Heritage Thursday shifted a day because of the Provincial election, but we're back today to highlight another civic jewel - the Lister Block in the Beasley neighbourhood. It has a storied past and practical modern use with ground floor retail and City offices above. #HamOnt - ThreadSky

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ward2hamilton.bsky.social • 35 days ago

Heritage Thursday shifted a day because of the Provincial election, but we're back today to highlight another civic jewel - the Lister Block in the Beasley neighbourhood. It has a storied past and practical modern use with ground floor retail and City offices above. #HamOnt

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ward2hamilton.bsky.social•35 days ago

The Lister Block replaced the former Lister Chambers, which was built by nineteenth century merchant and clothier Joseph Lister in 1886. The Lister Chambers was a big move for the downtown and shifted major business activity from John Street to James Street for the first time.

ward2hamilton.bsky.social•35 days ago

After a fire in 1923, the Lister Chambers were replaced by the now standing Lister Block, in 1924, put up in record time. The new building was able to offer space to small businesses who would have trouble acquiring more expensive retail space elsewhere in the core.

ward2hamilton.bsky.social•35 days ago

Through the rest of its days, up to the 21st century, it was mired in economic misfortune and neglect so much so that City Council pursued demolition in 2007 before the Province appointed a mediator and eventually committed $7m to the Lister's restoration.

ward2hamilton.bsky.social•35 days ago

Today it serves as home to Tourism Hamilton, local retailers, and City staff. There are some impeccable internal design elements which were meticulously preserved and on display for anyone who enters the arcade (open to the public).

ward2hamilton.bsky.social•35 days ago

For more about how the Lister Block was saved visit https://archive.nationaltrustcanada.ca/sites/www.heritagecanada.org/files/magazines/F1E-04%2011_20111102-1%20FINAL.pdf.

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