Looking up on James North - Seven-storey, $20-million condo development the latest project planned for Hamilton's downtown area

Another transformation is in the works for James Street North.

The owners of the Acclamation Bar and Grill at Mulberry Street are planning a seven-storey, $20-million development on a now-vacant lot beside the restaurant. The project would include 55 condo units, a 500-seat banquet hall, office space, a ground-floor storefront and underground parking. Acclamation would be expanded on the ground level.

The Roque family, which also owns roofing and property management companies, has owned the Acclamation building since 1999.

They are currently finalizing financing for the new project. Drawings for site plan approval will soon be submitted to the city, said architect John Mokrycke.

The goal is to have construction begin next spring, said Cristina Roque, whose father, Manuel, began the roofing company 30 years ago.

Occupancy could begin 18 months after that.

Roque says she and her siblings grew up in the North End and the family has deep ties in the neighbourhood. "We really like the area and there is a need for a banquet hall downtown."

Mokrycke, who also designed the Acclamation property and a number of other James Street sites, says this development will be unique in the city.