[Saint John] Uptown Thread - Page 129

sailor734 · #**2561** Posted **Oct 26, 2025, 1:14 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkharbour

Everything they touch Uptown turns to dust, they are awful urban land owners. Sure the IOL HQ turned out fine, but the con they played with the city for its parking garage after the fact was slimy (and could be seen coming a mile away).

And that’s ignoring the JDI side of the coin and their hoarding of land for decades, devaluing neighbouring properties, acquiring more as people move out, only to eventually tear them down then have the audacity to complain publicly about the state of the Uptown.

IOL has also sat on that vacant lot on the corner of Charlotte and Princess for years since the HQ was finished. Would be a prime location for a 6 floor residential development a la The Telegraph.

Then there is also recently the question about the future of the former Parker House Inn. Chipman Hill Suites lease ended and they are out but crickets from IOL about future plans.

EnvisionSaintJohn · #**2562** Posted **Oct 26, 2025, 1:20 PM**

Why don't the city and province lean on Irving to build housing on their vast property holdings? Is the province not subsidizing Kent Homes' modular construction operations? Do the city and province really have no sway with the Irvings whatsoever?

The Irving's could put up a few high rises with affordable rents across Uptown and other parts of Saint John (like Wolastoq Park) and buy their companies a huge amount of positive publicity.

I'm still astonished at how myopic JDI's request for Wolastoq Park was. They're the biggest construction company in Atlantic Canada, and they couldn't come up with a solution to destroy far less of the parkland by building a parking structure with underground parking?

I know parking garages aren't exactly the most popular thing in urban planning, but if they're built with the possibility for residential developments to go up on top of them (like the Peel Plaza one), then they can be a pretty positive thing and add height to our skyline.

Pugsley · #**2563** Posted **Oct 26, 2025, 2:27 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailor734

Then there is also recently the question about the future of the former Parker House Inn. Chipman Hill Suites lease ended and they are out but crickets from IOL about future plans.

I really hope they don't demolish that building. The rotunda is fabulous and should be a high-end restaurant or event space. If IOL was to demolish that, it could be the last straw for Saint John residents I'm afraid.

cdnguys · #**2564** Posted **Oct 26, 2025, 4:27 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pugsley

I really hope they don't demolish that building. The rotunda is fabulous and should be a high-end restaurant or event space. If IOL was to demolish that, it could be the last straw for Saint John residents I'm afraid.

It’s in a heritage area, so they can’t just demolish it. It’s not like the building on KSE and Carmarthen that JDI couldn’t tear down for years. The lease to Chipman Hill Suites has come to an end - not sure why everyone thinks IOL would plan to demolish it. Besides the Irving family are stewards of historical properties - without their private donations a couple historic churches uptown would be near derelict by now.

DyAm00394 · #**2565** Posted **Oct 28, 2025, 8:06 PM**

Martin Max Expands Presence in Saint John. Relocating to Brunswick Square.

https://sjcommercialre.com/2025/10/28/ma...int-john-relocating-to-brunswick-square/

Quote:

"Martin Max, the innovative retail store specializing in 3D-printed products and creative manufacturing technologies, is moving from Market Square to Brunswick Square. Having outgrown their current uptown location, the move marks an exciting next step for the brand.

Coincidentally, Martin Max recently opened a store in McAllister Mall in the former Coles bookstore space and has now chosen to lease the former Coles location in Brunswick Square as well. The store will occupy a prime pedway location, providing greater visibility and increased foot traffic.

Hemmy Huang, owner of Martin Max, expressed enthusiasm about the new location: “We are thrilled to bring Martin Max to Brunswick Square, where more people can experience the creativity and innovation behind our products in a larger store with a wider selection.”

The expansion doesn’t stop in Saint John, Martin Max will also be opening a store soon in Fredericton.

Stephanie Turner, leasing representative at Cushman & Wakefield Atlantic, commented on the recent success at Brunswick Square: “Martin Max is the fifth new business to sign a lease in Brunswick Square this year, and we are excited to see this momentum continue.”

