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A rendering of the proposed venue. 📸 Credit: City agenda packet
A 120-year-old church building at the corner of Hamilton and Third Streets in downtown Geneva may soon be hosting gatherings.
Officials voted on Monday to award a $50,000 historic preservation grant to Highway 1 LLC to help convert the former Hi-Hat Resale space into the Hamilton Venue, a commercial event space available to lease for small gatherings and private events.
Here's what to know:
The building's history: According to city documents, the structure at 227 Hamilton Street was built in 1906 as a church. Delnor Hospital later owned it and ran Hi-Hat Resale there from the late 1990s until March 2019. The new owners purchased the property in December 2020 and have since invested more than $200,000 in improvements.
How the grant will be used: Documents show that phase 1 of the project is focused on two ADA-compliant bathrooms and the water service upgrades required to support them (an estimated $200,000 in work). The $50,000 city grant covers up to 40% of those reimbursable costs and is contingent on the owners contributing at least $125,000 first. Completing Phase 1 is what allows the venue to obtain an occupancy certificate and open.
Why the city supports it: During the city council meeting, an official said that without the grant assistance, the project would likely take years to complete while the building sits vacant. City documents say “the project will enhance the destination appeal of the City and provide a new reason to visit and explore Geneva.”
The Hamilton Venue will be located about a block from the heart of downtown, in a building that many Geneva residents will recognize. The new owners are targeting an opening later this year.
Read more in this agenda packet beginning on page 236.
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