Secret non-profit wants to buy Auchmar Estate

A secret non-profit organization is interested in buying Hamilton’s historic Auchmar Estate, but councillors have turned down the idea of private negotiations in favour of a public call for offers.

Councillors on the general issues committee narrowly turned down the idea of a special negotiation, despite city manager Chris Murray arguing the nonprofit’s offer is significant and unique enough to hold off on the planned request for proposals for the historic mansion.

The non-profit has enough money to buy, renovate and maintain the building, and is “national, if not international,” said Coun. Terry Whitehead of Ward 8.