You have to see what these historic Hamilton buildings look like today

Would you like to live in a piece of Hamilton history?

Would you like to live in a piece of Hamilton history?

For those with the means, this is certainly a possibility after two iconic Hamilton buildings have recently wrapped up extensive rehabilitation and repurposing projects to become two of the hottest rental properties in the city.

The Dundurn Lofts and Gatsby on Bold, the former Phantom Hosiery Plant and Pasadena Apartments respectively, have been given new life and now they’re looking for life to fill them.

Unlimited Residential Living, the Hamilton property management tasked with the leasing of these landmarks, says they are looking to fill a number of units in both buildings.

“There are a lot of really exciting projects in the works in Hamilton,” said Adam Kitchener, founder and owner of  Unlimited Residential Living.  “And there’s a huge rush for luxury rentals in the city. [With these buildings] we have a large influx of availability.”

The Dundurn Lofts lobby

The warehouse at 220 Dundurn was built in 1928 by National Hosiery Mills and it operated as a textile factory, specifically producing silk stockings, for decades until it closed down in the 1950s.

Eventually, the property was sold to the Hamilton Institute of Technology (HIT) — which eventually became Mohawk College — who used the building for classrooms and storage.

Dundurn lofts party room

In the 90s, the building was purchased again by a developer who planned to convert the building into loft-style units but the project was abandoned. The building fell into disrepair until it was bought again in 2014.

That’s when efforts got underway to bring the building up to its current luxurious state.

The building features 124 modern units with state of the art appliances, massive windows and plenty of character. Building amenities include a peaceful courtyard with a Korean smoker, ample parking, a party room, gym and a conference room.

A Dundurn Lofts unit

“This building is perfect for someone looking for a live-work space,” Kitchener said.

The Iconic Pasadena Apartment building at 27 Bold St., which is now affectionately called The Gatsby on Bold, has always been one of the loveliest buildings in Hamilton since the early 20th Century.

The Pasadena suffered significant damage in 2014 when a fire tore through the building displacing dozens of residents, according to a CBC report from Feb. 2014. According to the same report, CLV Group owned the building at the time.

The fully restored staircase at The Gatsby on Bold

In the wake of the fire, a new developer ProFund Mortgages took over the property and undertook a massive restoration and modernization effort.

The result is nothing short of breathtaking.

The central staircase was handcrafted by specialized woodworkers; the tile work throughout the building reflects the time period in which the building was originally erected and uses tiles from the original building.

A unit at the Gatsby on Bold

Crystal sconces that once graced the walls of the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto were brought in to illuminate all these stunning and historic details throughout the building.

The units themselves feature gourmet kitchens, semi-outdoor spaces or sunrooms and spa bathrooms.

Modern upgrades include an elevator and rooftop patio.

It’s one of those Hamilton buildings that you always walk by and wonder what it looks like inside, so here’s your chance to see for yourself.

“These buildings have one foot in the past,” Kitchener said. “They’re definitely not cookie-cutter.”

For those interested in rental inquiries for either The Dundurn Lofts or The Gatsby on Bold, visit Unlimited Residential Living for details.

Photos courtesy Unlimited Residential Living