May 15th, 2020

New Vision receives Heritage Designation

24 Main Street in downtown Hamilton has been granted heritage designation. The building is currently being operated by New Vision United Church, serving as a downtown-based community and worship hub.

The heritage designation process was led by integrated design firm mcCallumSather. The process involved evaluating the cultural heritage value and interest of the subject property, conducting extensive primary and archival research, in addition to a heritage cultural assessment that determined the status of the project. Heritage designation protects specific attributes about a building. Most buildings, even if they are considered to have cultural value, are not protected from unsympathetic changes unless the property is formally recognized.

“New Vision have been a long-standing advocate for preservation, and we hope to see others in Hamilton follow their lead to protect the incredible heritage properties we are so fortunate to have,” said Christina Karney, Associate at mcCallumSather.

Built in 1868 by Albert H. Hills, The Music Hall was designed in the Romanesque Revival Style. This distinctive Hamilton building holds cultural value because of its physical, historical, associative, and contextual value. Since its inception, music has been central to the life of the church, which has continued throughout New Vision’s work.

Looking ahead, The Music Hall is intended to function as a concert hall and cultural destination in addition to a church. For many years, the auditorium has been a valued place for performers, filling a need in the area for a venue with a capacity for approximately 1,000 people. Performers include The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, Terra Lightfoot, Bahamas, The National, Tom Wilson, and Max Kerman.

“We love being stewards of this incredible building, and we hope heritage designation helps it remain part of the downtown landscape for many years to come,” said Ian Sloane, Minister at New Vision United Church.

The celebration of community is central to the life of this building. Proposed upgrades include infrastructure improvements, enhancing user experience, and creating an accessible venue that delivers positive change for the whole community.