HMHC Heritage Recognition Award Recipients

The house has hip roofs with deep overhanging eaves supported by decorative corbels. The dormers were added in the early 1900's. Four chimneys one for each of the fireplaces are original. The windows are tall and slim and rounded at the top with segmental cornices and lintels made of deep carved limestone. Keystone details can be seen at the front and east sides. The house is constructed of red clay brick over a field stone foundations. There are matching quoining on all corners. The etched glass in the lunette shaped fanlight over the double doors in the frontispiece is a reproduction of the original. The frontispiece has apediment at roof line with a small round window. The house is a centre hall plan with stairs to the second floor at the back of the house. This is an outstanding example of the a well preserved home!

The present owners have meticulously maintained the original façade of the dwelling, including the extensive undertaking to restore the original double hung windows. Over the course of a twelve-month period, a total of 31 windows including all of the front window and some on the side and back were removed and restored including the weights and cords. Wooden storm windows were made to replace the anachronous aluminum storms. This work was completed by Heritage Mill.

In addition to the windows, twenty-first century comforts such as central air conditioning have been added without detracting from the façade or character of the building while landscaping has been done in a manner sympathetic to the unfussy taste of 1910.

254 MacNab Street North, located in Ward 1 is one of six of the “Painted Ladies” of Hamilton. Four of those Ladies have been designated under the Heritage Act of Ontario.

The townhouse complex was designed and built by architect James Balfour, (Treble Hall, Scottish Rite), for Henry Larkin in 1879. The building is part of the MacNab Terrace and is a stone, brick and wood rowhouse.

The Terrace incorporates classic (Palladian and Italianate) and Romantic (Gothic Revival) design. This structure contributes to the MacNab Terrace as a restored historical landmark.

The currant owners have restored and tastefully designed the facade. Each of the “Painted Ladies” has a different and distinct colour scheme for the architectural details of the facade to highlight the significance of the building.

This magnificent old house was built in 1850 was once the home William Bullock 1804-66, for whom the Village of Bullocks Corner was named. Modeled after Bullock's favourite English house it has steep roofs and multiple dormers. The second floor appears to have the original triangular window openings and windows.

William Bullock emigrated from England in 1833 and opened a tavern called the British Hotel in 1837. The hotel served people travelling by stagecoach between Dundas and Guelph. William purchased the property in 1840 from James Crooks and established a grist and lumber mill along Spencer creek.

William Bullock served on West Flamborough Township council from 1852-1855. The building appears in the City of Hamilton's Heritage Inventory.

Opened in 1952, Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church with its simple elegant lines is a rare example of Norman style architecture not often seen in Hamilton or Canada. The vaulted ceilings are held by laminated wood trusses due to the steel shortage soon after the war. With the use of wood trusses, Sacred Heart is a rare example of a church with functional buttresses.

With the city of Hamilton rapidly expanding because of immigration, the Diocese of Hamilton elected to build its first new church since the opening of the Cathedral of Christ the King on the escarpment overlooking the city. This magnificent church was designed by William R. Souter and was built by Pigott Construction.

Heritage Mill has been their contractor for the exterior restoration work that included replacing all fascia boards and soffits for both the house and garage. All three friezes and any associated trim have been remade and replaced to the original design. All of the exterior wood has been replaced if damaged by sun or water. Two 6 light casement windows were made to replace windows on the main floor that had had a window air conditioner installed previously. Heritage Mill also installed a new chevron look at the front of the house, using timber and bolts to match the original era. All eaves troughs were replaced and rain boxes custom made to replicate the original.

