[Moncton] Downtown Developments

[josh_cat_eyes]

My uncle recently sold his restaurant in Summerside, PEI and part of the agreement was that he remain on staff as a manager/consultant. Basically he wanted to show them how he ran the business. It was a long standing restaurant being around since the 70’s so he likely wanted to protect its reputation similar to the Hynes family.

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by josh_cat_eyes

My uncle recently sold his restaurant in Summerside, PEI and part of the agreement was that he remain on staff as a manager/consultant. Basically he wanted to show them how he ran the business. It was a long standing restaurant being around since the 70’s so he likely wanted to protect its reputation similar to the Hynes family.

Indeed, and I have heard that the current owner plans to stay on in an advisory capacity for one year, much as your uncle did.

[MonctonRad]

The Tim Horton's at Moncton City Hall has reopened!!!

It has been closed since the start of the pandemic.

I noticed this as I walked past this morning on the way to an appointment. I expressed my surprise to the clerk, and she said that this was a trial run after over three years of closure to see if the business was there for a permanent reopening.

She said it didn't look too promising so far, but, did they advertise they were reopening? I'm sure a lot of city hall and Moncton Place office employees aren't even aware yet.

So, if anyone is in the neighbourhood, and wants a cup of Joe, think about dropping by and throwing a bit of business their way. Otherwise, this kiosk might close for good.

[jonny golden]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

The Tim Horton's at Moncton City Hall has reopened!!!

It has been closed since the start of the pandemic.

I noticed this as I walked past this morning on the way to an appointment. I expressed my surprise to the clerk, and she said that this was a trial run after over three years of closure to see if the business was there for a permanent reopening.

She said it didn't look too promising so far, but, did they advertise they were reopening? I'm sure a lot of city hall and Moncton Place office employees aren't even aware yet.

So, if anyone is in the neighbourhood, and wants a cup of Joe, think about dropping by and throwing a bit of business their way. Otherwise, this kiosk might close for good.

Word will get around fast!

[Taeolas]

How long has it been reopened? This time of year, government stuff is generally wrapping up and winding down, so foot traffic to City Hall is likely going to be low anyways if it's only been open for a week or two.

The real test will be in the new year, when traffic and projects pick up steam (and especially as tax season starts looming).

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by Taeolas

How long has it been reopened? This time of year, government stuff is generally wrapping up and winding down, so foot traffic to City Hall is likely going to be low anyways if it's only been open for a week or two.

The real test will be in the new year, when traffic and projects pick up steam (and especially as tax season starts looming).

I was actually in there just a couple of days ago to visit my financial advisor, and it was closed then (hence my surprise as seeing it suddenly open today).

I would imagine they would have to give it a trial run of at least a couple of months to be fair. People will have grown accustomed to it's absence. And, you're right, this time of year is lousy for an honest trial run.

[Nashe]

It's been open for two weeks, I believe. They are cash only at the moment, as they are waiting on a few upgrades as the location was cannibalized a bit for other stores during COVID. Customer count is down quite a bit due to a lot of the BMO building being still WFH and the pedway to Blue Cross isn't open (not sure of the issue there...).

It was kind of a soft open, but it's tough for City Hall to keep it up by themselves... (and I'm trying!)

[MonctonRad]

Bayside Barbers in the flatiron Building next to the subway on Main Street is closing.

I must admit, I am not surprised by this. This patch of Main Street is a bit of a dead zone, and, without a comprehensive plan to redevelop or resurrect the adjacent Subway Block, it will be a bit of a tough go for any business thinking of relocating here.

I'm not being a negative Nelly however. I think a comprehensive plan for both the Flatiron Building and the Subway Block could produce very satisfactory results. In fact, this is an important linchpin between the downtown east and west ends.

[ChampduLarge]

I am sad to hear that Bayside closed. I went into that building as part of Moncton's Doors Open in October, and it was nice to see it being actively used. I hope they are able to find another tenant.

[lirette]

I'm sure the location has a factor on Bayside, but I also think the Barber market is way oversaturated in Moncton right now and something had to give. Felt like we had 5/6 new shops open up in the last year.

[adamuptownsj]

70 King Street has been listed at the January tax sale, prominent location. https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/finance/taxes/tax_sale/properties.html

[jonny golden]

I was just looking at the Cushman & Wakefield website, and thinking about the Rogers building listed for lease.
I'm thinking that eventually they'll be developing this land with a more substantial building(s). When you take into consideration the huge surface parking lot, there's a large footprint for the developer to work with. (Larger than the three sisters site!)
It's probably at least a couple of years down the road, but hopefully some day we'll see this building gone and replaced with Lafford-like project.
Meanwhile, good luck trying to lease a 35,000 sq. feet call center building. Especially in this market.

[MonctonRad]

I believe this land is owned by an Ashford subsidiary. They will develop the Downing Street property before touching this one. If I were to guess, you are looking at 8-10 years out. In the meantime, they have it on the market just to try and generate some coin. I agree with you, this will be tough to lease.

[jonny golden]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

I believe this land is owned by an Ashford subsidiary. They will develop the Downing Street property before touching this one. If I were to guess, you are looking at 8-10 years out. In the meantime, they have it on the market just to try and generate some coin. I agree with you, this will be tough to lease.

Yeah this isn't going to be their first project south of Main Street, so it'll be a while. By the time they get around to it, maybe they'll do 30 floors. (Especially if there's a couple of other 30's in town.)

Again, I drool over the possibilities given the huge footprint.

If they can't lease the building, maybe they'd consider a demolition job like they did with the jail. At least the property taxes would be lower.

[Riberview]

I can't remember if I read it here or not.. the Denis office supplies building and 2 parking lots immediately south all sold October 2023 for 2.4mil.

[jonny golden]

Originally Posted by Riberview

I can't remember if I read it here or not.. the Denis office supplies building and 2 parking lots immediately south all sold October 2023 for 2.4mil.

Yes, and I wouldn't think that a developer would spend that kind of money unless they had something substantial planned to make a return on their investment.

[josh_cat_eyes]

Originally Posted by Riberview

I can't remember if I read it here or not.. the Denis office supplies building and 2 parking lots immediately south all sold October 2023 for 2.4mil.

That’s interesting because the bigger parking lot south of this building was owned by Ashford. That means that Ashford is not the developer who bought this building and thus, means we potentially have a new player in downtown.

EDIT
I just checked this out and it turns out the small parking lot south of the building is two separate lots and that’s the lots that sold. The Tetris shaped ashford parking lot has not sold.

[Monctoncore]

There is so much empty land downtown owned by different developers, Ashford owning a lot of them between Downing and Lutz. It would be nice to start seeing what may be planned. A teaser to get everyone excited.

[MonctonRad]

Signage for The Bunker golf simulator bar on Main Street in the old bus terminal has gone up:



Thanks to Jeff Boucher for sending me the photo.

[Monctoncore]

Is the foot print of the new Baton Rouge, just that small 2 story spot in the photos posted in retail talk and share? Seems awfully small for a restaurant. It seems small in the photos atleast.