[Moncton] Downtown Developments

[jonny golden]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

Yes, I recall that too. I believe the safety easement for the railway is something like 20m, and a good portion of the Deluxe lot lies outside this exclusion zone. The area inside the easement could be used for something like parking (enclosed or otherwise).

The best use for this lot would be mixed use residential (a mid rise apartment building over a commercial/retail podium).

There are also 3 smaller vacant lots just to the west of the Delux land. If consolidated, that entire corner over to Robinson Street could be used for a very nice project. The train tracks wouldn't be an issue if the developers placed the building on the Robinson/St. George corner. There is already a 4 story apartment building on the lot just to the south which would actually be closer to the tracks.

It's an idea for a more substantial project, but unfortunately I don't think we'll see it happen. In any event, demolishing the Delux building and replacing it with a new mid rise residential over commercial building, would be a nice addition to the neighbourhood.

[adamuptownsj]

I was actually just talking to one of the Spitfire guys the other day and he had mentioned movement at the Subway Block. Not sure if Spitfire is involved or not- commercial reno jobs don't seem to be their specialty, or if it's industry chatter.

Does anyone know if this includes the 2-storey structure at 897-901 Main? Is that part of the building?

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by adamuptownsj

I was actually just talking to one of the Spitfire guys the other day and he had mentioned movement at the Subway Block. Not sure if Spitfire is involved or not- commercial reno jobs don't seem to be their specialty, or if it's industry chatter.

Does anyone know if this includes the 2-storey structure at 897-901 Main? Is that part of the building?

That is the Flatiron Building. It is apparently the new owner of the Flatiron who is interested in the Subway Block. If he is successful in purchasing the Subway Block, then expect to see both properties gutted and repurposed, most likely for ground floor retail and upper level office space. The new owner of the Flatiron is apparently dedicated to maintaining the architectural streetscape, which is a very good thing.

[adamuptownsj]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

That is the Flatiron Building. It is apparently the new owner of the Flatiron who is interested in the Subway Block. If he is successful in purchasing the Subway Block, then expect to see both properties gutted and repurposed, most likely for ground floor retail and upper level office space. The new owner of the Flatiron is apparently dedicated to maintaining the architectural streetscape, which is a very good thing.

Thanks for clarifying! Glad to hear it. Should make a nice gateway to your downtown proper.

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

They are clearing a large parcel of land at the west end of the Franklin Yards on Millennium Blvd. I presume this is in preparation for the construction of the first of multiple planned six storey apartment buildings intended for the site. I recall from last year that they planned to construct the first building in this development in this location.


The area in question is the distant building on the far right of the image above

I drove by on Millennium today, and they have moved beyond the land clearing phase. There is now some heavy duty excavation going on. Next step will be installation of forms, pouring the basement level, and crane construction.

[KnoxfordGuy]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

That is the Flatiron Building. It is apparently the new owner of the Flatiron who is interested in the Subway Block. If he is successful in purchasing the Subway Block, then expect to see both properties gutted and repurposed, most likely for ground floor retail and upper level office space. The new owner of the Flatiron is apparently dedicated to maintaining the architectural streetscape, which is a very good thing.

Huzzah! Excellent news!

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by KnoxfordGuy

Huzzah! Excellent news!

Potentially excellent news.

Nobody has bought the Subway Block (yet). There has only been an expression of interest. Lots of time left for the proponent to get cold feet for whatever reason. Still, given the sad state of the Subway Block at present, any interest being expressed can lead to (potentially irrational) optimism.

The combination of the Flatiron Building and the Subway Block right next to the CNR overpass creates a vital linchpin between the west and east ends of the downtown core. In it's current state, this area can seem foreboding to pedestrians. On the other hand, if there were lively storefronts in these two buildings, and abundant casual pedestrian traffic (rather than derelict vagrants) crowding the sidewalk, then the whole character of the core could be changed.

These two buildings have more than a little importance in reestablishing the vitality of downtown Moncton.

