22-storey Tivoli tower turns heads at public meeting

The developers who want to build a 22-storey condominium on James Street North, adjoined to the historic Tivoli theatre, held a public consultation Wednesday night.

The event, held at the Beasley Community Centre just a few blocks from the building site, attracted potential buyers, curious residents of the area, as well as a pair of city planners.

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While the developers still havent asked the City of Hamilton for a re-zoning, something the condo tower would need given current height restrictions in the area, the public consultations will help the projects application when its filed.

During several conversations with visitors, the Tivoli towers principal architect made no apologies for the buildings height.

I think you are focusing on the drama of a story of height, when the drama of the story should be we have a heritage building thats going to be saved, said Drew Hauser, an architect with McCallum Sather Architects Inc.

This is smart height, and smart density.

Hauser pointed out several aspects of the design he hoped would minimize the shock of the buildings height, including a street-level restaurant, and the buildings narrow structure (he called it a point tower) devised to cut down on the shadow it casts.

The reviews were, as usual when discussing developments, mixed.

One resident of the area called the design a breath of fresh air.

Another woman called the building ugly, and wondered where anyone would park.

No matter what the opinion, another said, any development in Hamilton especially on rapidly involving James is going to attract attention and opinions.

Hauser spoke with several critical visitors, often encouraging them to write their comments on the designdown.

Its unclear if the Tivolis design will change before the time its presented to the city.

City staff will weigh both officially-stated public opinions as well as the potential benefits a new tower would provide to the neighbourhood in the approval process. No definitive timelines were released Wednesday.