St. Mark’s Church – Magnolia Hall

Location:    Hamilton, ON

Type:     Adaptive Re-Use Phases 1 & 2 with Addition

Area:    7,288sf

St. Mark’s Church, located at 120 Bay Street South is a designated heritage property (1995 By-Law 95-13 under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act) that is owned by the City of Hamilton. Built as an Anglican church in 1877, St. Mark’s was declared redundant in 1989 and then sold to the City in 1994. This publicly-owned heritage building has remained vacant for over 20 years.

ATA was commissioned by the City of Hamilton to be the prime architects in the adaptive re-use of this designated heritage jewel. The vacant St. Mark’s Church was transformed into a vibrant community and cultural centre, now named Magnolia Hall. The exterior was restored, including the brickwork and stained-glass windows, a barrier-free addition was added, and a serene community garden space now surrounds the building.

In one of the most densely populated downtown neighbourhoods in Hamilton, it was important to honour the history of the building and transform this space for community use and serve the needs of the neighbourhood.

The interior assembly space was designed to serve the community in various ways such as conferences, meetings, banquets and live performances. This community centre is now home to several meeting groups and a place everyone is welcome to enjoy. The entire facility, including the exterior, prioritizes accessibility so all patrons can embrace this space. It is also located near public transit and less than a block from City Hall, making it easily accessible to the community.

In a dense downtown neighbourhood where the heritage is fruitful, this new centre will bring life and space where it is vital.

ATA coordinated all aspects of this project which has become a labour of love. ATA has navigated through all City of Hamilton Municipal SPA and Permit requirements while also balancing Committee of Adjustment approvals.

Phase 1 Scope of Work Included:

Architectural: brick restoration, stain glass, window & door restoration.

Structural: stabilization, repair and re-enforcing of existing stone foundation walls.

Electrical: upgrading of electrical service (from Bay Street South) with installation of minimal/basic lighting.

Mechanical: installation of furnaces & equipment in the basement level to provide minimal heat to building.

Civil: re-connection/re-installation of basic services (Sanitary, Storm, Water & Gas) to building.

Phase 2 Scope of Work Included:

Architectural: “re-construction” of 1-storey, slab-on-grade addition (previously demolition and removed) located on the westside of church. This will house the public washrooms, entrance, Servery/Kitchen and associated storage space. Also, the complete restoration of interior finishes in the church.

Structural: work associated with addition.

Electrical: complete lighting in church and addition.

Mechanical: installation of entire HVAC system including AC units.

Civil: storm water site analysis

Landscape: proposed work to exterior landscape areas.

Civil: storm water site analysis

Landscape: proposed work to exterior landscape areas.