The site of the controversial Canadian Hotel may be redeveloped into one of the most dramatic office buildings along the Hamilton skyline.

The Reid Street property's owner Thomas E. Powell has submitted an application to the Planning Department to convert the site into a six-storey office and retail space complex.

The Canadian Hotel currently serves as a low-cost rooming house for single men and is located at the corner of Reid Street and Court Street.

The property fell afoul of the Planning Department earlier this year when it failed to meet a deadline to improve safety standards by installing hard-wired smoke alarms and enclose staircases.

At that time, Mr. Powell announced he did not intend to spend the $200,000 required to upgrade the 55-bed facility as he planned to demolish it and to construct the office block.

According to the plans drawn up by architects Linberg and Simmons the proposed 123,220 square-foot complex would include a 180-seat auditorium, a large, street level courtyard accessible to the public, verandas off each level and an extensive lobby with a bar.

While retail space is proposed for the ground floor level, office space will comprise the bulk of the upper floors and each will have veranda space overlooking the harbour.

There would also be a parking area to house 45 cars.

The application for Planning approval in principle was submitted on May 8.

Attempts to contact Mr. Powell for comment last night were unsuccessful.