What is bringing 1,000 architects to Hamilton this week?

Professional architects from all over the province are descending on Hamilton this week for a week of tours and professional development. It's theannual convention of the Ontario Association of Architects,and the first time the group has come to Hamilton. Theyare set to explore Hamilton's architectural history, but also some new project and some of the urban renewal efforts changing some of the city's neighbourhoods.

"Hamilton really stands outas a way to shine in terms of urban renewal," said OAA president, Ottawa-based architect ToonDreessen. "There are so many fantastic examples of how architecture can play a significant role in urban renewal,by mixing this great blend of new and old buildings, and such a strong local network of architects and architecture fans who want to preserve parts of their history."

Here's what has brought them here:

Old structures

They are taking some time to view some of Hamilton's historic architecture of note, including:

• City Hall, not always a favourite locally but important in architectural circles as an example of the mid-century International Style, this one designed bylocal architectStanley Roscoe.

• Auchmar House- The former estate of prominent Hamilton citizen Isaac Buchanan, now vacant and seekingaviable use, is an attraction because it is arare example of "an intact picturesquecountry estate."

• Gage Park fountain, High Level Bridge: Are both prominentpublic landmarks given the city byJohn Lyle, a Belfast-born architect.

New Structures

The architects are getting a glimpse at the some of the newer building that is happening and has happened in recent years.

McMaster downtown Health Campus:Their tours will be thefirst public look at McMaster's new downtown health campus, currently under construction at the corner of Main and Bay Streets. The $85 million project is a seven storeybuilding, with a design inspired by Hamilton's geography, in particular the escarpment and will bring new vibrancy to that part of the downtown.

Tim Horton's Field:They'll take tours to Hamilton'snew, but not quite finished Pan Am and Ticats stadium.Here the attractionsarethearchitectural and engineering design challenges.

McMaster Campus:They'll have a walking tour of the university campus where they'll look at many of the new buildings that have been built there in the past decade.

TransformedIndustrial Structures

Hamilton's industrial heritage is being preserved in many different ways and some of the ways the local hosts will be showing off to their guests are:

• The Museum of Steam and Technology:Hamilton's originalits original water works pump house, which dates from 1859.
• TheMcMasterInnovation Park:Built aroundan old appliance factory, ithas become the centre of high tech business incubation.
• 270Sherman North: Aturn of the century (1900) textile mill, one of the last surviving,is now anarts incubator.

Works in progress

• Waterfront: They will have a look at the dramatic progress over the past 20 years, with the trails and parks that are nowpart of the fabric of the city'slife. But with major new projects being envisioned for Pier 8 and developmentpressure pushing back into the neighbourhood,the waterfront is still a work in progress.

• James North:The attraction here is an exploration of "renewal restoration and adaptive re-use" in thecentre of thegrowing arts scene and how that has affected the evolution of the street.