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

[sailor734]

I've read that this type of construction can hit as fast as a floor a week. Although, given the history of this project, I doubt that will happen.

[bingun]

Hallelujah, I was starting to think the pre-fab was all in Percy's imagination.

They already had several more pieces in place when I walked by after work.

[EnvisionSaintJohn]

Originally Posted by DyAm00394

Sign on the fence says “coming Spring 2026”. (Photo posted by the mayor on social media).

Do we know if the developer is still using this god awful logo?

Also, has anyone heard anything from the developer regarding all the negative feedback on the roof "turrets"?

[Pugsley]

Originally Posted by EnvisionSaintJohn

Do we know if the developer is still using this god awful logo?

Also, has anyone heard anything from the developer regarding all the negative feedback on the roof "turrets"?

If I could have two things, just two things. It would be the removal of those god-awful upside-down drawer legs on the top of the building and yes, a guarantee that logo NEVER gets permanently added to the side of the building anywhere.

[bingun]

Originally Posted by Pugsley

If I could have two things, just two things. It would be the removal of those god-awful upside-down drawer legs on the top of the building and yes, a guarantee that logo NEVER gets permanently added to the side of the building anywhere.

The logo reminds me of some kind of grey market weed or vape store.

They have a second crane on site today and are placing pre-fab on the upper section closer to Kings Square.

[sailor734]

Even the building itself is pretty uninspired. To me it could be the exterior shots of a office building in an old B&W movie. Think The Daily Planet HQ or The Daily Bugle

[Nashe]

Originally Posted by Pugsley

If I could have two things, just two things. It would be the removal of those god-awful upside-down drawer legs on the top of the building and yes, a guarantee that logo NEVER gets permanently added to the side of the building anywhere.

OK now I can't unsee a chest of drawers upside down.

[irisheyes]

Devils always in the details. The idea of having the turrets isn't bad in principle. The logo however is gaudy I agree.

If done right - a turret with a two-faced clock at the King and Charlotte corner would be quite nice.

[bingun]

Brick fascade panels

[sailor734]

I don't see this turning out well. Will it be better that the vacant building that was there? Sure. Will it turn out to be a missed opportunity to build something significant in a prime location? I worry the answer is looking increasingly like "Yes".

[cdnguys]

Originally Posted by sailor734

I don't see this turning out well. Will it be better that the vacant building that was there? Sure. Will it turn out to be a missed opportunity to build something significant in a prime location? I worry the answer is looking increasingly like "Yes".

I’m betting you are going to be pleasantly surprised at how nice it will look in the end - so we can do a check in once done For me as a bit of a history buff and architecture fan of city, I love that it’s being designed by a SJ’er, manufactured in SJ, built by SJ’ers and a SJ developer. I love the idea of a two-faced clock on corner.

[sailor734]

Originally Posted by cdnguys

I’m betting you are going to be pleasantly surprised at how nice it will look in the end - so we can do a check in once done For me as a bit of a history buff and architecture fan of city, I love that it’s being designed by a SJ’er, manufactured in SJ, built by SJ’ers and a SJ developer. I love the idea of a two-faced clock on corner.

Well, I certainly hope I am wrong and you are right.

I think there is a balance to be had between new construction blending with an area, having some design elements that pay homage to heritage etc and just being a mindless copy of what was in fashion 100+ years ago. The IOL HQ does a pretty good job of finding that balance.

To me the design shown in the 99 King renderings looks like a Disneyland copy of the Admiral Beatty Hotel (very 20's-30's). I don't think new construction of major uptown buildings should just involve mindlessly copying late 19th or early 20th century architecture. I'm all in favour of preserving heritage buildings but vibrant, living cities need to evolve and change architecturally when it comes to new builds...... not stay frozen in time.

If the renderings are accurate there is no architectural skill, innovation or creativity. Just a square faux brick/faux stone box with relentless lines of tiny windows........even the trim elements look like an afterthought that have been stuck on.

[irisheyes]

Speaking of turret clocks - the Jubilee Cruise Terminal CLEARLY needs one. It looks as if that was the intention but stopped short due to cost...

[sailor734]

Originally Posted by irisheyes

Speaking of turret clocks - the Jubilee Cruise Terminal CLEARLY needs one. It looks as if that was the intention but stopped short due to cost...

I agree this would be a great location for a clock.....Although, I wonder if public clocks aren't becoming a thing of the past? .....or at least are not in the forefront of builders' minds for new construction.

I'm very glad that Trinity's clock and bells are working again (but I suppose that's more about maintaining heritage then building new).

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-bruns...rinity-church-bell-restoration-1.7339193

[bingun]

I will give them credit that they seem to have a system for the prefab erection. One truck is being unloaded adjacent to the site, while the next truck is idling just down the street outside Heroes Beacon. There is probably a 3rd or 4th going to Strescon to be loaded. Hopefully, as time goes by, they can increase the pace of this process.

How will the steelwork come into this? Do they put up all the pre-fab concrete for a story and then put up the steel?

[Sabien]

Originally Posted by bingun

I will give them credit that they seem to have a system for the prefab erection. One truck is being unloaded adjacent to the site, while the next truck is idling just down the street outside Heroes Beacon. There is probably a 3rd or 4th going to Strescon to be loaded. Hopefully, as time goes by, they can increase the pace of this process.

How will the steelwork come into this? Do they put up all the pre-fab concrete for a story and then put up the steel?

I was wondering the same. It precarious seeing the pre-fab – which is probably at least 20' tall standing upright with supports – but no structural steel in place behind it. I alway figured they would erect some steel first and then attach the pre-fab to it.

[darkharbour]

Originally Posted by Sabien

I was wondering the same. It precarious seeing the pre-fab – which is probably at least 20' tall standing upright with supports – but no structural steel in place behind it. I alway figured they would erect some steel first and then attach the pre-fab to it.

I thought it was pre-cast structural system, meaning there was no separate steel structure. Essentially the outer walls and the inner wall concrete sections together take the structural load of the building. Much like this example:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3SmSgUpRqA

• Video Link

[bingun]

That could explain it! I had no idea you could build a building that high without any structural steel. I hope they have some top-notch engineering inspections as it goes up to ensure it's structurally sound.

[Heydon]

It's more than just the panels and hollow-core holding things up. Those elements will be integrated with post-tensioned pre-cast beams and columns to tie it all together. The Carleton Street Parking Garage is a local example of a multi-story all-precast structure. I think 12 or so stories is pretty much the maximum with current design and tech.

[thefishingnut]

Perhaps the thread could be updated to under construction as versus site prep by a mod?