Hamilton has its share of grand old buildings; unfortunately too many are ignored, abandoned, (or worse!). Is there a “City Makeover TV Show”?
For a refreshing – and hopefully inspirational – change, the Stinson School Lofts is saving the historic Stinson School building from the usual local fate and giving it a second life as contemporary, loft-style condominium apartments.
“These are real lofts” says developer Harry stinson, “They have 14-foot ceilings, huge windows, and original wood floors. Even better, they are located in residential neighbourhood with genuine character instead of an industrial setting. Not only are they part of a local real estate renaissance, but they are adding major – and very visible - additional momentum. It’s rare opportunity to be in the right place at the right time.”
Lately, (and particularly in Toronto) many developments have been positioned as “soft lofts”. (Huh?) A “soft loft” is a newly-constructed building with slightly higher ceilings, laminate floors, pseudo stainless steel kitchens and suites that are usually modest in size (400 to 800 square feet). A true loft, however, is much more spacious and within a unique, renovated, older building. It’s microwaved-noodles-in-a-package vs. fresh pasta, home-made tomato sauce and real Parmesano.
“There’s an instinctive warmth that people feel wandering around the building,” says Stinson.
He’s observed that visitors get this “strange little smile” on their face when they come through the double front doors. For some, it’s the nostalgia of youth in such a vintage school, for others it’s the grandeur of the hallways and the sweeping staircases.
“This building has character” the developer says, “people immediately start thinking of the opportunity to do a good deal of entertaining to show off their lofts; they know that guests will be excited by the opportunity to visit this intriguing historic building. To be candid, their friends will envy them.”
Like the quintessential loft, these suites are genuinely large, including up four bedrooms. He admits that they didn’t have to change much in terms of the original architecture. The huge classrooms serve as the living space, “like grand old apartments in New York”. However, these lofts provide more than just one big room; bedrooms and studies are private spaces.
It is already evident that people are buying suites at Stinson School for long-term residence and as a long-term investment.
While the lofts will appeal to all ages, those who are downsizing from a house will appreciate that the suites are all unique, much like individual residences. The character of the building has been retained while changing its function from a school to Hamilton’s first “destination” multi-unit condominium.
The condominium aspect of the development provides a worry-free lifestyle. Building maintenance, repairs, landscaping, insurance and other responsibilities are all handled by the condo manager and residents of Stinson Lofts will also enjoy the services (and security) of a concierge who will greet guests and accept packages. As Stinson notes, any homeowner who has diligently kept track of all the expenses of maintaining a house (not to mention the time commitment) will readily agree that the condominium fees represent very good value.
Stinson’s development career has focused on heritage restorations, with each building becoming an award-winning icon. “Frankly, building such lofts is not easy; it requires total focus and full-time attention. But it’s also a very creative process and I love these buildings.”
His latest creation comes to Hamilton at a time when the city’s arts community is blossoming and the timing is ideal to introduce new housing options. “You should not have to move to Toronto to find an interesting condo”, says Stinson, who instead recently moved to Hamilton.
The best way to experience this new entry onto Hamilton’s real estate market is to visit the Stinson School. The model suite is open seven days a week (10 a.m. to 8 p.m., 6 p.m. on weekends). For more information visit the website at www.stinsonschool.com.
