Demolition permit issued for church

The owner of the former James Street Baptist Church in Hamilton has been given the official go-ahead to begin demolition.

City staff approved the permit last night. The owner says he plans to keep part of the building’s stone entrance and tower, and make them part of an $80 million, 25-storey, commercial and condo development.

Louie Santa-Guida was given permission by Hamilton’s heritage permit review committee back in October. It decided the 135 year old church is unstable and beyond repair.