While it's always sad to see a sickly loved one pass on, I think given the circumstances, it's the best call here. To my understanding, restoring the bricks would fall on the congregation, and I'd say their limited money is of much greater benefit to our community financing the
Philpott Church Centre—which is planned to have services for—among other things—low-income families, people with addictions, and unhoused people.
Not to mention, the building isn't fully getting torn down, the columns, stained-glass windows, and floors are all still under heritage protection, and will be incorporated into the new development. Moreover, since the walls are in a state that needs to be rebuilt anyway—in my opinion—we might as well rebuild them in a way that adds housing/commercial in a very central location. Though I agree there are other issues with the current state of housing, such as the over-supply of shoeboxes, and lack of starter home affordability, I cannot see a world where shoebox bachelors can possibly retain their high price point while homeowners across Hamilton and Toronto are now able to add bachelors into their homes or as laneways. I can't see a way they can compete with those, though time will tell! (...But I digress!
)
Ultimately, while I am sad to see another example of Hamilton's classical architecture be replaced by yet another building in the SketchUp Style, I do think, aesthetics aside, in this circumstance, this is probably the best move for our community. I also think this side of York is pretty dead, and the planned commercial looks to be a much welcome addition to help liven things up (...Here's to hoping a road diet will follow!
). Lastly, I believe our cities are dynamic ecosystems that need fluidity to change overtime. Yes, churches are some of the loveliest buildings around, but they're not easily adaptable into the things our city acutely needs right now.
I will say however, I am a little worried the market might crash some time between demolition and construction... Let's all hope this doesn't lead to another
James Street Baptist Church situation...
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