[Moncton] Downtown Developments

[MonctonGoldenTri]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

That's the plan!

I am actually optimistic. The Avenir Centre was absolutely necessary for rejuvenation of the core. We are already seeing it's effects on the downtown west end. Ashford/Downing hopefully will have a similar effect on the downtown east end. With further infill, we will see both ends of downtown uniting together into a functional and complete whole.

Has anyone done the math on how many new residents will be living in the downtown core with the recent/new builds? Assuming each apartment/condo average 1.75 residents

-Three sisters approx. 800 residents
-St Bernard approx. 350 residents
-Tomato building Approx ?? residents
-Icon Building Approx 700+?? residents
-Lots of 6 story buildings (2x sobeys, 3x weldon, highfield intersection) I"m guessing 70 apartments x 6 x 1.75. Another 700+ residents

I'm guessing there will be somewhere between 3,000-4,000 new residents DT, then add the two brothers and rumored 50 story building that could easily add another 1500+. That's easily 5000+ excluding any existing residents.

Once the dust settles in 5-7 years, DT Moncton will have that "Halifax" big city feeling. You'll see people walking/commuting all over DT, night or day.

[new kid in town]

They can also lock the washrooms. Either you need a physical key or a code that must come from the staff. Some even preprint the washroom codes in their receipt to ensure only paying patrons can use them. Toronto, LA, NY and Boston have stores that do this.

[MonctonRad]

Our friends at Infinity Aerials have snapped this picture showing first floor completion of the Tomato Building at Main & Vaughan Harvey:



As I noted in an earlier post, seeing the first floor footprint of this building helps one to conceptualize the impact this building will have on this intersection, even at only six floors.

[Mattyyy]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

Our friends at Infinity Aerials have snapped this picture showing first floor completion of the Tomato Building at Main & Vaughan Harvey:



As I noted in an earlier post, seeing the first floor footprint of this building helps one to conceptualize the impact this building will have on this intersection, even at only six floors.

Thanks for sharing. Excellent addition to this part of the downtown. Look forward to seeing the finished product!

[jnaygull]

I'll be disappointed if the logo placed on the side of the building doesn't have a shade of a tomato in it somehow.

In all seriousness, and now that I have seen the size, that place has a great footprint and I think at 6 stories might just fit a little better on that corner than if it were 10+ stories.

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by jnaygull

I'll be disappointed if the logo placed on the side of the building doesn't have a shade of a tomato in it somehow.

I'm hoping that a green grocer moves into a ground level CRU and mounts signage prominently displaying a tomato.

[andreaudet]

Originally Posted by Nashe

Updated graphic with colour coding. Have added the "original" Downing proposal (not the 50 storey one).
Also added Tannery 1, 2, "Tomato Building" and Highfield & Gordon, just for kicks.

What is the development located between the courthouse and the Blue Cross Building?

[jnaygull]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

I'm hoping that a green grocer moves into a ground level CRU and mounts signage prominently displaying a tomato.

It's too bad Tomavo wasn't still around....

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by andreaudet

What is the development located between the courthouse and the Blue Cross Building?

That is the Ashford/Downing project. We actually have no official information on this, but, it is a definite thing, and a joint public/private project between the City of Moncton and Ashford Developments. Ashford owns the whole Assumption city block (quite literally), and, the plans encompass the whole block. We know a signature tower is planned, as well as a relocated city market and a convention centre, as well as a large parking structure, but, other buildings will come later to flesh out development of the entire block.

We do not know the height of the signature tower, but, there are rumours of a competition out there between developers in the city for the tallest building. We always assumed a building between 15-20 storeys, which is what Nashe included in his rendering. Since ICON is now planning 30 storeys, there are wild rumours that Ashford may go as high as 50 storeys, but that seems incredible. I could see 32-35 storeys to claim the championship title, but, only time will tell.........

Welcome to the forums BTW. I admire your photography. Feel free to contribute anytime.

[jonny golden]

I'm wondering if we'll hear anything soon from the developers of the Junction Urban Village. As the market has changed, so have their plans since their original proposal. What are they working on behind the scenes, and will they get in on the "build higher" trend?

[new kid in town]

Originally Posted by jonny golden

I'm wondering if we'll hear anything soon from the developers of the Junction Urban Village. As the market has changed, so have their plans since their original proposal. What are they working on behind the scenes, and will they get in on the "build higher" trend?

