[Moncton] Downtown Developments

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by NBNYer

Yes, just like ''dangerous'' Crescent street with all it's 2nd storey patios. Wouldn't want this in Moncton.

Too bad, I always thought 2nd storey patios would be great for downtown. They liven up the streetscape while not inhibiting foot traffic. Lost oppertunity I feel.

On the bright side, glad to see that construction may be starting soon. I wonder what restaurants are being considered? Baton Rouge maybe?

Baton Rouge would be fantastic. Good location too, right across from the Capitol Theatre.

Agree about the patio comments, but we're living in a nanny state now controlled by lawyers, insurance actuaries and risk assessment officers - "yes, but you could have reasonably foreseen that......."

[lirette]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

Baton Rouge would be fantastic. Good location too, right across from the Capitol Theatre.

Agree about the patio comments, but we're living in a nanny state now controlled by lawyers, insurance actuaries and risk assessment officers - "yes, but you could have reasonably foreseen that......."

Jack Astors could be another potential option.

[MtnRez]

Fathers Mustache on Spring Garden RD in Halifax has a balcony and right on the road.

This new restaurant could have a balcony on the back or a top roof where you can sit out. Anything outdoor seating would be nice and will attract people downtown.

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by pierremoncton

New restaurant to be constructed in vacant Main Street space
https://www.telegraphjournal.com/times-transcript/story/46225923/new-restaurant-to-be




Source: T&T

The developer wanted a patio on the second storey, which was rejected due to "safety issues", on the grounds that "people could throw things onto Main St and cause a safety hazard". Can people not throw things onto any street at any time from the sidewalk, or from the windows of their moving cars? IMO, an open-air second-storey would've made the building and whatever restaurant ends up there much more appealing. Lost opportunity to liven up Main St.

The developer also had to contend with the heritage board, though those wavy wood panels look anything but traditional.

According to the paper today, construction is imminent with completion expected this fall.

I doubt they would be proceeding so quickly without a strong suspicion of occupancy. They must either have a confirmed national restaurant chain as a tenant, or there are very serious negotiations ongoing with several contenders with a near certain guarantee that the winner will sign on the bottom line.

I personally would hope for Baton Rouge or Milestones (or Jack Astor's).

[BlackYear]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

I personally would hope for Baton Rouge or Milestones (or Jack Astor's).

Any one of these would fit very well in this location.

[MonctonRad]

The MH35 proposal for the old MHS building is coming before city council for a vote on Monday. It will be very interesting to see what they decide........

[Scarface]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

According to the paper today, construction is imminent with completion expected this fall.

I doubt they would be proceeding so quickly without a strong suspicion of occupancy. They must either have a confirmed national restaurant chain as a tenant, or there are very serious negotiations ongoing with several contenders with a near certain guarantee that the winner will sign on the bottom line.

I personally would hope for Baton Rouge or Milestones (or Jack Astor's).

I had heard from some friends that Milestones had tried to enter the Moncton market before but all locations they looked at din't work out for one reason, or another, and that there would be a second attempt to get a Milestones into the city. Not 100% on it but I'm putting my bet on Milestones being the new tenant.


Also as for MH35 I'm personally on the fence with the project Probably because of the attempt to move the library into it after all the money that has gone into renovating there current location. Also might have to do with the building being deemed unsafe health wise to be used as a school.

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by Scarface

I had heard from some friends that Milestones had tried to enter the Moncton market before but all locations they looked at din't work out for one reason, or another, and that there would be a second attempt to get a Milestones into the city. Not 100% on it but I'm putting my bet on Milestones being the new tenant.

You're not wrong. Milestone's has been interested in Moncton for some time.

http://www.carafranchising.com/milestones/home.html

The two cities they are targeting for expansion are Moncton and Winnipeg.......

[Monctoncore]

Interestingly enough.. The milestones building design is quiet similar to this render, the wood, the grey brick etc. So maybe, just maybe we have figured it out.

[MonctonRad]

Moncton High School Redevelopment - Opinion:

Well, we now know what the mysterious "third option" is for the proposed MHS redevelopment:

The proposal comes from developers Nicole & Andreas Holmes, a couple of ex-pat Aussies currently living in Saint John. Their proposal is for a combined community/retail/office space. Reading the article about this in the T&T today, they seem to want to do as little as possible to renovate the building and their plan seems very nebulous and poorly formed. In particular, there is no business plan, no drawings, no renderings and no proposed tenants. In other words, this is a fly-by-night proposition similar to several of the earlier attempt to save Castle Manor. This proposal has come to light at the last minute and I think should be treated with very little (or no) consideration. This "third option" really only complicates things unnecessarily..............

Meanwhile, the U-Haul proposal, although sincere, does little to engage the surrounding neighbourhood and I think does not do justice to the history of Moncton High School.

