While we muse about sliding back a bit from pre-pandemic momentum, we are holding out well. The timing of a lot of residential units coming online this spring/summer is only helping further. Seems we are quite resilient!
I think this is the key bit- nothing has substantially changed in the city (YET), save for TD, but the “new”, more urban status quo is continuing. While slow, the growth trend seems quite baked in. Plus, an economic downturn is small fries around here.
Now, if only more employment opportunities could come online; then we’d really be in business.
innsertnamehere
Superstar
Jackson Square has declined significantly over the last 5 years - and that's with the loss of the City Centre retail space too tightening up total availability.
Hess Street has declined a lot since the pandemic as well.
King William Street and James North has generally been fine though The restaurant scene as a whole downtown is in a definitively better state than 5 years ago.
And yes, with 75 James occupying and now 41 Wilson, hopefully the core should start to pick up a bit.
Hess Street has declined a lot since the pandemic as well.
King William Street and James North has generally been fine though The restaurant scene as a whole downtown is in a definitively better state than 5 years ago.
And yes, with 75 James occupying and now 41 Wilson, hopefully the core should start to pick up a bit.
TransportEnthusiast
New Member
Hamilton's unemployment rate has not been as terrible as Toronto.
Sunnyside
Senior Member
Hess is a tough one, as they’re currently getting out-competed by Augusta. But it’s still kicking, and I don’t think they’re down for the count yet. At minimum, Vrancor is ontop of seeing that area grow (literally). Just requires more people around to sustain multiple nightlife areas.
Jackson Square is a tough nut to crack, and I only hope to see Yale do anything with it before their lease expires.
ojloaf
New Member
Im surprised so many cranes are continuing to be erected around the city as well but its nice to see
Chris R.
Senior Member
Yale is just ridiculousssss. I won't go into my hate for Yale here since it's off topic, but just wanted it to be known.
innsertnamehere
Superstar
100%. One of the single largest things that could probably be done to improve downtown Hamilton would be to somehow get Jackson Square into the hands of another landlord.