Church plans transformation into condo

(Update)

Plans to turn a crumbling church on Hamilton’s James Street South into a high-rise condo development were unveiled for the first time this evening. And despite intial concern from preservationists, response to the designs has been positive. The developer is promising a unique blend of old and new.

Looking up at the remaining tower of the James Street Baptist Church, it’s hard to imagine a purposeful building emerging from the rubble. But newly revealed design plans make it a little easier to envision the final product.

Louie Santaguida, Stanton Renaissance Developer: “The building needed to come down. needed to be restored.”

Developer Louie Santaguida, showed off his plans to turn the 19th century church into a 30-story condo complex at an open meeting at Whitehern Historic House.

The antique setting was in step with plans to retain as much history as possible from the demolished church.

Louie Santaguida: “We’re basically restoring and rehabilitating a lot of the old stonework, the granite stone, the stained glass, the doors.”

Initially, some residents resisted his plan to demolish all but one tower of the historically designated building. But in the end, city hall decided a tear down was necessary.

Santaguida’s team has named the condo project “The Connolly” — an homage to the church’s architect. Completed, it will include a galleria space centred around the church façade — to be used by condo residents and the public.

Louie Santaguida: “Cafes, restaurants, some office, galleries.”

Response to the drawings has been overwhelmingly positive, according to Santaguida.

Louie Santaguida: “No negative feedback to date.”

He hopes to break ground next spring.

The process of keeping the remaining structure intact has been challenging. A support wall was put up recently to hold this remaining tower in place. When building is underway, salvaged materials will be integrated into the new construction.