Project: The Davis Building
Year: 2017
Location: Main Street
In 2017, the Davis Apartments project successfully brought a long-vacant historic building at 302 Main St. back into active use through significant adaptive reuse.
Known historically as the Hughes Pharmacy Building and dating back to the 1880s, the three-story structure had been underutilized despite its vibrant past–a popular spot during the Prohibition era featuring an ice cream bar.
With support from CORE, the redevelopment transformed the building, preserving its historic character while fully modernizing its interior. The project met the rising demand for downtown living by converting the upper floors into modern apartments, significantly expanding housing options and drawing new residents to Hamilton’s urban core and boosting foot traffic on Main Street.
The completion of the Davis Apartments was more than a single successful renovation; it reinforced the momentum in downtown Hamilton’s revitalization, showcasing the ongoing preservation and adaptation of historic buildings for contemporary use. The influx of new residents injected renewed energy into local businesses and strengthened the neighborhood’s sense of place. This project perfectly aligns with CORE’s mission to encourage reinvestment, facilitate housing development, and activate underused properties, ensuring that downtown Hamilton’s architectural heritage remains a dynamic part of its future.
