Hamilton
Original Use: Vacant Full-Retail Building
Final Layout: 2 Commercial Units + 8 Residential Units (Above) + 3 Residential Units (Basement)
Total Units: 13 (Mixed Use)
Parking Requirement: None (Downtown Exemption)
Project Overview
This once fully-vacant retail-only building in downtown Hamilton is being completely reimagined into a 13-unit mixed-use property—breathing life back into a prominent corner of the urban core. Our team led the design for a strategic conversion that introduces 2 modern ground-floor commercial units, 4 residential units on the 2nd and 3rd floors, and 3 additional basement-level residential units—each one fully code-compliant and thoughtfully designed.
Located within a no-parking-requirement zone, the building is ideally suited for dense, walkable living with retail activation at street level and compact, urban-friendly residential above and below.
Scope & Strategy
- Converted the ground level into 2 commercial units ideal for cafés, boutiques, or professional services
- Designed 4 residential units on the upper floors with efficient layouts, ample light, and modern finishes
- Added 3 residential units in the basement, fully legalized with code-compliant fire separation, ventilation, egress, and ceiling height
- Leveraged Hamilton’s downtown zoning to proceed without onsite parking, maximizing rentable space
- Implemented upgrades across fire protection, HVAC, acoustics, and servicing
Challenges Solved
- Turned a fully vacant commercial structure into a high-performing, multi-use asset
- Navigated structural upgrades and servicing complexities for basement residential use
- Achieved maximum density in a zoning-compliant, urban-compatible format
Investor Benefits
- Delivered 13 revenue-generating units from an underutilized building
- Mixed-use format diversifies income (residential + commercial) with strong walkability appeal
- Exempt from parking requirements—freeing up valuable square footage and budget
- Located in a high-demand corridor surrounded by transit, amenities, and employment nodes
Current Status
Permit under city review. Construction to start June 2025.
Mixed-Use, Basement, Residential, Hamilton
