[Saint John] Uptown Thread

[bingun]

A lot more city market info just came out in the growth committee agenda; things are picking up speed. I think the person who filled the new position they created last year must be working hard.

https://pub-saintjohn.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=24946

Schedule - Quarter 1

• Relocation of Kim’s Korean and Chicken by Felix
• Vendor Movements and Renovations
• Market Street Kitchen
• Howards
• Jeremiah’s
• The Bagel Artist

Schedule - Quarter 2

• Construction of the new seating area will start - The Deck
• Completion of the new Jeremiah’s space
• Hooper Time Piece will be established in the centre of the market
• New Kiosks 1-3
• Aisle in front of Jeremiah’s will be closed during construction
• Finalize other Stall Designs

[Ire Narissis]

Ah, this is the first time I'm learning about the intended fate of Timepiece.

All other thoughts about the Market overhaul notwithstanding, I think that's a pretty good home for it! Out of the weather and into one of uptown's key tourist attractions.

[bingun]

A few of my thoughts -

I am happy to see that most or all of the Q1 items are already complete or underway, and that this isn't just some make-believe schedule.

Do we know what could be going in the infusion tea room spot? I feel like there must be something in the works for them to prioritize that. It also looks like there will be work on the old Samosa spot, I think that is the one highlighted at least.

This is the first time I have seen the kiosk design. I knew they wanted to go from 3 aisles to 2, but I didn't realize it would be enclosed kiosks like these instead of the current style. I wonder what the vendors think about this, particularly the greengrocer. Are they going to have some of those kiosks, or will they be completely out of the centre?

I really like the central seating, I think it will help it feel more alive or busy during lunch, etc., rather than having people off to the side out of sight. It reminds me of the raised seating area at the Fredericton market on Saturdays, where they serve breakfast.

[adamuptownsj]

Originally Posted by bingun

A few of my thoughts -

I am happy to see that most or all of the Q1 items are already complete or underway, and that this isn't just some make-believe schedule.

Do we know what could be going in the infusion tea room spot? I feel like there must be something in the works for them to prioritize that. It also looks like there will be work on the old Samosa spot, I think that is the one highlighted at least.

This is the first time I have seen the kiosk design. I knew they wanted to go from 3 aisles to 2, but I didn't realize it would be enclosed kiosks like these instead of the current style. I wonder what the vendors think about this, particularly the greengrocer. Are they going to have some of those kiosks, or will they be completely out of the centre?

I really like the central seating, I think it will help it feel more alive or busy during lunch, etc., rather than having people off to the side out of sight. It reminds me of the raised seating area at the Fredericton market on Saturdays, where they serve breakfast.

Timepiece relocation is great. It's a really cool piece of public art, unlike the garbage along Fundy Quay.

Howard's is also being relocated. Seems too small to take up the Infusion space but who knows? Maybe they want to expand and become a more full service convenience store, add more cigar-related tourist-oriented business?

The samosa place will become a creperie according to the document.

Grocery store will be maintaining a fruit display in IIRC the most downhill kiosk. They will be moving into the former Java Moose space otherwise.

[sailor734]

Originally Posted by adamuptownsj

Timepiece relocation is great. It's a really cool piece of public art, unlike the garbage along Fundy Quay.

Howard's is also being relocated. Seems too small to take up the Infusion space but who knows? Maybe they want to expand and become a more full service convenience store, add more cigar-related tourist-oriented business?

The samosa place will become a creperie according to the document.

Grocery store will be maintaining a fruit display in IIRC the most downhill kiosk. They will be moving into the former Java Moose space otherwise.

I thought there was a bagel place slated to go into the former Java Moose corner? Although, that was announced awhile ago and nothing has happened so who knows.....

last time I heard the plan was for the Green grocer (formerly Pete's) to expand into the recently vacated Chicken by Felix space beside them. I could see them taking a kiosk for their juice bar though. They will be losing a lot of display space as they have both sides of the centre aisle now.

I'm still not 100% sold on this plan overall. I don't see the kiosks giving the visibility to merchandise as the longitudinal benches running either side of the center aisle. hard to tell from drawings so I guess we will see.

[bingun]

Originally Posted by adamuptownsj

Timepiece relocation is great. It's a really cool piece of public art, unlike the garbage along Fundy Quay.

Howard's is also being relocated. Seems too small to take up the Infusion space but who knows? Maybe they want to expand and become a more full service convenience store, add more cigar-related tourist-oriented business?

The samosa place will become a creperie according to the document.

