Hamilton City Hall Renovations

  • Client

    City of Hamilton 

  • Region

    Central Canada

  • Area Office

    Hamilton

  • Year Completed

    2010

  • Size

    170,000 sq. ft. 

  • Sector

    Buildings

  • Sub-Sector

    Public & Government

The Story

EllisDon, with Black and McDonald as part of the ABE joint venture, completed the Hamilton City Hall – Renovations project. The original building was constructed in the 1950s. This 170,000 square foot project consisted of an eight-storey building renovation, ancillary parking facility and surrounding forecourt area with major heritage elements incorporated into the interior and exterior. ABE completely stripped the building and removed all designated substances, such as the abatement of asbestos, lead and PCBs, while preserving all the heritage elements. It also included the replacement and modernization of all cladding systems, building services, the rehabilitation of specific structural elements and the complete restoration of the site’s landscaping.

The interior finishes included new flooring, consisting of carpet, tile, porcelain tile and the restoration of the heritage mosaic tile. The team also reconstructed all offices, washrooms, and mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, including extensive custom millwork. This building contains an open, two-storey heritage space that was retrofitted with a meeting room. The meeting room is situated in the middle of the space. It’s outfitted with triple glazed sound-proof curtain wall. There was a complete overhaul of the council chambers, including a state-of-the-art audio visual system.

The entire building now exceeds the barrier free provincial codes. As part of the contract, ABE will maintain the facility for a period of five years after substantial completion. The entire facility is a designated heritage building, with features that include terrazzo handmade Italian mosaic tiles and walnut paneling. A significant number of permanent art installations needed to be protected in a climate controlled environment, while the building was demolished and renovated around them.