The Cotton Factory is an exciting example of an adaptive reuse, a historic mill that has grown into a creative industries hub in the heart of Hamilton’s growing arts economy. We began with a Master Plan of the facility, followed by multiple renovations and heritage reports to advance its vision. One of the most well known projects within the facility includes the award-winning third floor co-working environment.

Tenants love the ample natural light, large windows, wooden beams and hardwood floors. Every element was shaped to inspire creativity, collaboration and most importantly, connections, including:

• A community kitchen
• Professional space to meet clients
• Reduced rates on event space to host receptions, workshops and photoshoots
• Promote your events on our social media pages and newsletters
• Exhibition space for small art shows & presentations

Heritage Designation

In 2018, The Cotton Factory received a heritage designation from the City of Hamilton. Heritage designation protects specific attributes about a building. Most buildings, even if they are generally considered to have cultural value, they are not protected from unsympathetic changes unless the property is formally recognized.

We conducted extensive primary plus archival research and a heritage cultural assessment that determined the status of the project.

The report produced for the City states “The Cotton Factory gains heritage value through historic connections to the City of Hamilton. The factory acts as a landmark, both visually and through the historic evidence of the textile industry that was once based in Hamilton. Its associations to the Canadian Bluenose and its economic significance to the local, national, and international textile industry validates its importance as a cultural asset. Its physical relationships to each of the existing buildings relate to the Industrial Gothic architectural style, including Victorian and Edwardian details. This composition of buildings developed organically over time, creates a unique site of historical importance.­”