98 James St S

Former James Street Baptist Church

DesignatedHamilton, Ontario · Register as of October 12, 2026

Is it a heritage property?

Yes. 98 James St S, Hamilton is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, Part IV (as an individual property).

Designation is the strongest protection under the Act and is not affected by the January 1, 2027 deadline. Source: City of Hamilton — Heritage Properties, as of October 12, 2026.

A place of worship. Many are being sold or closed; see Regeneration Works for ways to keep them in community use, and other places of worship at risk.

At a glance

Year built: 1878
Architect or builder: Joseph Connolly
Architectural style: Gothic Revival
Heritage neighbours: 6 other heritage properties within 100 m
Designation: Part IV (individual property)
By-law: 90-33
Ward: Ward 2
Location: Matched to the municipal address

CONTEXT The James Street Baptist Church, constructed in 1878-1882, is located in the Central Area of Hamilton at the south-west corner of James and Jackson Streets. Situated to the south of St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, the Baptist Church has long been recognized as an important downtown landmark in its own right as well as a major component in the James-Main historic streetscape which includes St. Paul’s, the…Statement of cultural heritage value, from City of Hamilton — Heritage Properties · full text at the source

Building details from the municipality's register unless marked otherwise.

Condition on the ground

No condition reports yet.

A vacant or neglected heritage building can be reported to the municipality's property standards or by-law office (311 in most cities). Photos must be taken from public property and must not show people.

Community collection

No historic photos, documents or recollections yet. Do you have one?

Development applications

Zoning Amendment · filed in 2017 · ApprovedAt this address · ZAH-17-022To remove a holding provision in order to permit the construction of a 30 storey mixed use bldg consisting of 269 residential units, 98 parking spaces and commercial retail on the first 2 floors of the bldg.
Site Plan · filed October 2, 2014 · ApprovedAt this address · DA-14-105To construct a 34 storey mixed use building consisting of 395 residential dwelling units and 124.2 square metres of at grade commercial. The existing façade will be retained and incorporated into the commercial.
Zoning Amendment · filed in 2014 · In ProcessAt this address · ZAR-14-030To modify the Downtown Prime Retail Street (D2) Zone to permit the construction of a 30 storey multiple building with 259 residential units and commercial on the first two floors

From municipal open data (City of Hamilton Open Data Licence). An application is a proposal; it doesn't change the property's heritage status. Nearby means within 50 m.

History on this site

October 5, 2026First recorded as designated

Other heritage properties on this street

Source: City of Hamilton — Heritage Properties, as of October 12, 2026.

Contains public sector Data made available under the City of Hamilton's Open Data Licence.

Not legal advice. Confirm status with the municipality.