[Saint John] Uptown Thread

[bingun]

There wasn't much info about this until they put out the PAC agenda for tomorrow, worth a read. Lots of pictures to see of the inside, not much left but the walls! On one hand, these buildings have been vacant for decades, but this application seems half-done. I am not sure who is behind this.

115-119 and 123 Hazen Street

https://pub-saintjohn.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=26221

https://pub-saintjohn.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=26222

[adamuptownsj]

Originally Posted by bingun

There wasn't much info about this until they put out the PAC agenda for tomorrow, worth a read. Lots of pictures to see of the inside, not much left but the walls! On one hand, these buildings have been vacant for decades, but this application seems half-done. I am not sure who is behind this.

115-119 and 123 Hazen Street

Cool idea for 115-119, but... yeah. Staff is basically demanding this unknown developer rezone, which would be a cakewalk, as would be the zero-parking variance, given past PAC parking minimum action on RC zoned properties. Not sure how much of a coffee shop you could fit in a garage, and it's very weird to propose such a small thing with total silence on the rest of the building.

[Ire Narissis]

Looking at the plan, there doesn't look to be space for a service counter at all so I'm wondering if it'd be some kind of self-serve situation with automatic coffee machines.

[bingun]

Originally Posted by Ire Narissis

Looking at the plan, there doesn't look to be space for a service counter at all so I'm wondering if it'd be some kind of self-serve situation with automatic coffee machines.

I watched last night's PAC meeting, and it was a procedural mess; it took them the best part of 90 minutes to figure out what they wanted to do. Long story short, it sounds like it's going ahead, but the applicant needs to submit some further documentation.

The coffee shop will be targeted at St Joe's staff and hospital visitors for takeout, with no intention of providing any seating.

For the residential side, this building has been a big issue; the meeting reminded me that it recently had a fire and apparently has frequent break-ins by the homeless population, so it would be a big win to finally have this sorted. This is just down the street from St Vincent's, so it's going to be a noticeable shift in the area. They also have an agreement with a nearby parking lot to utilize their parking for residents.

[bingun]

Originally Posted by bingun

Snapped this while walking past tonight.

When I walked past the other day, and the door was open, this looked ready to go on the inside. They are actively hiring, as per the picture below.

I also learned that the owners are the same as the Japanese stand at the Queens Square Farmers Market - Oishi Takoyaki.

Here is the website, although no menu up yet - https://yoramen.ca/

Off the top of my head, Bubbly Cup, Sweetums in Rothesay, the new crepe spot in the city market, and now this place all started out at the farmers' market. It is really a success story that should be talked about more. Small business incubation is what I've heard it called before?

[bingun]

The Bagel Artist opened in the city market today, and it was busy when I walked by at lunchtime. The new Crepe spot also appeared to be open, although to far less fanfare. Fiddling Ferns has also reopened by the old Slocum and Ferris sign in a creatively put-together spot.

I'd say this puts us at the highest occupancy level since the pandemic? It is really just the old Uncorked spot that needs a new purpose, as some of the other ones already have plans in the works.

Together Designs, which was previously at 175 Prince William, has relocated to a location with more foot traffic on Germain Street, next to Suwanna.

LebanonOn The Go On Prince William has closed their physical location and is apparently going to be some kind of food truck instead.

Edit - I forgot to ask, has anyone heard any update on the Market Street Kitchen restaurant in Billy's old spot? That seems to be taking quite some time.

[sailor734]

Originally Posted by bingun

The Bagel Artist opened in the city market today, and it was busy when I walked by at lunchtime. The new Crepe spot also appeared to be open, although to far less fanfare. Fiddling Ferns has also reopened by the old Slocum and Ferris sign in a creatively put-together spot.

I'd say this puts us at the highest occupancy level since the pandemic? It is really just the old Uncorked spot that needs a new purpose, as some of the other ones already have plans in the works.

Together Designs, which was previously at 175 Prince William, has relocated to a location with more foot traffic on Germain Street, next to Suwanna.

LebanonOn The Go On Prince William has closed their physical location and is apparently going to be some kind of food truck instead.

Nice to see some new businesses opening in the market.

Anyone heard anything about the new restaurant going into the old Billy's location? AFAIR it was supposed to be open awhile ago.

[bingun]

1778 Trading Post 98 Prince William, which was an indigenous-owned store, is now Howdy Meats, a Goat and Lamb butcher. I feel like this kind of came out of nowhere. Good luck to them.

https://howdymeats.com/about

[KnoxfordGuy]

That's rather niche. Good luck indeed.

[darkharbour]

Originally Posted by KnoxfordGuy

That's rather niche. Good luck indeed.

Not really, there are a ton of new residents looking for goat and lamb in the city, which traditionally hasn't been easy to find. I think this is a great addition to the Uptown core!

[bridgeoftea]

Originally Posted by darkharbour

Not really, there are a ton of new residents looking for goat and lamb in the city, which traditionally hasn't been easy to find. I think this is a great addition to the Uptown core!

I personally am very excited for this!

[bingun]

While there has been positive activity in the market recently, there doesn't seem to have been any progress on the new seating platform or the clock installation, which I thought was scheduled for Q2. The idea was to avoid peak season, but that ship has sailed. I can't say I am surprised; I am sure they will begin on September 1st to be as inconvenient as possible.

