Adaptive reuse case studies: Workers Arts and Heritage Centre (Hamilton)

Street address: 51 Stuart Street, Hamilton

Year built: 1858-60

Builders: Frederick J. Rastrick and F.P. Rubridge

Original purpose: One of the oldest remaining federal public buildings in Canada, the Hamilton Custom House is an architectural landmark in the city. But it only served in this capacity for 27 years before the Customs Department moved out. Since then, it has had varied uses, including a school, the local YWCA, accommodations for the homeless and various factories.

Adaptive reuse: In 1995, the Workers Arts and Heritage Centre purchased the building and, following a restoration, it became an interpretive centre for workers’ culture and history. In addition to having been designated a National Historic Site in 1990, the building is protected by a conservation easement that is held by the Ontario Heritage Trust. A popular site for Doors Open Hamilton, the Centre is a delight to explore.

Adapted by: Workers Arts and Heritage Centre

Awards: Heritage Property Conservation Award, 2016-2017 (Hamilton Municipal Heritage Committee)

Links:

• Map

• Designation information [UPDATE LINK]

• Website