[Saint John] Uptown Thread

[bingun]

Ami Tea and Sub on King St was sold and has now rebranded as Home Pho and Sip. Vietnamese Pho, bubble tea, fruit drinks, etc.

Signage is up for Ellen's Cafe & Eatery on Canterbury Street.

[adamuptownsj]

Seems to be some work underway at 9-11/13/17 Garden Street-- a retaining wall at the west end of the properties, per the building permit. Kind of an odd spot.

[bingun]

Originally Posted by adamuptownsj

Seems to be some work underway at 9-11/13/17 Garden Street-- a retaining wall at the west end of the properties, per the building permit. Kind of an odd spot.

Could be a good spot for some infill; I don't think those lots are even used for parking?

[bingun]

57 Dorchester is back at PAC next week, and they've managed to get 14 letters of support from neighbours. I can't remember the last time I saw 14 letters in support of anything at PAC, let alone something like this.

I particularly enjoyed the comparison to 99 King St.

[bingun]

Some images from inside 40 King Street from the Ginger Agency.

For the second time in five years, construction is underway on the Ginger SJ office at 40 King St.

We first opened our Saint John office on the second floor of this historic King Street building in 2021.

Recently, new ownership took over the property and began an ambitious redevelopment, rebuilding from the inside out.

As part of the transformation, Ginger is getting a new do too. #GingerSJ will soon be located on the ground floor, giving us a new street-level home in the heart of Uptown Saint John.

And stay tuned. There may be a historic New Brunswick twist in the works.

[EnvisionSaintJohn]

Originally Posted by cdnguys

I don’t really ever have a reason to drive down Crown, but would love to see an update on this place, or even better, a view from the sixth floor and/or roof.

I’ll have to go by this way next time I go Uptown. This will be an especially great location to live the Harbour Passage extension is completed, along with future expansions and enhancements (hopefully a system of bike sharing stations).

[bingun]

Originally Posted by EnvisionSaintJohn

I don’t really ever have a reason to drive down Crown, but would love to see an update on this place, or even better, a view from the sixth floor and/or roof.

I’ll have to go by this way next time I go Uptown. This will be an especially great location to live the Harbour Passage extension is completed, along with future expansions and enhancements (hopefully a system of bike sharing stations).

It's moving along; last time I drove by, they were installing the exterior siding. Windows are in and balconies in progress.

[bingun]

The city market has a 'Making the Market' Facebook page where they have been posting history related to the city market. I thought some may appreciate their latest post.

In more recent news, Jeremiah's is back in their old spot, alongside their new hot food spot. Great to see. With them moving back, the Greengrocer can renovate the temporary space they were using. The seating area is still under construction; it's hard to see progress with it covered up. Still no sign of the new restaurant in Billy's spot; that is taking a very long time. Signage for Howard's is up in their new spot, next to their old, but I don't think they've moved over yet.

The Market as it might have been!

The Making the Market team had a great chance to meet with Robert Boyce, the Restoration Architect of the major renovations in the late 80s and early 90s.

These images are from the 1987 Restoration Plan he helped produce as part of the Mott, Myles and Chatwin firm. Bob explained that if more funds had been available, the Germain St. entrance would have featured an impressive glassed-in Market Pavilion, with a recessed lower court leading into the pedway to Brunswick Square. This structure would have extended the outer form of the market hall to the sidewalk, and featured removable glass wall panels for open-air events in the summer.

Although the Pavilion wasn't feasible, the other key elements of the plan were realized, giving the Market a new vibrancy as it entered the 90s.

The project was managed by the Market Square Corporation, a unique entity created by special legislation to coordinate between the three levels of government. Not only did it develop Market Square and TD Station, it also led the restoration of the City Market and Imperial Theatre, marking an exciting time in Saint John's history.

Thank you Bob for your insights on this important part of the history of the Saint John City Market!

[sailor734]

I remember the last major Market reno very well. It was a huge step forward. I'm still not convinced about the latest reimagining that is underway now. The cynic in me wonders at least a little if it isn't a way to reduce rentable space and hide the fact they can't fill the existing market with viable tenants.

I have my doubts but hope to be proven wrong. ������

[EnvisionSaintJohn]

I’ve heard Giant Tiger plans to close their Prince Edward Square location. If that’s true, Uptown needs a grocery store more than ever!

[bingun]

Originally Posted by EnvisionSaintJohn

I’ve heard Giant Tiger plans to close their Prince Edward Square location. If that’s true, Uptown needs a grocery store more than ever!

Where did you hear that? I feel like that could spell the end for the mall.

[RaginRonic]

Originally Posted by bingun

Where did you hear that? I feel like that could spell the end for the mall.

You think Tidan may actually want to retire Prince Edward Square and redevelop?

[EnvisionSaintJohn]

Originally Posted by bingun

Where did you hear that? I feel like that could spell the end for the mall.

I heard the shoplifting has gotten out of control and the store will close by December, but maybe it’s total BS lol

[bingun]

Originally Posted by RaginRonic

You think Tidan may actually want to retire Prince Edward Square and redevelop?

It's the anchor tenant; it would be a big loss. I have no idea if they'd go in a new direction, but Dollarama and Dooley's probably aren't paying the bills on their own. Nordia was never replaced in the office space?

Sounds like a typical Waterloo-area rumour, though, so we should take it with a pinch of salt.