All the windows were restored except for the third floor that were beyond repair and required replacement windows. Most of the original doors were retained. Lath was kept, but the walls were plastered with new methods. (skim coat on a plaster board) The hardwood floors were replicated to the same detail. The third floor was replaced with reclaimed pine to match the floors prior to fire. All of the fireplaces were restored except for the living room. The living room fire place mantel had been changed by previous owners. To match the era of the house, the present owners replaced it with an ornate plaster of Paris mantel. The exact roof line was rebuilt, which included the gables to recreate the original look of the house. The same type of slate roof was used for the roof and rather than insulate the walls, the owners upgraded the HVAC system to allow the bricks to breath. The owners stated said that this house when originally built was featured in the Hamilton Spectator news and described as one of the 10 most beautiful homes in Hamilton that year. It remains a beautiful house thanks to the efforts of the owners.

Unique interior features include 18’-0” ceilings, exposed brick, and a two-storey ground floor u-shaped mezzanine.

Constructed in 1915 for use by Robert McKay & Company, a drygood business, the Arliss Building has been home to many prominent and popular businesses over the years, such as Steel Stores Ltd. retail (1922), Adams Furniture Company (1940) (the building was refaced in 1947), and later the Arliss Company (1949) with restaurant, bowling alley and several stores. From 1949 to the late 1990’s the Arliss Building was home to popular local music venues, Duffy’s Tavern, Duffy’s Rockpile and later, Oliver’s.

The Singer Building at #61 King St. E., was designed by Architect N.A. Armstrong and constructed in 1947. The building housed the Singer Sewing Company until 1980 when it later became a gaming and adult entertainment venue.

This Core Urban project exemplifies how a developer can make a significant and positive impact on the City’s heritage urban fabric through thoughtful design.

147 Mary Street, Hamilton

The Good Shepherd’s “Welkom House”, located at 147 Mary Street (120 Cannon St. E.), was once home to Thornton & Douglas Ltd., a garment factory designed by prominent Hamilton architects, Stewart & Witton in 1910. As industry in the city changed and after years of sitting vacant, the property was purchased for use by Good Shepherd Non Profit Homes. Work soon began to renovate and convert the existing 4 storey industrial space into 30 residential units and was completed in 2019.

On the exterior, brick was cleaned and repaired to restore the well-designed and detailed brick façade and to preserve the classic streetscape. Renovations also included building envelope, site and accessibility improvements to provide quality living space for those in need of shelter and community support.

This property has been restored to serve as housing and is an excellent example, within the Beasley Neighbourhood, of how adaptive reuse, social housing and heritage preservation can work together, successfully. This property was added to the City’s Municipal Heritage Register (Non-Designated Properties) in September 2014.

141 Park Street North, Hamilton

Originally constructed as a gasworks in 1850, the newly formed Hamilton Gas Light Company converted coal into gas to power the streetlights and homes nearby.

In 1900, the Hamilton Gas Light Company moved their business but the Gasworks building at 141 Park St. N. remained and was used as offices and a small event space for many years.

In 2018, the John and Ellie Voortman Charitable Foundation purchased the Gasworks to provide a cultural hub for a variety of charities in Hamilton. They hired the Design Team of TCA/Thier+Curran Architects Inc. who added a sensitive addition to the existing structure. The addition which was placed at the rear of the property doubled the size of this visionary art space, created a fully barrier free accessible space with a new elevator, exterior ramps, a universal washroom, and a ramp access to the main stage. All the while street presence and the historical character was maintained.

Young Family Cemetery, 1499 Upper Wellington Street, Hamilton

The Young Family Cemetery, located at 1499 Upper Wellington Street, was established in 1832 and is a resting place for many members of an Empire Loyalist family that established a large farm on the mountain. It serves as an important historical connection to the early settlers of Barton township.

It is maintained with great care by the local residents and the City of Hamilton.

In 2018, the Case United Church received approval to construct a two-storey contemporary addition to the east side of the existing building. The new addition contains community and support space, while ensuring accessibility throughout the church with the incorporation of a new accessible entry point, elevator and barrier-free washrooms. The contemporary glass design compliments the historic masonry of the church, is set back towards the rear of the building as to not detract from the focal points of the historical architecture and to be easily accessible from the parking lot. While some finishing touches remain, the majority of the addition has been completed with much of the work being done by very dedicated members of the church itself.