“Martin Max represents the kind of forward-thinking, technology-driven retail we are eager to welcome to Brunswick Square.” said Jeremy Kaupp, Managing Director, Ravelin Properties REIT. “We are focused on attracting innovative businesses across growing sectors, including tech-driven retail, wellness, lifestyle, and experiential shopping, to reenergize the mall and create a dynamic and engaging environment for our visitors.”

Locals can expect to see things happening in the space very soon with a planned grand opening of the Martin Max store Brunswick Square store before Christmas!".

The pedway level of Brunswick Square is leasing up nicely: https://sjcommercialre.com/brunswick-square-shopping-centre/

sailor734 · #**2566** Posted **Oct 28, 2025, 9:39 PM**

They are certainly attracting an "eclectic" selection of new tenants.....tattoo parlour, event planner, souvenir stand and now this. Stores like Boutique D'elegance, Collectables, Smith's Jewellers, Manchester Shoe Salon, Colwells etc must be rolling in their graves.

bingun · #**2567** Posted **Oct 28, 2025, 11:46 PM**

I will give them credit for making inroads, even if it isn't conventional mall businesses.

If they can get another 2-3 on that floor, they might have a chance. The old Starbucks slot on the corner or Booster Juice would be ideal.

bingun · #**2568** Posted **Oct 29, 2025, 9:23 PM**

Demolition as of this evening.

bingun · #**2569** Posted **Oct 29, 2025, 10:13 PM**

One of the boardwalk restaurants is up for sale.

https://www.realtor.ca/real-estate/29044852/1-market-square-saint-john

paperplane · #**2570** Posted **Oct 29, 2025, 11:38 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by bingun

One of the boardwalk restaurants is up for sale.

https://www.realtor.ca/real-estate/29044852/1-market-square-saint-john

Lemongrass/Peppers Pub?

KnoxfordGuy · #**2571** Posted **Oct 30, 2025, 1:07 PM**

Is there any rendering of the new low income housing being built on Waterloo Street?

bingun · #**2572** Posted **Oct 31, 2025, 1:18 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by KnoxfordGuy

Is there any rendering of the new low income housing being built on Waterloo Street?

Which project are you referring to?

cdnguys · #**2573** Posted **Oct 31, 2025, 1:52 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by bingun

Which project are you referring to?

There is 12 unit House of Merritt under construction on corner of Richmond and Waterloo - the former site of area 911. It’s being built by Kaleidoscope (builders of Barrack Green) and will be for homeless people. They will move their office to bottom level of building and Fresh Start will support residents. Next block down is a small 2 home convalescence home for homeless people being released from Hospital.

sailor734 · #**2574** Posted **Oct 31, 2025, 9:35 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by KnoxfordGuy

Is there any rendering of the new low income housing being built on Waterloo Street?

CBC story this morning on the project but no rendering.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/saint-john-homeless-people-housing-9.6950577

bingun · #**2575** Posted **Oct 31, 2025, 9:33 PM**

There is an application to the Heritage board to modify 56 King Street, adding an additional entrance to enable access to the upper floors and making changes to some of the windows.

This appears to be part of a project to convert the building's non-ground floors to residential use. I am not familiar with all the buildings along King Street, but I believe this is one of the last vacant buildings, so it is a positive development. I believe CDH last occupied the ground floor.

The rear of the building, as seen from the city parking lot, is in poor shape and home to a large population of pigeons, the last time I was back there.

Just down the street, 40 King Street continues to see activity. I have watched the same group of half a dozen guys continue to tear apart the inside for two or three months now.

Uptowngal · #**2576** Posted **Nov 3, 2025, 6:04 PM**

I have seen a lot of work going on at the Business Centre at 75 Germain street. It looks like it is being fully gutted. Anyone have insight regarding their plans? Could be a beautiful building.

bingun · #**2577** Posted **Nov 3, 2025, 8:15 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uptowngal

I have seen a lot of work going on at the Business Centre at 75 Germain street. It looks like it is being fully gutted. Anyone have insight regarding their plans? Could be a beautiful building.

Yes, that is 40 King Street. It is going to be apartments; there was a floor plan shown as part of a Heritage application a few months back.