Hamilton Success
Downtown mall has revitalized itself and its’ community
Jackson Square is the geographical heart of downtown Hamilton. While other Southern Ontario communities struggle to keep their downtowns sustainable, a quick look inside and outside of Jackson Square reveals how this mall has revitalized itself and is contributing significantly to downtown revitalization.
Jackson Square spans two blocks along King Street West between James and Bay streets, with about 390,000 square feet and underground parking for up to 1,300 vehicles. Jackson Square is a one-level retail mall forming a podium to Lloyd D. Jackson Square, a major mixed-use space containing four office towers, and is connected to the Sheraton Hamilton Hotel, Copps Coliseum, Hamilton Farmers’ Market, Hamilton City Centre and the Hamilton Public Library.
Jackson Square continues to draw investments with Nations Fresh Foods opening a 55,000-square-foot supermarket in July. Nations has invested $7 million in renovations and added more than 200 jobs to Downtown Hamilton, according to Frank Ho, Nations vice-president. Chef-inspired, there are dedicated food stations throughout with each specializing in a global cuisine. Over one-third of the store is dedicated to fresh prepared foods.
Glen Norton, Manager of Urban Renewal for Hamilton, suggests Hamilton’s growing numbers of empty-nesters and young urban professionals are key demographics at the new supermarket store, noting: “It’s one of the most important development downtown in the last 10 years.”
Another popular draw for the residents, office workers and entertainment seekers, is the Anchor Bar, home to the original Buf- falo Wings. Opened in February, its rooftop patio has become a summer hit along with its popular menu that features traditional fa- vourites and wood-fired, hand-crafted pizzas.
Jackson Square’s success is well-supported by a variety of cultural and entertainment amenities that contribute to the area’s vital- ity. There are those entertainment facilities connected to Jackson Square, like popular concert venue Copps Coliseum, as well as the Hamilton Public Library’s Central Branch that sees 4,600 patrons daily or 1,492,575 patrons annually according to Bobbie Smith, communications manager. The Hamilton Convention Centre by Carmen’s is currently undergoing over $750,000 in enhancements started in April 2013, transforming it into one of the premier event destinations in Southern Ontario.
The areas surrounding Jackson Square also add to the cultural vitality of Hamilton.
Included is the Art Gallery of Hamilton, and the James Street North Cultural District, home to a variety of art galleries and creative businesses. Each September the area’s artists and community builders initiated SUPERCRAWL sees growing attendance with over 80,000 participants in 2012.
The area is further supported by an explosion of about 2,000 new multi-residential housing units, either under construction or in the advanced planning stage at this time.
For more information on Jackson Square, visit www.jacksonsquare.ca. Plan to enjoy the area’s many amenities by visiting www.tourismhamilton.com. To explore investment opportunities, please contact the Hamilton Economic Development Office at www.investinhamilton.ca.