The trio were approached by the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario Hamilton Branch to create narrated virtual tours of significant historical properties for Doors Open online. Working with a skeletal budget they donated 80% of their service fee to maintain the integrity of production values on three fully produced presentations. Westfield Heritage Village, Chedoke Estate and The Cotton Factory. Cole wrote and narrated the series as they overcame obstacles of access restrictions and tight timeline deadlines. The value these videos bring is evident upon watching. They are grateful to all who aided in research and for this recognition.

For more information, visit www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/en/hamilton

In a time, where in-person walking tours were not possible, the Downtown Hamilton BIA created an initiative called Memory Lane.

Memory Lane offers an in-depth self-guided tour with scannable QR codes.  All you have to do to get started is search out the QR codes across the BIA and scan to reveal the history of that property, complete with vintage photos provided by Hamilton Public Libraries’ Local History and Archives department.

Alternatively, you can navigate Memory Lane online and explore the past from the comfort of your home, visit http://downtownhamilton.org/memory-lane/

Leanne Pluthero has been an active local historian for many years. Leanne's main passion has been Isaac Buchanan and anything connected with him and his family. This includes the preservation of Auchmar House, the gate house and the history of the 13th Volunteer Battalion, today's Rileys. Leanne has been active in trying to save and preserve Century Manor and any other remnant of the old Asylum.

You can also find Leanne assisting with tours at Auchmar or on Facebook posting and commenting about Hamilton's heritage. Leanne's latest endeavour was teaming up with one of last years recipients Bill King to publish “Auchmar — Portrait of a Home.”

Danuta Niton is a local artist with a well-rounded portfolio in many mediums including graphic design, sculpting, painting, murals, art education and most recently, house sketching, finding inspiration in her hometown of Dundas.

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Danuta began taking walks through the neighbourhoods of Dundas, returning home to create wonderful sketches of the buildings she saw – over 300 to be specific. By speaking with home owners and local residents, Danuta quickly began piecing together stories of these homes, bringing her beautiful artwork to life to create the book, ‘My Walks of Art – A Walking Guidebook of Dundas, Ontario’, which contains over 130 illustrations, guiding people on six selfguided walking tours.

With no prior experience in publishing, Danuta, along with the help of her daughter Kasia navigated the complexities associated with this process and self-published ‘My Walks of Art’ to share the beauty and stories of Dundas. Launching in November 2021, the book has since sold out four times. Each time a batch of books is reprinted, Danuta adds more stories and information she gathers regularly by members of the community and through social media.

‘My Walks of Art’ will captivate an audience of any age or ability through the impressive illustrations, while inviting them to explore and learn about the history and architecture of Dundas. Danuta’s humble nature, talented skillset and her love for her community is captured perfectly in this must-have book.

Elizabeth research historical buildings and reproduces them as they were when they were first built in a 3D mixed media format.

Her painstaking detail and process take months to produce a finished image.

Her images have included Auchmar, the Hamilton Cemetery Gatehouse, the Royal Yacht Club and Lighthouse and Dundurn Castle.

Elizabeth has been nominated for the visual artist of the year, had displays at Treble Hall and Innovation Park, and was showcased on Cable 14.

The Power of Design

In the early 20th century, Hamilton was Canada’s Electric City; pioneering the supply and distribution of hydro-electricity.  With this great achievement, came an architectural legacy.   

The Power of Design exhibit is a collaboration between photographer Francis Fougere, architect Chris Harrison and architectural historian Megan Hobson. The exhibit documents the historical significance of Hamilton's early Hydro Electric System and showcases the rich architectural heritage of the varied and beautifully designed substations throughout the city.

As a travelling exhibit, this work has been displayed at the Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology, the Cotton Factory as well as subject of a pop‐up event and illustrated lecture held at the Westinghouse Building.

