The Official Saint John, NB Project Thread - Page 521

UptownJeff · #**10401** Posted **Feb 16, 2016, 5:13 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by JHikka

Pretty exciting stuff. I'm expecting you Uptown folk to get lots of pictures for those of us who have been displaced.

I`m in Moncton tomorrow but will try to get back before 5 so I can attend - hopefully there`s swag!

kwajo · #**10402** Posted **Feb 16, 2016, 8:49 PM**

Pretty bold going for a showy on-site unveiling for a project that doesn't have planning or heritage approvals yet or even the faintest whiff of a public consultation process in place.

UptownJeff · #**10403** Posted **Feb 17, 2016, 12:02 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwajo

Pretty bold going for a showy on-site unveiling for a project that doesn't have planning or heritage approvals yet or even the faintest whiff of a public consultation process in place.

I'm in no way an expert but I'm guessing heritage was consulted during the process and based on my limited knowledge of the organization I'm thinking this will be a spectacular building that will only compliment the heritage of the uptown area.....anythings better than a flat sheet of asphalt! Never thought of public consultation. I wonder if it's even required? They own the land and it's probably already zoned appropriately. Maybe a height variance? Can't wait to see what they're proposing. In my opinion this development will breathe new life into the area around King Square including the market and side streets. It'll be nice to see a crane on the Saint John skyline!!

kwajo · #**10404** Posted **Feb 17, 2016, 1:24 AM**

Oh I'm not trying to be negative about the prospect of the building at all, I live very [very] close and would much rather see an active building on the site than the existing parking lot. I was merely pointing out that most projects of this scope in this day in age would have done a bit more open public consultation by this stage of development, even if it is not "required" as such. I know IOL will likely spare no expense and choose a high quality design, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't hold them to the same standards as other developers, especially since they don't have much of an prior urban development reputation to go by.

All that being said, I don't want to pass judgment until they give us more information, so until then I remain excited about a possible new addition to our skyline.

UptownJeff · #**10405** Posted **Feb 17, 2016, 2:32 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwajo

Oh I'm not trying to be negative about the prospect of the building at all, I live very [very] close and would much rather see an active building on the site than the existing parking lot. I was merely pointing out that most projects of this scope in this day in age would have done a bit more open public consultation by this stage of development, even if it is not "required" as such. I know IOL will likely spare no expense and choose a high quality design, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't hold them to the same standards as other developers, especially since they don't have much of an prior urban development reputation to go by.

All that being said, I don't want to pass judgment until they give us more information, so until then I remain excited about a possible new addition to our skyline.

I completely agree with you! I too live extremely close and my excitement is also tinged with a bit of apprenhension! We'll know in less than 12 hours......

michael_d40 · #**10406** Posted **Feb 17, 2016, 2:50 PM**

magee_b · #**10407** Posted **Feb 17, 2016, 2:59 PM**

You can start to see many photos of the design popping up on Twitter under #HomeOfficeSJ. Design by B+H Architects.
Here's a couple of images posted by Mel Norton:

Source: https://twitter.com/Melnortonsj/status/699966995014553602

Source:https://twitter.com/Melnortonsj/status/699971021135335426

kwajo · #**10408** Posted **Feb 17, 2016, 3:10 PM**

Really cool that we're getting a new prominent addition to our skyline, but I want to know more about the execution of the project, ie. materials, sustainability features, etc. because right now it looks awfully bland.

MonctonRad · #**10409** Posted **Feb 17, 2016, 3:18 PM**

Congratulations!

Very classic and traditional style. It should blend into the neighbourhood quite well.

I like this perspective view.

So, are you guys planning a special thread to discuss this project as it unfolds?

theshark · #**10410** Posted **Feb 17, 2016, 3:23 PM**

Did they say when this would start?

michael_d40 · #**10411** Posted **Feb 17, 2016, 3:25 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by theshark

Did they say when this would start?

This Spring.

JHikka · #**10412** Posted **Feb 17, 2016, 3:27 PM**

Pretty bland looking. Will hold out on opinion until more details are known. Height for the sake of height is nice but if it looks bad it looks bad.

I echo kwajo's concern about the process. In true Saint John fashion everybody jobs on the bandwagon of a finished product before the process has even begun. Better than an empty parking lot. I'm curious what happens to the other IOL offices scattered around the Uptown and City once this is completed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

So, are you guys planning a special thread to discuss this project as it unfolds?

Would like to create one once the building has gone through the proper channels and proposed through the City's development arm. The previous two SJ threads, Fundy Quay and Long Wharf, were either not finalized or are currently moribund.

kwajo · #**10413** Posted **Feb 17, 2016, 3:39 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by JHikka

Pretty bland looking. Will hold out on opinion until more details are known. Height for the sake of height is nice but if it looks bad it looks bad.

I echo kwajo's concern about the process. In true Saint John fashion everybody jobs on the bandwagon of a finished product before the process has even begun. Better than an empty parking lot. I'm curious what happens to the other IOL offices scattered around the Uptown and City once this is completed.

I was wondering the same thing. If they are conglomerating their office space as they claim, wouldn't that vacate several buildings? If so, do they plan on selling them or leasing them out? Irving traditionally doesn't give up properties, so unless they change on that front we might end up with some potential eyesores around town.

I suppose they could also be holding onto them to be occupied by some new partner company that will be coming to town with the pipeline, we'll see...

JHikka · #**10414** Posted **Feb 17, 2016, 3:41 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwajo

I was wondering the same thing. If they are conglomerating their office space as they claim, wouldn't that vacate several buildings? If so, do they plan on selling them or leasing them out? Irving traditionally doesn't give up properties, so unless they change on that front we might end up with some potential eyesores around town.

Two buildings in particular are a smaller office space across King's Square next to the Paramount parking lot and another building on Union across from the Telegraph Journal. Unless IOL is planning on expanding service in the City I would find it hard to imagine these offices remain operating once Home Office is completed.

WharfRat · #**10415** Posted **Feb 17, 2016, 3:52 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

Very classic and traditional style. It should blend into the neighbourhood quite well.

I was quite surprised by the design at first but it grew on me rather quickly… I like it and as MonctonRad stated above, it really does fit in nicely!

Sabien · #**10416** Posted **Feb 17, 2016, 3:54 PM**

The architect's animation shows a terrace above the 4th floor at the back of the building with a small plaza below - looks more interesting compared to the front.