Also, Market Street Kitchen, where Billy's once was, seems to be crawling forward. I had a look through the window the other day but couldn't see much except chairs and tables stacked up. They really needed to open during the summer to get some initial momentum.

There is progress on the new café on Canterbury Street and the desert/bar on Germain.

One of the Oland daughters opened a candle store on Princess St. She's been selling at the local markets for a few years.

Limited activity at 40 King St redevelopment. Still no new windows, not sure how that mess ended up with the Heritage board.

[cdnguys]

Originally Posted by bingun

While there has been positive activity in the market recently, there doesn't seem to have been any progress on the new seating platform or the clock installation, which I thought was scheduled for Q2. The idea was to avoid peak season, but that ship has sailed. I can't say I am surprised; I am sure they will begin on September 1st to be as inconvenient as possible.

Also, Market Street Kitchen, where Billy's once was, seems to be crawling forward. I had a look through the window the other day but couldn't see much except chairs and tables stacked up. They really needed to open during the summer to get some initial momentum.

There is progress on the new café on Canterbury Street and the desert/bar on Germain.

One of the Oland daughters opened a candle store on Princess St. She's been selling at the local markets for a few years.

Limited activity at 40 King St redevelopment. Still no new windows, not sure how that mess ended up with the Heritage board.

40 King St has been active with construction every day I walk by. You can see the beams and brick, it’s going to be a great addition to the rental stock uptown. I know it’s only 12 or 15 apartments, but that could mean 20 more people in the uptown realm and everything counts.

[RR Drummer]

Originally Posted by bingun

While there has been positive activity in the market recently, there doesn't seem to have been any progress on the new seating platform or the clock installation, which I thought was scheduled for Q2. The idea was to avoid peak season, but that ship has sailed. I can't say I am surprised; I am sure they will begin on September 1st to be as inconvenient as possible.

Also, Market Street Kitchen, where Billy's once was, seems to be crawling forward. I had a look through the window the other day but couldn't see much except chairs and tables stacked up. They really needed to open during the summer to get some initial momentum.

There is progress on the new café on Canterbury Street and the desert/bar on Germain.

One of the Oland daughters opened a candle store on Princess St. She's been selling at the local markets for a few years.

Limited activity at 40 King St redevelopment. Still no new windows, not sure how that mess ended up with the Heritage board.

You had me at dessert bar 😗… what’s the details on this?

[bingun]

Originally Posted by cdnguys

40 King St has been active with construction every day I walk by. You can see the beams and brick, it’s going to be a great addition to the rental stock uptown. I know it’s only 12 or 15 apartments, but that could mean 20 more people in the uptown realm and everything counts.

I am not against it, just commenting that it has been slow when I walk past most days. It was very busy for a while with the Homestar team, but it's quieted down recently. I assume they are waiting on the new windows to be built.

Originally Posted by RR Drummer

You had me at dessert bar ������… what’s the details on this?

115-117 Germain Street

$150K building permit to convert the space, last I checked.

The application proposes a series of storefront alterations associated with the establishment of a new
commercial tenant, BitterSweet Desserterie & Bar. The scope of work includes:
 Painting of the storefront façade.
 The Installation of new fascia signage.
 Installation of two new fabric awnings with printed branding on the canopy.

[adamuptownsj]

AllNB says George Armoyan/Clarke Inc, who bought out Ravelin REIT earlier this year, are working with the city and province on a plan to revitalize and redesign Brunswick Square. They want to attract an anchor tenant and fill empty units with health, professional, or other services.

Renderings are apparently well underway. Not just for the mall, but for the whole complex.

Clarke seems better positioned to do something productive here than Ravelin. Armoyan's personal involvement is a great sign. Looking forward to the renderings.

I'm sure the Delta welcomes this. I know we've gone over plans for the place ad nauseum here, but this seems pretty real. If I was in charge I'd
-Flip the ground floor over to a large anchor tenant or two
-Renovate the second floor and relocate tenants from the first floor to it (including the pedway)
-Turn the third and fourth floor over to professional/health/etc services
-Finish recladding from the fourth floor on up

I'm not deeply familiar with the office tower-- who's in it, what floors they occupy, the condition of the various floors, etc.

[Comora]

I think it would be fantastic if Brunswick square got a Simons as an anchor tenant.

[bingun]

It sounds great on paper, and I look forward to the renders, but I question their ability to get a good anchor tenant. Who is realistically going to want to set up in there? You'd have to have a very long-term view of the situation to see meaningful success. What is the pay off over setting up at McAllister or out East?

The office tower is probably less than 50% occupied. Cooke has a floor, some government stuff, lawyers, etc. Envision SJ and local development were in there, but I think they moved recently. Innovatia has gone too.

[Ire Narissis]

Originally Posted by bingun

What is the pay off over setting up at McAllister or out East?

I suppose the answer to that question lies in how much foot traffic is expected to arise from people moving into the new condo developments at the top of King, Fundy Quay, and converted existing buildings that have recently undergone or are undergoing residential conversion or renovation.