The 1620 Main Street East Affordable Housing Development has been recognized with a Chief Planner Award at the 2025 Hamilton Urban Design & Architecture Awards, honouring its leadership in advancing affordable, sustainable housing in the City of Hamilton.

Developed for CityHousing Hamilton, the six-storey, 42-unit building is a model for how innovative design and thoughtful construction can help address one of the city’s most pressing needs: access to safe, efficient, and affordable homes. The project reflects CityHousing Hamilton’s continued commitment to investing in high-performance housing that supports residents while contributing to the City’s broader climate and sustainability goals.

Designed to meet Passive House certification and constructed using mass timber, the development is among the first of its kind in North America. Together, these strategies significantly reduce energy consumption, improve building performance, and create a comfortable, durable living environment for residents. Beyond its technical achievements, the design prioritizes community – incorporating warm, human-scale materials and natural light to foster a sense of connection and belonging.

The project’s recognition at this year’s awards underscores the importance of partnerships between public agencies, designers, and builders in creating resilient, forward-looking housing solutions. By embracing sustainability and innovation, CityHousing Hamilton and the project team are helping to shape a more inclusive and environmentally responsible future for the city.

Learn more about the awards & see the full list of winners: https://www.hamilton.ca/city-council/awards-tributes/urban-design-and-architecture-awards