Therefore the only proposal worth considering is the MH35 one. The backers of this proposal are community leaders who definitely want to preserve the legacy of Moncton High School.

The fly in the ointment is the inclusion of the Moncton Public Library as part of the project. This is controversial. The existing library space at the Blue Cross Centre is very nice and is potentially a cornerstone of the Downing Street redevelopment project. Without the library, will Downing Street reach it's full potential?

On the other hand, if I read Chris Collins comments correctly, a relocated library at MH35 would be 12,000 sq ft larger, and would include a large atrium facing on the internal courtyard of the old school allowing for a lot of natural light in the library space. The extra space in the library could be used for new programming, or for an integrated cafe or coffee shop (like in the new Halifax Regional Library). This expanded space is important new information I was not aware of.

According to one of the letters to the editor in the paper today, Blue Cross is looking to expand, and apparently is being courted by Dieppe for this expansion. Moncton can ill afford to lose out on this expansion project. If the library moved, it would appear that the space in the Blue Cross Centre might not remain vacant and could be gobbled up by Blue Cross itself........

Given all this information, I think I have been convinced to support the relocation of the public library to MH35. The combination of the library and the Atlantic Ballet Theatre gives MH35 the critical mass and the funding necessary to carry on with the renovation project, and would allow for the preservation of critical elements of the old building such as the auditorium (as a performance space) and the gymnasium (as a rehearsal space).

With solid anchors such as these, it should be feasible to attract other cultural enterprises and possibly coffee shops or restaurants (especially facing on the internal courtyard). The previously discussed possible Contemporary Art Gallery for the city could also find a home here. This seems like the way to go as far as I'm concerned...........

The city council meeting on Monday night should be very interesting indeed. This meeting will be every bit as important as the meeting last year to approve the events centre. The future of the city awaits.........

[Scarface]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

Moncton High School Redevelopment - Opinion:

Well, we now know what the mysterious "third option" is for the proposed MHS redevelopment:

The proposal comes from developers Nicole & Andreas Holmes, a couple of ex-pat Aussies currently living in Saint John. Their proposal is for a combined community/retail/office space. Reading the article about this in the T&T today, they seem to want to do as little as possible to renovate the building and their plan seems very nebulous and poorly formed. In particular, there is no business plan, no drawings, no renderings and no proposed tenants. In other words, this is a fly-by-night proposition similar to several of the earlier attempt to save Castle Manor. This proposal has come to light at the last minute and I think should be treated with very little (or no) consideration. This "third option" really only complicates things unnecessarily..............

Meanwhile, the U-Haul proposal, although sincere, does little to engage the surrounding neighbourhood and I think does not do justice to the history of Moncton High School.

Therefore the only proposal worth considering is the MH35 one. The backers of this proposal are community leaders who definitely want to preserve the legacy of Moncton High School.

The fly in the ointment is the inclusion of the Moncton Public Library as part of the project. This is controversial. The existing library space at the Blue Cross Centre is very nice and is potentially a cornerstone of the Downing Street redevelopment project. Without the library, will Downing Street reach it's full potential?

On the other hand, if I read Chris Collins comments correctly, a relocated library at MH35 would be 12,000 sq ft larger, and would include a large atrium facing on the internal courtyard of the old school allowing for a lot of natural light in the library space. The extra space in the library could be used for new programming, or for an integrated cafe or coffee shop (like in the new Halifax Regional Library). This expanded space is important new information I was not aware of.

According to one of the letters to the editor in the paper today, Blue Cross is looking to expand, and apparently is being courted by Dieppe for this expansion. Moncton can ill afford to lose out on this expansion project. If the library moved, it would appear that the space in the Blue Cross Centre might not remain vacant and could be gobbled up by Blue Cross itself........

Given all this information, I think I have been convinced to support the relocation of the public library to MH35. The combination of the library and the Atlantic Ballet Theatre gives MH35 the critical mass and the funding necessary to carry on with the renovation project, and would allow for the preservation of critical elements of the old building such as the auditorium (as a performance space) and the gymnasium (as a rehearsal space).

With solid anchors such as these, it should be feasible to attract other cultural enterprises and possibly coffee shops or restaurants (especially facing on the internal courtyard). The previously discussed possible Contemporary Art Gallery for the city could also find a home here. This seems like the way to go as far as I'm concerned...........

The city council meeting on Monday night should be very interesting indeed. This meeting will be every bit as important as the meeting last year to approve the events centre. The future of the city awaits.........

With the new info added to this it seems like a more Viable option. One of my complaints was actually how to get there for those of the user who don't drive but 3 buses (64,64B,66) Pass right in front. There is currently no visible stop on either side of both of the roads near there but I wonder if they would place stops in front of Zio's, and Just across the street. Then it would make for easier access for people who ride to the library on the bus.

[MonctonRad]

Correction:

I guess tonight's vote before council is just a vote to support MH35 (over the competitors), not a vote to actually move the public library. There is a subtle political difference here.

