The tallest one on our radar is a rumored 23 story tower which will be announced in late February-early March. The tallest we've ever seen built downtown is 13 stories so this will be a massive project, the biggest and tallest building in our history, if it comes to fruition.
The sad reality is that in St. John's there is major NIMBYism- a vocal minority that has stalled destroyed any possible development here for 25 years. It was a huge struggle to even get a 6 story hotel approved a few months ago. 23 stories is a massive project, but according to an inside source, the to-be-proposed building is beautiful. It will all have to do with the public opinion. If the public feels it's time we build up and grow, it will get built but historically developments are squashed before they even get off the ground here. (ex: two years ago a 15 story proposal was withdrawn by a company because of public outcry)
One good thing about a huge proposal in St. john's is that it creates a perfect time for other companies to submit their proposals. With one major project in the public eye, other "smaller" proposals often get pushed through and approved without much friction.
Realistically, I cannot see this 23 story tower being accepted in st. john's. I would love to believe otherwise but historically, it just won't happen.
It's election year in St. John's and the public opinion is everything. We have the choice to finally elect a pro-development council, or live in the past with the council we currently have. With 2-3 rumoured "mega-projects" by St. john's standards, this year is certainly going to be exciting so stay tuned for more updated information and pray that they get approved
