Hamilton Condos

by Darrin DeRoches October 17 - 23, 2013

For over the last six years we have been hearing about how Harry Stinson was going to revolutionize the condo market in Hamilton. I have written about his projects and plans over the years and I was skeptical in his progress and outlook. The word on the street is the first occupants will be moving in to the Stinson Lofts on October 24. I can insert a few skeptical lines about no occupancy permits and ongoing construction but why knock a guy who is delivering a beautiful if not gorgeous condo product to our city.     It is so easy to complain about the time it took and the promises that came and went but have you ever done a major renovation or building? It takes a lot of time and delays happen daily. The Stinson Lofts are not a cement and glass building you can build in months; it’s a heritage building with amazing architecture and grand designs. The fact they have kept the integrity of the building intact and did not just use the structure as a façade for a new build, as others do all the time, should be not only applauded but appreciated. The next great build in Hamilton condo market is the Royal Connaught where they are also preserving the grand beauty of our heritage with the newest in today’s building techniques. If all goes well they will add towers to the property but the grand lobby will always be the jewel of the city. The Witton Lofts kept the old and mixed in the new in the condo market with great success. There is talk now of the Tivoli with keeping the theatre with new construction that is already facing criticism from people who would never buy a condo anyways and do not even know how the project will be built.     Harry Stinson was recently quoted as saying “Hamiltonians have a schizophrenic relationship with the city,” Stinson says. “There’s a great deal of boosterism and talk of how much they like the city. But there’s not much confidence...” And I agree whole heartedly. I love to knock Toronto guys who tell us their opinions on our city but “boosterism” is probably the best way to explain it. These condo builders need to sell their units and when the project is announced everyone shows up for the free champagne, they all start to tweet about it and then? Nothing.     The point is, stop jumping on the bandwagon of the newest and latest condo project or even worse, criticizing the developers for doing it. It takes a lot of guts to create a Witton Lofts, Stinson Lofts, Royal Connaught as well as building any condo project. These projects are increasing our tax base and bring new people to our community. Support them as they do their part to grow our city. V     Darrin DeRoches is a local real estate and mortgage broker. He can be reached to answer questions, comments or stories about real estate experiences through this weekly column at sold@uniquerealty.ca.