June 19, 2025 – Hamilton, ON – mcCallumSather announces the completion of Henry’s on James, a sophisticated new supper club and jazz venue developed in partnership with The Other Bird restaurant group. Officially opened in April 2025, the space transforms a former bank on James Street North into a layered, atmospheric destination rooted in the rich character of Hamilton’s downtown.

The project is a study in adaptive reuse, combining original architectural features with contemporary interventions that support an intimate, immersive dining and performance experience. From the outset, The Other Bird team envisioned a space dedicated to live music and vintage cocktails; a venue that felt timeless, textural, and authentic to Hamilton. mcCallumSather responded with a design that preserves the building’s heritage while delivering bold new energy through custom millwork, a dramatic wall graphic – designed in-house by mcCallumSather, and carefully considered acoustics.

Art Deco references run throughout the space, complemented by the reuse of original safe doors and moulded ceiling details. The building’s narrow footprint dictated a linear spatial organization, with banquette seating running along both walls and clear views toward a central stage. Early in the design, plans for a living wall were replaced with a more sustainable and visually impactful solution: a custom mural that runs the length of the dining area, anchoring the space while reducing long-term maintenance needs.

Close collaboration with the client shaped every detail of the project from the integration of kitchen and bar equipment to the layout of washrooms and back-of-house service areas. Site visits to The Other Bird’s existing restaurants, including Rapscallion, helped inform practical decisions around flow and storage. Musicians on the design team also played a key role in shaping the stage layout and technical needs. To conceal a large mechanical unit above the stage, the team developed a custom wood screen with integrated lighting that masks the system while contributing to the overall rhythm of the space.

Custom millwork also serves a dual function: defining the character of the room while housing concealed storage for sound equipment, place settings, and future AV upgrades. Material choices were guided by durability, warmth, and layered texture resulting in a space that feels grounded, elegant, and enduring.

With the successful completion of Henry’s on James, mcCallumSather adds another adaptive reuse project to its growing portfolio of hospitality and cultural spaces.

-30-

Media Contact
Alicia Giammaria
Senior Public Relations & Communications Manager
mcCallumSather
aliciag@mccallumsather.com