Ontario Construction News staff writer
Mayor Fred Eisenberger, Members of Council and Durand Neighbourhood Association Board members recently launched a restoration project at St. Mark’s Church. This adaptive re-use project will transform the historic 1877 building into a new cultural programming space with support of the Patrick J. McNally Charitable Foundation.
In 2019 council approved a motion to restore the historic building and phase one of the restoration work, including new service hookups and foundation repairs, took place at the site before being delayed two years by the pandemic.
After releasing bids in March 2022, council awarded a $4.6 million contract to Toronto-based Renokrew for the second phase of restoration.
Construction components of the project include:
- building an addition to provide barrier free entrances, washrooms and kitchen
- restoring the historic interior for multi-use
- building a barrier free stage and interior spaces
- creating a large outdoor gathering space and community perennial garden
- installing an on-site storm water management system to limit sewer impact
The project was designed to reduce energy consumption by 30 per cent with installation of energy and water efficient HVAC equipment and fixtures and an enhanced the tree canopy – 80% native species will be planted.
“This project will transform this historic church into a new cultural centre for all to enjoy. We thank the McNally Foundation for their generous contribution and look forward to celebrating the completed project and seeing it in wide use by the Hamilton community,” said Mayor Fred Eisenberger
The St. Mark’s Church adaptive re-use project went to tender in March 2022 with the contract awarded in May 2022. Construction began in July and is expected to be completed in summer 2024.
Built in 1877, St. Mark’s was the first Anglican Church in Hamilton to be built of brick. The church closed in 1989. The City of Hamilton purchased the property in the 1990s.