[Saint John, NB] 99 King Street | 13 storeys | Under Construction

[sailor734]

Originally Posted by darkharbour

Well if the post above that included information from Stresscon is accurate about the pre-cast panel construction, I don't have a lot of optimism that the final product will be amazing when viewed up-close.

Yeah, and some of the things I've heard about "The Wentworth" having building quality issues gives me pause too.

[bingun]

Originally Posted by darkharbour

King Street shut off again today for concrete pouring. Certainly a positive for the development, but I would imagine this continues to irk the city as I don't recall seeing any advance notice about this one.

I think I did see a notice for this week but you have to look out for them.

They seem to be doing concrete once per week with the rest of the week doing prep and other work.

Originally Posted by sailor734

Yeah, and some of the things I've heard about "The Wentworth" having building quality issues gives me pause too.

It has been a while but a friend of mine was set to move in to a unit there and it experienced some kind of flooding. I think they accommodated him in another unit in the end but it sounded like a mess.

[sailor734]

Originally Posted by bingun

I think I did see a notice for this week but you have to look out for them.

They seem to be doing concrete once per week with the rest of the week doing prep and other work.



It has been a while but a friend of mine was set to move in to a unit there and it experienced some kind of flooding. I think they accommodated him in another unit in the end but it sounded like a mess.

I know someone living there who woke up in the middle of the night to water pouring out of all the ceiling light fixtures.

No first hand knowledge but I have been told they have (or perhaps had) significant issues with leaking windows and balcony doors in heavy rainstorms with high winds.

[Sabien]

It's hard to see in a still image (I received this as a video) but the red arrow is pointing to what looks like a geyser! Looks like a water main burst this morning.

[sailor734]

Can't help but draw comparisons between this project and Lafford's Three Sisters in Moncton. I think they were both approved at nearly the same time.

It's kind of sad when you think The Three Sisters (a project of three 15 floor buildings) went from proposal to nearing completion in almost exactly the same time that 99 King (a single 12 story building) has only managed to get a partial foundation completed.

I know it's not always universally true but it seems that all too often projects in SJ move at a glacial pace compared to other cities.

I mean, it's great to see construction actually started on King but there should be people living there by now.

[Pugsley]

Originally Posted by sailor734

Can't help but draw comparisons between this project and Lafford's Three Sisters in Moncton. I think they were both approved at nearly the same time.

To be fair, both the King Street and Fundy Quay projects are much more complicated builds. The project in Moncton didn't need to have a pier reinforced nor did it need to dig a hole at the corner of a very busy intersection with heritage structures adjacent. I agree, it could be moving faster but both of the Saint John projects are far more complex site-wise to construct on v. that of the sites in Moncton where they are basically flat build-ready land away from any nearby infrastructure.

[sailor734]

Originally Posted by Pugsley

To be fair, both the King Street and Fundy Quay projects are much more complicated builds. The project in Moncton didn't need to have a pier reinforced nor did it need to dig a hole at the corner of a very busy intersection with heritage structures adjacent. I agree, it could be moving faster but both of the Saint John projects are far more complex site-wise to construct on v. that of the sites in Moncton where they are basically flat build-ready land away from any nearby infrastructure.

Valid points but I still don't think it excuses 99 King being 4+ years into the project and not even having any structure above ground yet.

[DyAm00394]

"Traffic Advisory: Charlotte Street

The City of Saint John is announcing a traffic lane reduction starting Tuesday, April 29 on Charlotte Street in front of 99 King Street to accommodate the large development at this location.

Street: Charlotte Street

Specific Area: In front of 99 King Street

Date: April 29, 2025

Duration: Approximately 12 months*

*Timelines on construction projects of this size could change. The City will notify the community if it’s expected to.

Details: Charlotte Street will be reduced to one lane in front of 99 King Street to facilitate the ongoing development of the property.

This lane reduction will not impact Saint John Transit routes, which will continue to operate without disruption.

Road signage will be prominently displayed to guide motorists, and we encourage everyone to drive carefully, taking special care around pedestrians and workers.

Reminder: Local businesses in the area will remain open throughout this period, and we encourage residents to continue supporting them. Your support is invaluable to the local economy, and these businesses greatly appreciate your patronage".

https://saintjohn.ca/en/news-and-notices/traffic-advisory-charlotte-street-3

[bingun]

Looks like the crane will be moved again soon.

https://saintjohn.ca/en/news-and-notices/traffic-advisory-king-street-9

Description of work: Investigation work for a new crane placement to support new development at 99 King Street.

[bingun]

This was mentioned in last night's council meeting.

https://pub-saintjohn.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=21829

As a condition of financing the project at 99 King Street, the Developer has requested that the City sign a consent to allow the three grant agreements between the City to the Developer to be assigned to CMHC in the event of default. All terms and conditions of the grant agreements will remain the same.