A short video of the exhibit narrated by Richard Barlas, curator at the Museum of Steam and Technology has been produced.

Incorporated in September of 2019, the Hamilton Police Historical Society may be one of the youngest of the local heritage societies, but its mandate is a mighty one.

Supported by Hamilton Police Service and the Hamilton Police Services Board, the Society operates from Ancaster’s historic 1820 Tisdale House.

This volunteer organization is staffed by Police Retirees, who run the museum, collect and document artifacts, undertake research and preserve Hamilton’s history as one of the first
communities in Upper Canada to adopt the policing concepts of Sir Robert Peel.

To date, volunteers have scanned well over 280,000 photos and with an ever growing collection, Society volunteers are often called upon as a resource for local historians.

The Society’s Facebook page, acts as a virtual museum to engage with those interested in learning about, as well as contributing to, the legacy and history of the Hamilton Police Services.

Ancaster Village Heritage Community

Ancaster Village Heritage Community (AVHC), a vibrant grassroots organization, is an outstanding example of citizen engagement committed to preserving Ancaster’s precious heritage and promoting positive development as the community evolves.

With the demolition of Brandon House in 2020, AVHC undertook several initiatives to help protect their heritage, including leading an inventory of 110 pre-1867 buildings, alongside the ACO and the City, and hosting activities including a rally to preserve the 1842 stone-built Marr-Phillipo House in the Village Core.

At a time when the three Townships of Beverly and East and West Flamborough became joined as one community, concerned citizens encouraged the creation of the Heritage Society to protect and preserve the local history and heritage of the area and the Village of Waterdown.

The group is dedicated to the collection and preservation of archival material relating to the history, people, buildings and communities within the area. They record local history, maintain a permanent archives, increase public appreciation and awareness through publications and meetings as well as network with other groups to education and promote the Society and its work.

The new exit stair addition is clad in black metal siding, while storefronts are painted in bold colours and graphics for identity.

A large garage door connects the Steeltown Garage motorcycle shop and café with the street.

Although, this may seem to be a modest and simple rehabilitation of a derelict building, the success of the project has had a huge impact on the dynamics of the streetscape and has grown to be an economic driver in the neighbourhood through creative design.

Where there were originally 6 units, the upper floors now contain 8 fully renovated rental apartments with exposed wood joists and decks. Fire escapes have been replaced with separated stairs, the building envelope has been renewed and all new services installed.

The main floor is now home to Mosaic Bar with their alleyway patio, Dawson’s Hot Sauce shop and an outpost of Bike Locke.

With new custom metal window shrouds in varied colours, a new ground floor façade of mosaic tile and glass as well as distinctive lighting and signage make this a dynamic landmark on the street and demonstrates the potential available within other Barton Village properties.

2020

• 18 Turner Avenue, Hamilton
• 73 Aberdeen Avenue, Hamilton
• 244 Jame Street South, Hamilton - Lintack Architects
• Carpenter House, 1059 Highway 8, Stoney Creek
• Fifty United Church, 1455 Highway 8, Winona
• Frost House, 1 Markland Avenue, Hamilton - The Golfi Team REMAX
• Fletcher House at Stoneholm Farm, 2081 Upper James Street, Hamilton
• Van Duzer House, 1446 Highway 8, Stoney Creek
• The Parsonage, 31/33 Melville Street, Dundas
• Miller House, 558 Wilson Street East, Ancaster
• Fraser House, 176 Wilson Street, Ancaster

2018/2019

• St. David’s Presbyterian Church, 474 Wentworth Street North, Hamilton
• Wissnez Law, 183 James Street South, Hamilton
• Westover Baptist Church, 1149 Westover Road, Flamborough
• Pearson House, 493 Dundas Street East, Flamborough
• 77 Creighton, Dundas
• 92 Melville, Dundas
• 96 Melville, Dundas
• 1379 Concession 6 Road West, Flamborough
• 105 Aberdeen Avenue, Hamilton
• Maple Lawn, 254 Bay Street South, Hamilton
• 1 Turner Avenue, Hamilton
• The Playhouse Cinema, 177 Sherman Avenue North, Hamilton

