145-year-old Hamilton church to transform into community centre

A 145-year-old Hamilton church long on the city's restoration to-do list is expected to reopen as a community centre in 2024.

The city has awarded a $4.6-million contract for the St. Mark's Church adaptive reuse project and expects construction to start this month.

That's welcome, if not belated, news for the Durand Community Association, which will make the 130 Bay St. S. church its home base.

We'll have to plan a big bash," Janice Brown, a board member and heritage advocate, said Wednesday in anticipation of the project's completion.

In 1994, the city bought the church, which had closed in 1989, for $425,000 to save it from demolition, but officials then balked at a $315,000 repair estimate.

Subsequent efforts to revamp the brick sanctuary, which has a gabled roof, bell tower and arched windows, never gained traction.

So we saved the church, but it was literally a demolition by neglect of a city facility," Coun. Jason Farr, who was first elected in 2010, said following a groundbreaking event Wednesday.

A few years ago, Farr noted, council backed his motion to invest in the heritage building, which led to a $1.8-million first phase that involved preliminary site work, including new service hookups, foundation repairs and a roof replacement.

The next job includes restoring the interior; adding barrier-free entrances, washrooms and a kitchen; building a stage; installing a stormwater management system; and creating an outdoor gathering space and perennial garden.

For a time, however, it appeared the bid price meant about $250,000 worth of nice-to-haves" would have to be shaved from the project, Farr noted.

Patrick J. McNally Charitable Foundation, which has donated to other local projects, offered to cover the gap, the Ward 2 councillor said.

So everything we wanted and expected in terms of this restoration is happening."

Seeing through plans for the outdoor community space was important for the foundation, board member Graham McNally said.

Make it the best you can out of the gate so that it encourages people to use it and then it enhances the chances of success," said McNally, who is an architect.

Brown noted the neighbourhood association would at long last have a dedicated space to hold meetings. We have met in dining rooms since 1972."

But she also looks forward to St. Mark's hosting cultural events, weddings, birthday parties and concerts. Things to bring community together."

Teviah Moro is a reporter at The Spectator. tmoro@thespec.com