COUNCIL RESOLUTION

That the City consent to the assignment of its grant agreements with 99 King Street G.P. Inc. dated November 18, 2024, April 16, 2025, and April 17, 2025, from 99 King Street G.P. Inc. to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation and that the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute any documents necessary to effect the said consent.

[Joe]

Speaking to an onsite person today, the crane was moved to the market side of the street, it's in the process of being reassembled. In a couple of weeks they hope to have a larger crane, capable of reaching all parts of the site. He said it will be located on the King St side by the foundation around the midpoint of the the site, also said the hollow core floor panels are scheduled for install around July 1 unless the concrete work before hand isn't completed.

[bingun]

Originally Posted by Joe

Speaking to an onsite person today, the crane was moved to the market side of the street, it's in the process of being reassembled. In a couple of weeks they hope to have a larger crane, capable of reaching all parts of the site. He said it will be located on the King St side by the foundation around the midpoint of the the site, also said the hollow core floor panels are scheduled for install around July 1 unless the concrete work before hand isn't completed.

I noticed the crane had moved again this week, too. Thanks for the information from someone in the know. I was hoping they would start to get above grade soon; hopefully, that aligns with the larger crane. It will feel a lot more real once it starts going upwards.

[DyAm00394]

I've noticed that a "Phase 2 - Structural" permit was registered on the building permit database back on May 5th. So, this summer makes sense.

[DyAm00394]

Traffic Advisory: Charlotte Street

"The City of Saint John would like to advise the public of the following traffic interruption that will begin on Thursday, May 22 on Charlotte Street.

This closure and detour are necessary for the development of 99 King Street.

Traffic detours will be in place for motorists, and sidewalks will remain available for pedestrians.

Businesses will remain open while the work is being completed.

Street: Charlotte Street

Specific area: Between Union Street and King Street

Date: May 22, 2025

Duration: Four (4) weeks

Time: 24 hours a day

Direction: In both directions

Action: Closed to through traffic. Access to properties and businesses inside the closed section will be maintained.

Description of work: Concrete trucks and crane will be operating in the area to support new development at 99 King Street.

King Street will remain open to through traffic.

Road signage and sidewalk directional signage will be in place. Motorists are asked to drive with caution and be aware of pedestrians and workers".

https://saintjohn.ca/en/news-and-notices/traffic-advisory-charlotte-street-4

[bridgeoftea]

Originally Posted by bingun

I noticed the crane had moved again this week, too. Thanks for the information from someone in the know. I was hoping they would start to get above grade soon; hopefully, that aligns with the larger crane. It will feel a lot more real once it starts going upwards.

Will be quite exciting to see the structure get the first few floors above ground.
Especially when you think the previous building has sat empty or been a big hole in the ground for the last 12 years.

It will be great to see it hit 3 stories up which would be higher than the previous Woolworths building.

[darkharbour]

Originally Posted by bridgeoftea

Will be quite exciting to see the structure get the first few floors above ground.
Especially when you think the previous building has sat empty or been a big hole in the ground for the last 12 years.

It will be great to see it hit 3 stories up which would be higher than the previous Woolworths building.

If the hollow core floor panels and other precast products are used as expected, we could see a pretty rapid height increase once the foundation is done. That's exciting for getting the structure up, but does make me nervous about what the final product will look like.

[dhottawa729]

What’s going on with this project and why so slow? Not that I want to watch paint dry, but is there a webcam for this project or a nearby City camera to track progress?

[darkharbour]

Originally Posted by dhottawa729

What’s going on with this project and why so slow? Not that I want to watch paint dry, but is there a webcam for this project or a nearby City camera to track progress?

They just shut down Charlotte Street at the head of King as of yesterday for the next four weeks to allow them to pour more of the foundation, after which the base should be ready to support the above-grade floors from what I've heard.

[homebody]

Originally Posted by dhottawa729

What’s going on with this project and why so slow? Not that I want to watch paint dry, but is there a webcam for this project or a nearby City camera to track progress?

There is a nearby webcam that focuses on the bandstand in King’s square. I mentioned to Donna Reardon on social media to have it shifted a bit. She agreed but that was a year ago. So enjoy the view of the bandstand I guess.

[sailor734]

Originally Posted by darkharbour

If the hollow core floor panels and other precast products are used as expected, we could see a pretty rapid height increase once the foundation is done. That's exciting for getting the structure up, but does make me nervous about what the final product will look like.

I agree. I'm a bit worried that this will turn out to be a 2nd class building in a 1st class location. Fingers crossed I'm worried about nothing.