I hope they have something at least 10 floors.

On another note, I live near Ensemble, and the amount of emergency services and sirens have dropped significantly since they installed the fence and hired security overnight.

There is definitely something that can be done downtown. Of course not to say this is the only solution, we need better social work services too, among other things.

[MonctonRad]

A couple of conceptual drawings of The Bunker golf simulator and bar currently under construction in the former bus station next to Baton Rouge (also under construction).





I think this place will exceed all expectations, especially in the summer time with the outdoor patio, and will make a powerful 1-2 punch in the burgeoning entertainment district in the downtown west end around the Avenir Centre.

[jonny golden]

Originally Posted by new kid in town

I hope they have something at least 10 floors.

On another note, I live near Ensemble, and the amount of emergency services and sirens have dropped significantly since they installed the fence and hired security overnight.

There is definitely something that can be done downtown. Of course not to say this is the only solution, we need better social work services too, among other things.

10 floors was the original proposal for the tomato building just across Main Street. Had the developer had the courage to stick to that plan, I have no doubt that the Junction developers would have at least matched that and maybe even have gone a bit higher.

I just hope they break away from the 6 floor pattern that's been built in this area. Main & VH is a downtown gateway corner and should include a statement building leading into the city center.

[BeeTeeOH]

Pilings have been driven into the ground at the ICON site. Not sure what this means at this point. But it's certainly some progress!

[MonctonRad]

A replacement tenant has been found for the former barbershop space in the Flatiron Building next to the CNR overpass on Main Street.



Wolastoq Wellness will be yet another cannabis shop. I'm not sure how I feel about this. There is now a cluster of cannabis merchants on Main Street. I was hoping for better, but, I suppose this beats an empty storefront.

[drewber]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

A replacement tenant has been found for the former barbershop space in the Flatiron Building next to the CNR overpass on Main Street.



Wolastoq Wellness will be yet another cannabis shop. I'm not sure how I feel about this. There is now a cluster of cannabis merchants on Main Street. I was hoping for better, but, I suppose this beats an empty storefront.

L'inuk is always busy when I've been in there. A lot of people want better selection and higher MG than what cannabis NB has to offer so these grey area shops are filling a need at least

[MonctonRad]

A couple of downtown notes:

1) - After a short test run, the Tim Horton's at Moncton city hall has closed permanently. Apparently with the persistence of work-from-home post COVID, there is just not enough customer traffic to make a good business case to keep the location open.

2) - A new vintage clothing store called Coffee & Clothes is set to open at 331 St. George (next to Comic Hunter) on February 15th. The business will have a small coffee bar for patons while they are browsing, hence the name.

[sailor734]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

Hotel is Canvas, part of the Tapestry brand of Hilton hotels.

The onsite restaurant is Gahan House , which does room service to both hotel guests and condo residents. There is also a rooftop bar as well (Palette Cocktail Bar).

Yes, the condo residents can organize cleaning services through the hotel as well (for a price).

The hotel has been operational for about the last three years.

I see a penthouse unit is featured in the salon section of the TJ this week....... 1600sq ft for 940K . Seems like a lot until you realize a similar unit in Vancouver would be 2.5+ . I guess it's all relative.

MLS listing here

https://www.realtor.ca/real-estate/26431891/55-queen-st-unit808-moncton

[MonctonRad]

It is a lot.

You could buy an executive mansion in the city for that kind of money, and not be concerned with condo fees.

No wonder they are a tough sell.........

[lirette]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

It is a lot.

You could buy an executive mansion in the city for that kind of money, and not be concerned with condo fees.

No wonder they are a tough sell.........

For less money you could buy the 100+ year old home on 93 Victoria ST linked below this one, over double the square footage, beautiful restoration and super modern inside. Over double the square footage and still located downtown. Of course this comes with way more maintenance and other headaches.

To me one of the biggest appeals of condos is that ability to shut the door behind you, go on a long trip and not have a single worry, in addition from a security perspective there isn't much to worry about with theft or property damage. I think the challenge with these though is there are rental apartments which are maybe just as nice and offer far more flexibility than a condo. For half the price of the monthly mortgage payment id sooner rent a 2 bedroom apartment at three sisters. 55 Queen is great in the winter though with a high end liqour store, cafe, rooftop bar plus a pub. If I had all the money in the world I'd consider it.