Project: Sara’s House
Year: 2013
Location: Central Business District
When Sara Vallandinham began exploring options to relocate her home decor and lifestyle shop, Sara’s House, she wasn’t simply looking for more space–she was looking for the right fit.
That search ultimately led her to 254 High Street, a three-story mixed-use structure in the heart of downtown Hamilton where Sara’s House celebrated its grand opening in 2014 and joined a growing wave of redevelopment efforts.
Founded more than 10 years ago, Sara’s House offers a selection of home decor and gifts. Vallandingham opened the original shop at Bridgewater Falls in 2012, but as new renovations and projects began to take shape downtown, she saw the potential for her business to grow in step with the surrounding neighborhood.
When the former Hungry Bunny building became available in November 2013, CORE Fund architect Mike Dingeldein saw an opportunity to reintroduce the long vacant structure to the downtown landscape. The building had been empty for nearly five years and had struggled to retain tenants. CORE purchased the property and began planning its rehabilitation.
Following the announcement of the move, Sara’s House saw an outpouring of support from Hamilton residents eager to welcome the business downtown. That community response reinforces one of CORE’s central goals: fostering places where local businesses and neighborhood life can thrive together.
Today, Sara’s House stands as an example of what’s possible when thoughtful investment meets local entrepreneurship. The restored High Street location preserves the character of downtown Hamilton while introducing a fresh, inviting storefront that draws foot traffic to the area. As more projects take shape, CORE’s impact continues to illustrate how reinvestment, local business ownership, and community engagement intersect to shape the city’s next chapter.
