~Lister-Block - 1924-future~
~Lister Block, from across the street on James~
The original Lister Block building was built in 1924 by Pigott Contruction Co. It featured fire proofing, terra cotta ridging and limestone outlining. The building was built as part of a project to revitalise the part of James St. north of King St. and to attract new business the city of Hamilton. It featured 6 floors with stores on the 1/2nd floors, a basement with a bowling alley and spa area, while floors 3-6 featured offices and apartments.
~A small office on the 3rd floor of Lister Block~
Lister-Block was abandoned in 1994 after several tenants of the Lister Block and adjoining businesses were issued eviction notices. After Lister Block was abandoned, several companies bid to have possession of Lister Block. Metrus, a company from Toronto, bought Lister Block for $1 000 000 in 2000 but once again abandoned it before even putting it to use. After this, LIUNA bought the Lister Block and has plans to restore it in the future. Right now Lister Block sits dormant and in disrepair after years of neglect and weather damage. Here's some pictures of the inside of Lister Block taken by Avatar X on May 3, 2003 when him, I and some others went in the building.
~Main arcade of Lister Block... after nearly 10 years of neglect~
~The view from the roof of Lister Block~