The city of Hamilton unveiled plans Saturday, Jan 10/09  for the new Farmers' Market and Central Library.

According to attendees, the architect, David Premi, a Hamilton native, has done an amazing job of understanding the current problems in the market and has come up with a vision for the downtown that is inspiring.

The $7 million project will start this March and is due for completion by 2010. Councillor Bob Bratina said the new market will have a wow factor and "help recapture the fun that was there 40 or 50 years ago."

Jennifer Gautrey, chair of the Hamilton Public Library board said there had been little change to the library since it opened in 1980. But users now demand more computer access, multimedia materials and public space...all needs that will be met in the renovation.

A glass curtain wall will run along York Boulevard, along with new glass walls inside.
"The entire space will be filled with light," said Premi. Colour changing LED lights will also create an indoor walkway and caf connecting the library and the market. Sliding glass panels will open the market to a widened sidewalk in the summer.

Robert J. Morrow is editor of www.HamiltonHomeReview.com, an online real estate magazine serving Greater Hamilton, Ontario. Click here for a FREE SUBSCRIPTION sent to your email monthly. Click here to receive new Hamilton area listings in your email daily.