A Year in Review: Our Favourite Westinghouse HQ Memories of 2019

As 2019 comes to and end, we’ve been reminiscing on all the wonderful moments we’ve had this year. Westinghouse HQ has had an amazing tranformation, full of exciting partnerships and growth. We have so much to be thankful for and to look forward to in 2020.

The successful restoration of Westinghouse HQ, 70,000 SF and 7 floors, has been accomplished through the dedication and hardwork from our collaborators and partners. As we reflect on where we are now, we couldn't have done without these committed friends: Collaborative Structures Limited, mcCallumSather, The City of Hamilton, Barton Village BIA, The Generator, KG&A, Wilson Blanchard and Blair Blanchard Stapleton and all the local businesses and neighbours who have welcomed and supported the development of this iconic Hamilton landmark.

Here are just a few of our favourite memories from 2019

January

We welcomed our first tenant into the building, mcCallumSather, who have added so much vibrancy to the building.

February

We had a collaborative Valentine's Day photoshoot with a number of local businesses, to show off the wonderful potential of this one of a kind event venue.

March

We received the BIA Award for Business/Community Partnership for our contribution to the vitality of the wonderful Barton Village Neighbourhood.

May

We were warmly welcomed into the Barton Village Neighbourhood by having the building incorporated into the new banners along Barton St.

June

We participated in the Barton Village Festival, an amazing annual festival that celebrates all that Barton Village has to offer.

June

We participated in the BIA First Friday event, Movie in the Park in Woodlands park across from the building.

We were honored to receive the Hamilton Municipal Heritage Committee Award for Heritage Property Development from the City of Hamilton.

We hosted the Business After Business event with the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. We love collaborating with the Hamilton Business Community.

July

We joined our community partners and volunteers to clean up Woodlands Park, a beautiful place for the community to gather and play.

September and October

We were busy with the final restorations of the event venue with our new partner Equal Parts Hospitality. 

November

We hosted Stuffed! and loved seeing the hundreds of shoppers come through the building to purchase local and handmade goods for the holidays.

We hosted another Business After Business event with the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce in our Grand Auditorium.

December

We launched Sanford Hall, our event venue, at Westinghouse HQ. We are so excited to host amazing gatherings, weddings and social/corporate events in 2020.

Our last event of the year is our much anticipated New Years Eve Party with Equal Parts Hospitality and One New Era X for the NYE Vision 2020:Cali Vibes event. Get your tickets on eventbrite

As we look ahead to 2020, we’re honored to continue to uphold the rich legacy of this building and make new wonderful memories along the way. Stay tuned for all the events and initiatives we have in store in 2020.

To inquire about booking an event at Sanford Hall at Westinghouse HQ, please email events@westinghousehq.com

Woodlands Park: The Barton St. Transformation Continues

There is a saying that the grass is greener where you water it and that couldn’t be more true in the revitalization of Woodlands Park, located right in the middle of the Barton Village Neighbourhood and directly adjacent to the Westinghouse HQ building.

Woodlands Park with the Westinghouse HQ building

Westinghouse HQ is a proud supporter of Woodlands Park, which has been adopted by the Barton Village Business Improvement Association (BIA), in partnership with the GALA community and 541 Eatery and Exchange. The Barton Village Neighbourhood is very lucky to have a very active BIA, led by Executive Director Rachel Braithwaite.

Barton Village BIA Executive Director, Executive Director Rachel Braithwaite

Started in 1987, the Barton Village BIA focuses on enhancing the street, making it a better place for businesses and the community by organizing beautification and community initiatives dedicated to making the neighbourhood a safe and thriving place to live and work.

A couple of weeks ago, volunteers gathered at Woodlands Park for one of the many clean up efforts that will take place over the year.  It may not be well known, but public parks are cared for predominantly through volunteers and community groups.

Volunteers and Meir Dick, Westinghouse HQ Managing Partner

Executive Director, Rachel Braithwaite explains the responsibility of caring for Woodlands Park, “when you adopt a park, you commit to organizing clean ups, keeping an eye on the park for vandalism and ensuring it’s used and enjoyed by the community. If there are flowers in a park, they are planted their by community members.” Over the last few years the City of Hamilton listened to the needs of the community and added a new play structure, a soccer pitch and a multi purpose court for basketball and ball hockey

The changes to Woodlands Park has had an incredible impact on the community. With many young families in the area, the transformation of the park has provided a much needed place for kids to play and enjoy the outdoors. There is also an increase in community groups using the park for events and 541 Eatery and Exchange hosts their annual soccer camp at the park.

Meir Dick, Managing Partner of Westinghouse HQ and a member of the Board of Directors for the Barton Village BIA says, “historically, Woodlands Park, was always a focal point of the community and Westinghouse HQ is committed to supporting the continual revitalization of this important community hub.”

1920's, Women and their bicycles in Woodlands Park in front of Westinghouse HQ

With the proximity of the park, directly outside the Westinghouse HQ doors, Dick expects upcoming events, weddings and business function to flow out into the park and continue to add vibrancy to the neighbourhood. 

So what’s next for Woodlands Park? Braithwaite shares that this summer there will be a graffiti wall by the Fire Station to encourage young artists and they are hopeful for a Splash Pad to be added in the coming years.

The transformation of Woodlands Park is just another example of the exciting and progressive change that is happening on Barton St. With committed and passionate community members, such as Brenda Duke, who is responsible for the transformation of a number of green spaces in this neighbourhood and others who give of their time and energy to the beatification of this place, now is the time to get involved and consider joining this wonderful Hamilton neighbourhood.

