Historic James Street North

Historic James Street North. . , James Street North is one of Hamilton's earliest and most important commercial areas. It was the site of the Town Hall and Market, erected in 1839 across from King William Street by the 1890s, James Street North had become a focal point of civic social and commercial activity, boasting numerous landmark buildings., City Hall, (1988-1960) Knox Presbyterian Church, 1846-1940, the present Christ’s Church Cathedral, begun in 1852, the first post office 1856; the Federal Life Building 1856- 1955, the Royal Hotel, 1867-1935, the Hamilton Brass Foundry, 1873, Pronguey's Carriage Factory (later the Tivoli Theatre), 1873, the Grand Opera House 1880- 1961, the Armouries South Drill Hall, 1906, the Arcade department Store, (later Eaton’s), 1916-1989 the Lister Block, 1923, the Zeller's Building, 1929-1986, and the CN Station 1929., Those landmarks which survive, together with the extensive stock of historic commercial buildings constitute one of the city's most important heritage streetscapes., The Local Planning Branch, Community Development Department and Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee all played prominent roles in shaping the revitalization of James Street North.