Wilson Street | 13 Unit Conversion
Hamilton
Original Use: Vacant Full-Retail Building
Final Layout: 2 Commercial Units + 8 Residential Units (Above) + 3 Residential Units (Basement)
Total Units: 13 (Mixed Use)
Parking Requirement: None (Downtown Exemption)
Project Overview:
This once fully-vacant retail-only building in downtown Hamilton is being completely reimagined into a 13-unit mixed-use property—breathing life back into a prominent corner of the urban core. Our team led the design for a strategic conversion that introduces 2 modern ground-floor commercial units, 4 residential units on the 2nd and 3rd floors, and 3 additional basement-level residential units—each one fully code-compliant and thoughtfully designed.
Located within a no-parking-requirement zone, the building is ideally suited for dense, walkable living with retail activation at street level and compact, urban-friendly residential above and below.
Scope & Strategy:
Converted the ground level into 2 commercial units ideal for cafés, boutiques, or professional services
Designed 4 residential units on the upper floors with efficient layouts, ample light, and modern finishes
Added 3 residential units in the basement, fully legalized with code-compliant fire separation, ventilation, egress, and ceiling height
Leveraged Hamilton’s downtown zoning to proceed without onsite parking, maximizing rentable space
Implemented upgrades across fire protection, HVAC, acoustics, and servicing
Challenges Solved:
Turned a fully vacant commercial structure into a high-performing, multi-use asset
Navigated structural upgrades and servicing complexities for basement residential use
Achieved maximum density in a zoning-compliant, urban-compatible format
Investor Benefits:
Delivered 13 revenue-generating units from an underutilized building
Mixed-use format diversifies income (residential + commercial) with strong walkability appeal
Exempt from parking requirements—freeing up valuable square footage and budget
Located in a high-demand corridor surrounded by transit, amenities, and employment nodes
Current Status:
Permit under city review. Construction to start June 2025.
Mixed-Use, Basement, Residential, Hamilton