Grocery store will be maintaining a fruit display in IIRC the most downhill kiosk. They will be moving into the former Java Moose space otherwise.

My focus was on the PowerPoint, but there are a few additional details in the other document that I missed that you mentioned. I've posted the quote below for others to read.

Great to see the Samosa spot filled. I recognize that Creperie vendor; I believe they are at the Queen's Square Farmer's Market, and I got one from them once. I assume the general store may be in the current visitor centre space, or perhaps they have something else in mind.

With the changes described, the only vacant spot in the market by the end of the year will be Uncorked?

Quarter 1 work will include the relocation of Chicken By Felix, Kim’s Korean, and Howard’s Convenience. Renovations scheduled for this period also include the introduction of Market Street Kitchen into the former Billy’s Seafood space. The Bagel Artist will relocate to the space previously occupied by Java Moose, and Bite and Smile Crêperie will move into the former Jo Samosa location.

In Quarter 2, work will begin on a new seating platform, “The Deck,” located in the main hall at the east end of the market. Positioned between Jeremiah’s, Chicken By Felix, and Wild Carrot, The Deck will measure approximately 44 feet by 24 feet. It is intended to serve as a central gathering space where visitors can meet, dine, and socialize, while also functioning as a performance area. This dual purpose will enable the market to host new types of events that were not previously possible.

To support plans to increase aisle widths, renovations will also be required to the current Jeremiah’s stall and the former Kim’s Korean stall, reducing both footprints back to the red columns. Renovations will begin in the former Kim’s Korean space, allowing Jeremiah’s to continue operations by temporarily relocating to the former Chicken By Felix and Kim’s Korean locations during construction.

The kiosk design has been refined through extensive discussions with vendors and internal stakeholders, incorporating their feedback on functionality and usability. The final design improves sightlines while respecting the market’s tradition and history and represents a forward-looking enhancement to the overall layout. Up to three new kiosks are anticipated to be installed by the end of Quarter 2.

All of these projects are planned for completion by the end of Quarter 2 to minimize disruption during the market’s peak tourism and summer season. Following this, focus will shift in Quarters 3 and 4 to expanding the Green Grocer stall to include its current footprint as well as the former Chicken By Felix and former Java Moose seating areas. The redesigned stall will allow the business to operate primarily within its designated space, reducing reliance on shared bench seating and creating additional opportunities for pop-up vendors. The Green Grocer will continue to operate one new kiosk at the lower end of the market to maintain a vibrant fruit and vegetable display.

Finally, plans will be finalized for a new general store concept featuring locally crafted products, as well as serving as a point of sale for market money and City Market-branded merchandise.

[sailor734]

Interesting that there is no mention of any specific plans for the Uncorked Tours space that has been vacant for a year or so. I guessing that's the biggest vacancy they have. Maybe this general store concept? I was told Moosehead had looked at the space but that was 8-9 months ago so......

[michael_d40]

Originally Posted by adamuptownsj

Timepiece relocation is great. It's a really cool piece of public art, unlike the garbage along Fundy Quay.

I wouldn't go as far as to call it garbage. I think it's fitting for the new construction. We can't force heritage in every nook and cranny. However, beauty is in the eye of the individual holder.

[adamuptownsj]

It's corporate-boardroom-designed 'stuff'. Looks like playground equipment or something in an office park roundabout. Not griping about the lack of historical art, the Sculpture Symposium stuff is very modern and looks cool.

[michael_d40]

Originally Posted by adamuptownsj

It's corporate-boardroom-designed 'stuff'. Looks like playground equipment or something in an office park roundabout. Not griping about the lack of historical art, the Sculpture Symposium stuff is very modern and looks cool.

Could always be a heck of a lot worse. We could have a giant tongue like Halifax... Sorry.... I meant a "wave" LOL

https://i.cbc.ca/ais/1.3098597,174309943...%280%2C0%2C1919%2C1079%29%3BResize%3D860

[sailor734]

Originally Posted by michael_d40

Could always be a heck of a lot worse. We could have a giant tongue like Halifax... Sorry.... I meant a "wave" LOL

https://i.cbc.ca/ais/1.3098597,174309943...%280%2C0%2C1919%2C1079%29%3BResize%3D860

Funny, I was thinking about how cool/iconic "The Wave" on the Halifax waterfront outside the Maritime Museum was and how the "art" at Fundy Quay was so bad by comparison. To each their own I guess.