If you’re interested in volunteering with Woodlands Park clean ups, or other BIA initiatives, please contact Executive Director, Rachel Braithwaite by email: info@bartonvillage.ca or by phone: 289-682-9472. 

For updates on the Westinghouse HQ project, please sign up for our email list at the bottom of our home page, here and for leasing inquiries, please email us at leasing@westinghousehq.com.

Exploring the Barton Village Neighbourhood: Restaurants

Hamilton is known for exciting and delicious food and the restaurants in The Barton Village Neighbourhood are no exception. We have a wonderful mix of established and up and coming restaurants to explore - just another reason to come and visit our great community and see all that it has to offer.

For this blog post, we decided to interview 3 restaurants that represent the diversity of flavours within walking distance or a short drive away from Westinghouse HQ.

The Lotus & the Bee

304 Barton St E, Hamilton, ON

Follow them on Instagram @_lotusandthebee

An interview with owner, Sela Felker.

When did you open The Lotus & the Bee and why did you choose the Barton Village Neighbourhood?

We opened on December 3rd, 2018 - we’ve been open for 5 months.  I was drawn to the Barton Village Neighbourhood, because I saw a need for more healthy and vegan breakfast and lunch options. I worked at the General Hospital for 3 years and I have been vegan for 4 years, so I knew that the options in this area were limited. This neighbourhood is really starting to thrive and to be at the forefront of this movement is so amazing.

What is the vision of your restaurant?

I want to make veganism and healthy eating more mainstream and make it more accessible. We’re making delicious, affordable, and healthy food. I also want to bring a community aspect to what I do as well and that’s what I love about being on Barton St. - everyone helps everybody out.

What should someone try when they come to The Lotus & the Bee?

I would say the waffles, people love them. We do all day breakfast, because it’s my favourite thing!

What’s one thing you would want people to know about the Barton Village Neighbourhood that they might not see?

There are a lot of down to earth, young families that moving in around here. People don’t realize that this neighbourhood is already on it’s way to being transformed and people are already thriving here - it’s a very liveable place to be.

Is there anything else you would like people to know about The Lotus & the Bee?

I would want people to know that we are community focused and want to help people believe in themselves and follow their dreams. We also give people a space to showcase their talents, through hosting workshops and displaying local artwork. I want this to be a comforting meeting place for people to be inspired and follow their passions.

Motel Restaurant

359 Barton St E, Hamilton, ON

Follow them on Instagram @motelhamiltom

An interview with Co-Owner, Bardia Doroodgar

When did you open Motel and why did you choose the Barton Village Neighbourhood?

This June it will be 2 years since we opened. The Co-Owner Chris and myself had always talked about opening a restaurant. We were looking for locations around the GTA, when a friend of ours from Dundas told us about the amazing food scene in Hamilton, so we came to check it out. We ended up on Barton St., which reminded us of Parkdale in Toronto, with the historical buildings and cool vibe.

How has your experience been opening up a business on Barton St.?

When we opened there weren’t many up and coming restaurants in the area. When we moved in, The Heather, was one of the newest restaurants at the time. There have been a lot of new places that have opened up around us in the last couple of years and we have all connected and become a little community.

What is Motel’s mission?

The theme came from an old motel and has an element of nostalgia. Our mission is to use local ingredients, make everything from scratch and serve high quality food. We create an elevated twist on the typical brunch.  Although we are only open for brunch at this point, we also host events in the evenings - wedding showers, birthday parties etc.

What would you suggest someone try when they come to Motel?

All the food is amazing, but for first time visitors the Champagne Pancakes are the most popular dish and if you want something more savery the Chicken and Waffles are fantastic.

O Cantinho Churrasqueira & Cafe

302 Barton St E, Hamilton, ON

Follow them on Instagram @o_cantinho_churrasqueira_cafe

An interview with Derek Sousa.

When did O Cantinho Churrasqueira & Cafe open and why did your you choose the Barton Village Neighbourhood?

My father opened the restaurant 21 years ago in June. It is truly is a family run business and it’s always been that way - my Mom, Dad, Grandma and my Aunts have all been involved.

Before the restaurant, my family would cook this same way in our backyard in our own brick oven and I would always tell my dad that he needs to open up a restaurant. My Dad found this place, which used to be an old pizza shop. We renovated it and put a barbecue out back it’s been growing ever since.

What should people try when they come to O Cantinho Churrasqueira & Cafe’s for the first time?

Definitely the chicken. We are known for our Portuguese BBQ Chicken. We do a lot of other classic portegesuse cuisine, including grilled fish, suckling roast pig, Cod, etc, but chicken is what we’re famous for.

How have you seen your restaurant change and grow over 21 years of being in business on Barton St.?

During the first 10 years our customers were 90% Porteguese from the neighbourhood and now it’s about 50% Porteguese and 50% from outside of that community. Social media has also helped people learn about us. Now we have customers that come from all over Hamilton and even Toronto. Anyone can barbecue chicken, but it’s our special sauce that keeps people coming back.

How have you experienced community with other Barton St. businesses?

We get along great with the neighbouring businesses. The guys from the Baca Yard Bar and Grill, the Jamacian place beside us, come in and get our chicken and we get theirs. We all support each other. It’s also great being near the Hamilton General Hospital. The doctors and nurses come here all the time and we drop off food to them.

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For updates on the Westinghouse HQ project, please sign up for our email list at the bottom of our home page, here and for leasing inquiries, please email us at leasing@westinghousehq.com.