The library issue is being punted down the road.......

[josh_cat_eyes]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

Correction:

I guess tonight's vote before council is just a vote to support MH35 (over the competitors), not a vote to actually move the public library. There is a subtle political difference here.

The library issue is being punted down the road.......

I just don't want to see them enclose the historic entrance!!

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by josh_cat_eyes

I just don't want to see them enclose the historic entrance!!

I know what you mean, but I think the idea is to have an enclosed lobby outside the auditorium for patrons to gather before performances and during intermissions. It's probably necessary to their proposal.

[MonctonRad]

Moncton city council has voted to support MH35's proposal to repurpose Moncton High School (provided a business plan is made available).

This does not necessarily mean that the council endorses relocating the city public library. That is still to be determined.

Apparently MH35 plans a public presentation of it's proposal sometime in April.........

[josh_cat_eyes]

I noticed they were doing demolition at the old jail today. Anyone know what's going on?

[HanSoloCup]

I've heard as many as 5 Hotels are to be built in and around the City, one of which is to be a Hilton or a brand of Hilton on the vacant lot across from the Sobeys on Vaughn Harvey. I've also heard that the Crowne Plaza on Main Street was to be replaced, ie., torn down and a new hotel built in it's place, lots of rumours flying around, it's a fun time.

[Mattyyy]

Originally Posted by HanSoloCup

I've heard as many as 5 Hotels are to be built in and around the City, one of which is to be a Hilton or a brand of Hilton on the vacant lot across from the Sobeys on Vaughn Harvey. I've also heard that the Crowne Plaza on Main Street was to be replaced, ie., torn down and a new hotel built in it's place, lots of rumours flying around, it's a fun time.

Seems excessive but I hope you're right - and I hope some of them get started this summer. I did see some work trucks doing what I assumed to be soil samples across from Sobey's on VH last week, but closer to the railroad tracks. If there is a hotel development in that area I would assume it would be the signature building at the corner of Main & VH.

[Scarface]

Originally Posted by HanSoloCup

I've heard as many as 5 Hotels are to be built in and around the City, one of which is to be a Hilton or a brand of Hilton on the vacant lot across from the Sobeys on Vaughn Harvey. I've also heard that the Crowne Plaza on Main Street was to be replaced, ie., torn down and a new hotel built in it's place, lots of rumours flying around, it's a fun time.

Originally Posted by Mattyyy

Seems excessive but I hope you're right - and I hope some of them get started this summer. I did see some work trucks doing what I assumed to be soil samples across from Sobey's on VH last week, but closer to the railroad tracks. If there is a hotel development in that area I would assume it would be the signature building at the corner of Main & VH.

I've heard similar rumors about the (potentially 5) hotels being constructed in Moncton's Downtown area

About the crowne Plaza I've heard rumors of the entire building being refaced(at least the Commercial Units on Main Street), and the potential of renovations done Inside, and out to be able to attract new potentially longer lasting tenants. The longest tenants they have had if I'm not mistaken is Reeds News Stand, and White Cabs Dispatcher offices.

I do agree with you Mattyyy It seems a little excessive on Paper but the potential hotel owners must have some method to figure out if it's financial viable to do this or not.

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by HanSoloCup

I've heard as many as 5 Hotels are to be built in and around the City, one of which is to be a Hilton or a brand of Hilton on the vacant lot across from the Sobeys on Vaughn Harvey. I've also heard that the Crowne Plaza on Main Street was to be replaced, ie., torn down and a new hotel built in it's place, lots of rumours flying around, it's a fun time.

Five hotels to be built around the city seems pretty extreme, but it is possible. Let's do a little enumeration........

1) - Wingate Dieppe - downtown Dieppe, $9M, 80 rooms, construction to begin this year.



2) - Rumoured hotel for the SE corner of the Champlain Place parking lot, to replace the old Sears Auto building. This hotel is likely to be built soon. All the current tenants of the existing building are being evicted, so something is apparently up...........

3) - New hotel for the Junction Village development at the SW corner of Vaughan Harvey and Main Street. This rumour has been around for about a year, and now speculation is that it might be a Hilton branded hotel of some form. This is just down the street from the new events centre under construction.



4) - Refurbishment and or expansion of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. This is on the Aquillini Block, and speculation has been that the Aquillini's assembled this large parcel of land to develop because of it's location immediately across the street from the new events centre. I can definitely see something happening here in the next 3-5 years.

5) - there have been rumours floating about regarding a hotel development for this block, adjacent to the subway on Main Street:



This rumour is soft, but all of the store fronts on this block have been empty for the last couple of years, which is unusual as most of the rest of Main Street has been undergoing a bit of a revitalization recently, so something might be up.......

So, without going too far down the rabbit hole, there's five potential hotel developments in the metro area right there. The rumours therefore might not be too far off base........