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The Education Centre was the most significant work of Hamilton architect Joseph (Joe) Stringer -
The marble-clad entry portico -
The monumental entry portico faced City Hall -
The cladding of the tower was comprised of pre-cast concrete panels and aluminum windows -
Sited opposite City Hall, the Education Centre was part of a modern, urban, civic precinct -
The ground floor was clad in white marble and featured copper roofs -
The concrete bas-relief by Joseph Gause featured education in three stages; ancient, renaissance, and modern
Hamilton Education Centre
Sited opposite Hamilton City Hall and civic square, the Education Centre was designed to complement and expand the modern, urban civic precinct.
The Hamilton Education Centre comprised an 8-storey administrative block with two single-storey wings for the library and the trustees’ council chamber. The ensemble was set on a low plinth, forming a terrace at the main entrance.
With its surrounding gardens, copper fascia, marble-clad ground floor, double height entry portico and wooden coffered ceiling, the building established a strong civic presence opposite City Hall. Within the portico, a concrete bas-relief by artist Joseph Gause featured education in three stages: ancient, renaissance, and modern. Above, the administrative block was clad in pre-cast concrete panels and aluminum windows, imparting considerable texture to the tower.
The Education Centre was the most significant work of Hamilton architect Joseph (Joe) Stringer (1924-2013). Stringer was a decorated air force pilot, author, architect and prominent member of the Jewish community.
The Hamilton Education Centre served as the headquarters for an expanded school district from 1997 onward, as the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board.
The building was demolished in 2012 for the construction of a facility for McMaster University. The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board moved into a purpose-built facility, with the Joseph Gause frieze mounted within its interior.