Indwell Cornerstone Suites Redevelopment

Construction is underway for @indwell.ca `s Acorn Flats, and we are so excited about this final phase of development on the former Royal Oak Dairy site. This supportive housing project stands out among @indwell.ca `s developments as it’s specifically designed for families, featuring a mix of two-and three-bedroom units.

The design introduces a replicable three-storey walk-up model, where each stair provides direct access to two pods, six apartments in total, with a shared exterior walkway connecting the stairs as a secondary egress. This new housing typology aims to foster a stronger sense of ownership among tenants and a closer connection to the outdoors. A shared playground will provide space for children to play, while a common room with laundry facilities will offer opportunities for parents to connect and build community.

It`s great to remember the groundbreaking ceremony in April (photo 2) and amazing to look back at how far the Oaks has come since 2018, now providing homes for over 90 tenants. We can`t wait to see how this last stage of the project will continue changing lives on this historically significant site in Hamilton. ...

We were so glad to see a new resident of @indwell.ca `s Strathearne Suites featured on the front page of the Hamilton Spectator this morning! Before moving in, Jean had been living in an encampment along the escarpment rail trail. Now, as reporter Teviah Moro describes, he’s enjoying “a bright studio pad” - with simple but life-changing comforts like hot water, a stove, a soft bed, and a lockable door.

Our Strathearne Suites project transformed a former East Hamilton rooming house to support tenants with low incomes and higher needs. The redevelopment added a 3,300 ft² addition with a new entrance, elevator, and shared spaces, along with upgrades to kitchens, finishes, windows, roofing, insulation, and building systems. The goal: to create a safe, dignified home where tenants like Jean can start again.

As Moro points out in his article, Homelessness in Hamilton is a multilayered problem - "driven by overlapping factors: out-of-reach rents, untreated mental illness, relentless addiction, lagging social-assistance rates, and a decades-long retreat of government investment in social housing." Jean’s story is a powerful reminder of how supportive housing can offer hope and dignity in the face of such an overwhelming crisis. ...

Mural appreciation moment! Following Monday’s groundbreaking ceremony for 204 Gage Avenue North, and yesterday`s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we are freshly reminded of the ways art can contribute to community and healing. Over the years, we`ve had the privilege of collaborating with some truly inspiring Indigenous artists.

~ At 180 Ottawa Street, a reproduction of @christi_belcourt `s piece Revolution of Love brings colour and meaning to the building’s exterior. Christi describes the mural as a piece "about calling into action and practice acts of love, selflessness, gentleness and to do so in the service of all who sustain life on earth." (photo 1). The next phase of this housing development (soon to be under construction) for Indwell includes panels of another one of her most famous pieces, "Wisdom of the Universe".

~ At Nih Dawin’Naa Affordable Apartments, beadwork artist Naomi Smith’s created custom artwork for the spandrel wall panels. Naomi is a First Nations artist, curator and educator known for creating and raising awareness about the history of traditional Indigenous beadwork. (photo 2)

~ Inside McQuesten Lofts, vibrant murals in the woodlands style by @kylejoedickeart brighten shared spaces. (photo 3)

We are also grateful that Sacajawea Non-Profit Housing provided creative direction for the @lestercolomaart mural on their office exterior at @indwell.ca`s The Oaks: Ain-dah-ing. (Photo 4)

It is a gift to have connected with these artists, and to see how their creativity makes each of these housing projects so distinct! ...

September 30th is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Today we reflect on the painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools in Canada, and we recognize the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities. As a firm, we are deeply grateful for opportunities to take part in the reconciliation process.

Invizij is honoured to be working with Sacajawea Non-Profit Housing and Flourish Development Group on Indigenous-focused supportive housing at 204 Gage Ave. N. in Hamilton. This new development will bring 40 affordable apartments with integrated healthcare services for Indigenous people experiencing homelessness. The design, guided by Indigenous traditions, includes a rooftop ceremonial fire feature and draws inspiration from the four sacred medicines: tobacco, cedar, sage, and sweetgrass.

Yesterday`s ground-breaking ceremony at Gage and Barton marked a hopeful milestone. Together we celebrated a project that is about creating safe, supportive housing that fosters healing, stability, growth, and the affirmation of Indigenous identity.

We’re so happy to see the event highlighted by CHCH News and the Hamilton Spectator. Swipe to see a few screenshots. Additional media coverage is available via the links below!

CHCH’s video/artcile:
https://www.chch.com/chch-news/local-indigenous-non-profit-break-ground-in-central-hamilton-for-new-housing-project/

Hamilton Spectator article:
https://www.thespec.com/news/hamilton-region/places-of-healing-indigenous-focused-supportive-housing-breaks-ground-in-hamilton/article_b3578e6b-a4bb-50fc-9f5f-c48e99740d7c.htm ...

We love the midcentury modern elements throughout Hambleton Hall Apartments! This 2016 Invizij project for @indwell.ca transformed the St. James United Church Education Centre (built in 1957) into affordable housing for residents in Simcoe Ontario. Our renovation maintained much of the original floor and wood ceilings along with stained glass, and oak doors. New elements played off the original colour palette, including glazed spandrel panels, apartment millwork, and flooring. ...

Invizij was glad to connect with our local Hamilton community this past weekend as a sponsor of the 6th Battle of the Brushes, live art fundraiser!

The night at @bridgeworkscentral was full of art, music, food, and creative energy - all in support of @shalem_mentalhealth and @recreateartstudio.

Shalem works to restore hope in the lives of people, organizations, and communities through professional counselling, restorative practices, education, and community programs. Its RE-create Outreach Art Studio offers free arts programming for youth 16–24 in Hamilton’s downtown core. ...

Crisp lines with pops of red and blue make @indwell.ca`s Parkdale Landing a striking modern landmark. Completed in 2018, this mixed-use supportive housing project added 57 affordable studio apartments to Hamilton’s East End.

Once a run-down tavern and banquet hall (swipe to photo 3 for the before!), the site was completely transformed. Enlarged windows now flood units with sunlight, while horizontal sunshades keep things cool on hot days. The colourful corrugated metal cladding wrapping the building reflects the industrial environment of East Hamilton and creates renewed visual interest at this busy urban intersection.
Energy modelling with Passive House software guided the design toward long-term sustainability.

Ground floor non-residential space meets a wide range of needs, including a commercial restaurant kitchen, community meeting rooms, Indwell staff office and program spaces, and two retail spaces. ...