[Saint John] Uptown Thread

[sailor734]

Not sure I'd include 201 (former Ideal department store) in that demolition. It's a large 4 story brick building from post great fire that looks (other than the sketchy storefront façade) to be in good condition. Others on here have indicated the upper floors have recently renovated apartments.


Some interesting history about Union St here.

https://www.communitystories.ca/v2/open-for-business_en-affaires/story/union-street/

[sailor734]

Kind of puts uptown Saint John parking issues in perspective.......

https://bc.ctvnews.ca/a-parking-spot-in-whistler-b-c-is-on-the-market-for-110k-1.7164372

[darkharbour]

Originally Posted by sailor734

Kind of puts uptown Saint John parking issues in perspective.......

https://bc.ctvnews.ca/a-parking-spot-in-whistler-b-c-is-on-the-market-for-110k-1.7164372

Definitely good perspective. We certainly don't have parking issues in SJ - every time I am Uptown with my car instead of walking/biking I can usually park within two blocks of where I'm going, if not directly in front of it.

[Taeolas]

Originally Posted by darkharbour

Definitely good perspective. We certainly don't have parking issues in SJ - every time I am Uptown with my car instead of walking/biking I can usually park within two blocks of where I'm going, if not directly in front of it.

Sadly, NBers in general (perhaps Maritimers in general) have a very skewed idea about parking. Basically if you can't park at the entrance of the business you are visiting, they will say there is "No Parking!" and complain bitterly. Even when there is usually plenty of parking available within a block or two of the location.

When that is compared to the parking situation in any moderately sized city like Guelph, Whistler, Saskatoon, etc...., let alone bigger cities like KW, London, QC, Winnipeg and it seems very 'quaint' (to be polite).

[sailor734]

I'm of a certain age and grew up in a different era but having to walk several blocks to get to a store would certainly make me less likely to shop there if I had an alternative.

I know I patronize the City Market less after they did away with the 6-7 short term spots on North Market. Used to often run in to grab produce, meat, fish or a quick lunch. Now, if there isn't a spot in the city lot on Charlotte where the drug store used to be or on Germain between King and Union I'll often pass.

[gtsoc]

Originally Posted by adamuptownsj

The Max seems to have power currently. Doesn't look like it's going anywhere. An elegant solution would be the Max relocating across the street to where Union Station is now (the building is for sale) and demolishing the current site.

The Max was open again last night with the usual clientele hanging around out front.

[sailor734]

Originally Posted by gtsoc

The Max was open again last night with the usual clientele hanging around out front.

Lovely.

As long as places like that and Union Station (which also looks pretty sketchy) are there along with the foot traffic spilling over from close by Waterloo Village I don't expect that block of Union to improve much.

[bingun]

This is the current state now that the demo is almost done.

As someone else said, the Max was open, but I am unsure what mess those orange tarps are covering.

[sailor734]

Originally Posted by bingun

This is the current state now that the demo is almost done.

As someone else said, the Max was open, but I am unsure what mess those orange tarps are covering.

They are probably the new roof.

[bingun]

Tommy's Superette on Germain Street is closing on January 25th.

Source - https://tommyssuperette.square.site/

[sailor734]

I'd vaguely heard of this place but didn't realize quite what or where it was. What a neat/eclectic store. Sad to see it go.
I certainly remember the butcher shop in Ricky's Plaza in the north end.

[adamuptownsj]

Anyone know what the small structure going up at 86-88 Waterloo is?

[cdnguys]

Originally Posted by adamuptownsj

Anyone know what the small structure going up at 86-88 Waterloo is?

I heard Avenue B Harm Reduction - take with a grain of salt b/c not verified.

[adamuptownsj]

Originally Posted by cdnguys

I heard Avenue B Harm Reduction - take with a grain of salt b/c not verified.

If true, who is paying for these orgs to build new instead of lease? And, sure sucks for Steepleview. It's like the city wants to nuke Waterloo Village.

[sailor734]

Originally Posted by adamuptownsj

If true, who is paying for these orgs to build new instead of lease? And, sure sucks for Steepleview. It's like the city wants to nuke Waterloo Village.

Agree it would be doing no favour to any development but if true is it the city, the province or the feds providing funding?

[adamuptownsj]

Originally Posted by adamuptownsj

Anyone know what the small structure going up at 86-88 Waterloo is?

Apparently this is NOT a drug facility; it is either subsidized or supportive housing. Four units.

[adamuptownsj]

Originally Posted by KnoxfordGuy

Looks like that Charlotte Street development fell through. Plot is for sale again.

Sold sign up. Nothing in PAOL yet.

[darkharbour]

I'm glad it seems to have sold quickly, I was worried that it wouldn't attract a new buyer very quickly.

[bingun]

I noticed a 'fully leased' sign go up today in the pedway system in city hall. Except for the travel nurse company, this is probably the first unit to get leased since the renovations?

The Bookstore Cafe in Market Square looks to be on its way, too. With a few other stores in there now, it is filling up, although I am doubtful many will last.

[bingun]

The New Brunswick Museum store inside Brunswick Square is now closed.