City of Hamilton

Pier 8 Pursuit

Opportunity

The City of Hamilton released a design pursuit for the development of Pier 8. The objective was to provide a proposal to create a landmark community at the former waterside industrial site. The vacant 9-acre lot would be completely repurposed into a diverse neighbourhood containing pedestrian connections, public parks, institutional structures and mid-rise residential spaces. The process narrowed down four finalists, inclusive of the Gulf Dream Team.

Response

The design fostered a sense of community, encouraged pedestrian traffic and provided a direct connection from all residential buildings. Amenities included maker space, a proposed space for the future Art Gallery of Hamilton, shops, restaurants, breweries and recreation centre. A beautifully landscaped, east-west greenway corridor connects to existing trails and neighbourhoods. Complementing and connecting Hamilton’s growing James Street food and arts scene, Pier 8 invited visitors to experience niche dining offerings and unique cultural attractions, while enjoying sweeping waterfront and parkland vistas. Envisioned as a fully timber frame development, the innovative design targeted LEED Gold certification across the entire development.