[Ire Narissis]

Originally Posted by adamuptownsj

Timepiece relocation is great. It's a really cool piece of public art, unlike the garbage along Fundy Quay.

What; you don't like big plastic tubes?

[EnvisionSaintJohn]

Do we have any idea how much the Big Plastic tubes cost? (Design + manufacturing + installation)

Whoever thought they were a better idea than a replacement lighthouse that people could have actually went up for a better view of the harbour deserves an award for most uselessly creative idea ever.

A slightly bigger lighthouse open to the public could have been built at a very reasonable cost and been one of the best parts of the new boardwalk.

Instead we got gigantic, useless plastic tubes that probably cost more than my house. 😅

[Sabien]

Originally Posted by Ire Narissis

What; you don't like big plastic tubes?

Of all the things that have lights on that waterfront, those big plastic tubes should have been lit up the most. They seriously look like that’s what they were designed for, to be a little coloured light show. It would have given them some purpose at least.

[Ire Narissis]

When I first saw them I assumed they must light up because they were absolutely screaming for it.

My disappointment is immeasurable.

[bingun]

I watched the Growth Committee presentation back.

Howard's will move into the former Infusion space. However, they won't take all the space; they'll only take as much as they had in their previous unit. This will allow them to renovate the existing space and potentially convert it into another restaurant or cafe. Can't quite wrap my head around this, but we will wait and see.

The deck (new seating area) will include water refill stations, microwaves, charging points, and accessible seating. I am not sure I would promote people bringing their packed lunches to microwave, but each to their own.

The video is a little choppy, but there is a 3D animation of the new market layout, including the new kiosks. The timestamp link is below.

https://www.youtube.com/live/N2tQXN9VDa0?si=80USssucc5A76cOo&t=869

Bonus Gerry Lowe parking rant if you keep watching.

[irisheyes]

Happy to pile on the plastic tube bashing!

They are only going to look even worse as the years go on. It amazes me what passes as public installations today. Compare the Three Sisters Lamp to plastic tubes for instance.

The lighthouse absolutely should have remained on the site!

[bingun]

What I assume is Klancy Fashion Ezzentials in Brunswick Square looks like it's ready. Lots of stock, the lights were on, and a lady was inside. It appears to be what I can best describe as black hair supplies/wigs, etc.

It is occupying the shallow unit next to Foggy City Souvenirs and Sweets on the 2nd level.

Also, I was in Second Cup earlier, and there was a poster for a new veterinary clinic coming to uptown. I think it was Uptown Animal Clinic, or Uptown Animal Hospital. I only glanced at this, and it didn't say when or where, but I think having a vet uptown would be great.

The Bagel Artist's spot in the city market is starting to take shape. I saw them building a counter earlier this week; hopefully, that will be finished up soon.

[sailor734]

Originally Posted by bingun

What I assume is Klancy Fashion Ezzentials in Brunswick Square looks like it's ready. Lots of stock, the lights were on, and a lady was inside. It appears to be what I can best describe as black hair supplies/wigs, etc.

It is occupying the shallow unit next to Foggy City Souvenirs and Sweets on the 2nd level.

Also, I was in Second Cup earlier, and there was a poster for a new veterinary clinic coming to uptown. I think it was Uptown Animal Clinic, or Uptown Animal Hospital. I only glanced at this, and it didn't say when or where, but I think having a vet uptown would be great.

The Bagel Artist's spot in the city market is starting to take shape. I saw them building a counter earlier this week; hopefully, that will be finished up soon.

Great news about the vet. I think there is still a shortage in town.

Poor old Brunswick Square. It's fallen a long, long way from being the upscale fashion mall it once was.

Nice to finally see something going in that corner of the Market after so many years of sitting empty.

[bingun]

Originally Posted by bingun

What I assume is Klancy Fashion Ezzentials in Brunswick Square looks like it's ready. Lots of stock, the lights were on, and a lady was inside. It appears to be what I can best describe as black hair supplies/wigs, etc.

It is occupying the shallow unit next to Foggy City Souvenirs and Sweets on the 2nd level.

Also, I was in Second Cup earlier, and there was a poster for a new veterinary clinic coming to uptown. I think it was Uptown Animal Clinic, or Uptown Animal Hospital. I only glanced at this, and it didn't say when or where, but I think having a vet uptown would be great.

The Bagel Artist's spot in the city market is starting to take shape. I saw them building a counter earlier this week; hopefully, that will be finished up soon.

Vet will be at 160 Union St and will be Uptown Animal Clinic.