$5,000/mo - 54 JAMES Street, Hamilton
Commercial for Rent in Hamilton
131 days on marketNeighbourhood: Beasley
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- MLS Number
- X13213806
- Property Type
- Commercial
- Status
- active
- Days on Site
- 131
- Bedrooms
- 0
- Bathrooms
- 0
- Square Feet
- 1,900 sqft
- Neighbourhood
- Hamilton
- Taxes (2026)
- $52,024
- Listing Brokerage
- Royal LePage Real Estate Associates
Fantastic opportunity in the vibrant core of downtown Hamilton. Located in the heart of the city's bustling restaurant and retail district, this prime ground-floor commercial space offers exceptional visibility and tremendous potential. With strong pedestrian traffic and D2 zoning, the space is ideally suited for food and hospitality uses such as a restaurant, cafe, bakery, bar, or lounge concept. Spanning approximately 1,900 square feet, the unit features a kitchen at the rear and has undergone recent renovations, providing a great foundation for a new or expanding hospitality business. Surrounded by other well-established and successful businesses, including Biggs Ribs and The Market on James, the location benefits from consistent foot traffic and a strong local dining scene. Perfectly positioned directly across from a proposed mixed-use development featuring significant residential and retail components, and adjacent to the prestigious William Thomas Building luxury student residence, this location offers excellent convenience and accessibility.The property is also ideally situated to benefit from the energy and exposure generated by Supercrawl, downtown Hamilton's renowned annual arts and culture festival that attracts more than 275,000 visitors each year. An exceptional opportunity to establish your business in one of downtown Hamilton's most dynamic and growing districts.
Discover Beasley
Beasley is a vibrant community in the Greater Toronto Area, offering excellent amenities, schools, and transportation options. This area is popular with families and professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle with access to urban conveniences and natural spaces.
Why Live in Beasley
- •Convenient location in Hamilton
- •Access to local shops and dining
- •Good public transit connections
- •Community parks and green spaces
- •Well-maintained neighbourhoods
Nearby Schools
Transit & Commuting
- •MiWay bus routes throughout the area
- •GO Transit stations within driving distance
- •Easy highway access to 401/403/QEW
- •Walking distance to local amenities
Parks & Amenities
- •Local parks and recreational facilities
- •Community centres
- •Shopping plazas nearby
- •Restaurants and cafes
Lifestyle & Community
Beasley offers a wonderful quality of life with a mix of residential charm and urban convenience. Residents enjoy easy access to schools, parks, and shopping, making it an ideal location for families and professionals alike.
54 JAMES Street, Hamilton
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Key factors for evaluating this commercial property
Commercial Due Diligence Checklist
· Verify zoning and all permitted uses
· Review all existing leases (terms, renewals, net vs. gross)
· Request estoppel certificates from all tenants
· Order a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment
· Commission a property condition assessment
· Review operating costs (taxes, insurance, maintenance)
Commercial Financing Note
Commercial mortgages require 20–35% down, shorter amortization, and lenders underwrite based on the property's income. CMHC insurance is not available for commercial. Connect with a commercial mortgage broker early.
Commercial and land transactions are significantly more complex than residential. Joe recommends assembling a team — commercial real estate lawyer, accountant, and (for land) a land use planner — before making an offer.
Joe's Thoughts
Honest perspective from 30+ years of GTA real estate experience
Commercial Pricing Context
At $3/sqft, this is priced on the lower end for commercial, which warrants investigating condition, zoning restrictions, and tenancy. Commercial values are highly location- and zoning-dependent, so comparable sales analysis is essential. I'll pull recent commercial comps for you.
Extended Exposure — Negotiating Room
At 131 days on market, this commercial property has had significant exposure. Commercial listings typically take longer to sell than residential, but this timeline may indicate pricing or tenancy issues worth exploring. A motivated seller often means better terms for a prepared buyer.
Zoning & Permitted Use — Verify First
I always confirm the zoning and permitted uses before a client gets too far into a commercial transaction. What a property is currently used for and what it's legally permitted for are sometimes different. If you plan to change the use, a zoning amendment or minor variance may be required — that's additional cost, time, and risk.
Tenancy & Income Review
If this property has existing tenants, I'd want to review all leases carefully: term lengths, renewal options, rent amounts, escalation clauses, and who's responsible for operating costs (gross lease vs. net lease). A strong long-term tenant is an asset; a lease expiring at closing is a different story. We'll request estoppel certificates from all tenants.
Environmental & Due Diligence
A Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment is standard practice for commercial purchases in Ontario. If historical industrial use is flagged, you'll need a Phase 2. I also recommend a property condition assessment covering structure, roof, HVAC, and electrical — commercial systems are expensive to replace and often not disclosed in detail on the listing.
Commercial Financing Realities
Commercial mortgages work differently than residential. Expect 20–35% down, shorter amortization (15–25 years), and lenders who underwrite based on the property's income, not just your personal financials. CMHC insurance is generally not available for commercial, and rates are typically higher. I can connect you with commercial mortgage brokers who specialize in Hamilton transactions.