2017/2018

• Rastrick House
• 2844 Governor’s Road, Ancaster
• Medical Arts Centre
• The Slater House
• Former East Flamborough Town Hall
• Church of the Redeemer
• The “Painted Lady”

2016/2017

• Griffin House National Historic Site
• 15 Church Street, Dundas 
• Clark Homestead
• The Sail Loft
• 95, 105 and 105 1/2 James Street North, Hamilton
• Former Hamilton Custom House

2015/2016

• The Hermitage Ruins
• Former Dundas Valley Curling & Skating Rink
• Collins Hotel
• Stone Century Home
• St. Paul's Presbyterian Church
• Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King
• Hambly House
• The Cotton Factory
• Orr House
• Jones House (also known as Locust Lawn)
• St. George's Church and Cemetery

2014

• The Smuck Homestead
• Robada Cottage
• The Maples
• Wood-Dale
• Pickwick Book Store
• 3146 Cemetery Road, Glanbrook
• 6475 Sinclairville Road, Glanbrook
• St. Paul's Anglican Church (Glanford)
• The Augusta House
• The Pheasant Plucker
• 541 Eatery and Exchange
• The Cooper House
• The Power House
• The Vicar's Vice

2013

• Tisdale House
• The Carnegie Gallery
• Laing Apartments
• Osler House
• SEEDWORKS (Former Tregunno Seeds Store)
• James North Studio
• Capri Ristorante Italiano / Blue Grotto
• Arts Centre and Lofts
• Raich House
• 65 Murray Street West, Hamilton
• Westmount Health Centre
• Brigadier Smith House, "Ravenscraig Manor"

2012

• Smith-Gooderman House
• Copps-Smith Residence
• Detour Coffee Roasters Café
• Dundas Valley School of Art
• Hoeflaak Residence
• First Hamilton Christian Reformed Church
• Couchman-Wood Residence
• Former Hamilton Institute of Technology
• Edgewater Manor Restaurant

2011

• Dundas Business Centre (Former Post Office)
• St. Thomas Lofts (Former St. Thomas Church)
• Former Dominion Furniture Building
• Former Edwin Pass Watchmaker
• Hambly House
• 151 St. Clair Avenue, Hamilton
• Vicar's Vice Restaurant

2010

• White Brick Church
• Quatrefoil Restaurant
• The Old Wesleyan Methodist Parsonage
• The Pearce Residence
• Lister Block
• The Old Powerhouse Restaurant

2009

• Shaver Homestead
• Old Mill Inn
• DeVries Residence
• Victoria Hall
• Nash-Jackson House

2008

• Cairn-Gorm Studio Artworks
• Crozier Residence
• The London Taphouse
• Judy Marsales Real Estate Office

2007

• The Spa at Ancaster

2020

• The Valour Group - The Oscar on Bold (Pasadena Apartments), 27 Bold Street, Hamilton

2018/2019

• William Thomas Student Residences, 48 James Street North (James Street Residences Inc.)
• Residences of the Royal Connaught, 112 King Street East (Valery Homes/ Spallacci Homes)
• Westinghouse HQ, 286 Sanford Avenue North, Hamilton (Electric City Developments)
• The Alley, 12 James Street North, Hamilton (Core Urban Inc.)

2017/2018

• Old Weeks Hardware
• McGregor House
• White Tea House
• Crooker House

2016/2017

• Textile Building
• The Right House
• Templar Flats

2015/2016

• Empire Times Building

2014

• Dundas District Lofts
• Stinson Lofts

2013

• Witton Lofts

2012

• Allenby Lofts (Former Allenby School)
• Margaret Street Lofts
• The Stone Lofts

2011

• West Avenue Residences

2010

• Herkimer Apartments