[MonctonPerson]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

Chatter online that the Flatiron Building next to the CN Subway has a new owner, and that this person is also interested in purchasing the Subway Block too, with an eye towards renovating and repurposing the properties.

Something to keep an eye on.......

Not to say there isn't something happening, but there's no change in ownership in the property records for either parcel yet.

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by MonctonPerson

Not to say there isn't something happening, but there's no change in ownership in the property records for either parcel yet.

Agreed. Lot's of reason to have tempered enthusiasm here. There is some smoke, but no evidence of fire as of yet. Some heightened vigilance may be in order.

[Riberview]

Originally Posted by MonctonPerson

Not to say there isn't something happening, but there's no change in ownership in the property records for either parcel yet.

If you're checking online, paol.snb.ca, there is usually a month or more delay in any sale being posted.

[jonny golden]

Originally Posted by Riberview

If you're checking online, paol.snb.ca, there is usually a month or more delay in any sale being posted.

Thank You. I was wondering how long a sale would take to be registered there. I'm interested to know if the sale of the Delux property on St. George Street also included the 3 small vacant lots just to the west. If consolidated, that would make a much better parcel of land for development, especially with the railway track setback requirements.

Nothing was mentioned in the release Re/max put out, so I'm doubtful they bought the extra lots. Unfortunately.

[MonctonRad]

Bistro Rosoi has a Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/Bistrorosoi/

They claim to be opening tomorrow at 841 Main Street in downtown Moncton. This is the same building as Navigators Pub and the Cosmo. I have no additional information, other than the fact it appears to be Indian food.

[CreamOfpumpkin]

New restaurant to open on Main St. Dalas African Cusine, 761 if I am not mistaken, the same location where the Italien pizza shop was.

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by CreamOfpumpkin

New restaurant to open on Main St. Dalas African Cusine, 761 if I am not mistaken, the same location where the Italien pizza shop was.

Google Street View suggests the former Starbucks location on Main Street.

African cuisine - that's interesting. There is an African restaurant on Elmwood too.

[CreamOfpumpkin]

Same building, not the same unit. they will not be on the corner.

[Monctoncore]

It feels like the city developers have gone on hiatus for awhile, there hasn’t been a new development announced in awhile. Makes me think something big will be coming.

[jonny golden]

Every time I drive by the Terminal Plaza Building (1222 Main St.) I can't help but think of the unrealized potential it has. I would imagine the pandemic situation with so many office workers now at home impacted any potential redevelopment plans.

I wonder if the owners are now finally working on something for this building, or if it would make sense for a local developer to purchase it and convert it to residential? I just hate to see such a prominent building sitting empty, especially in this important location.

[MonctonRad]

If you go to the Crombie REIT website, there is no mention of 1222 Main at all. It would appear they have taken this property completely off the market.

I'm not sure what this means, but I suspect that Crombie is reassessing their options for this building. The market isn't there right now to renovate this building for Class A office space.

[jonny golden]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

If you go to the Crombie REIT website, there is no mention of 1222 Main at all. It would appear they have taken this property completely off the market.

I'm not sure what this means, but I suspect that Crombie is reassessing their options for this building. The market isn't there right now to renovate this building for Class A office space.

I actually did go to their site and had also noticed that. They do have residential developments in larger cities, so I wonder if they'd consider that option for 1222 Main St. They could easily do ground floor commercial/retail here.

I believe this part of downtown will continue to grow over the next few years, and this building could be a very attractive addition to the area. But who knows if this property is even on their radar at this time!

[MonctonRad]

Comic Hunter Moving to St. George Street

The Comic Hunter (Moncton)

Big News! We're moving! Fall 2022

I know everyone is excited about Free Comic Book Day this weekend, but I wanted to take a second to reveal what has apparently been the worst kept secret in town, but it's official now! We're moving this fall!

We are now the owners of the former "Staples Pharmacy" building at 319 St George. It needs some work, but it's ours! We'll be working all summer long to transform the former pharmacy and office space on the second floor: the first floor our comics/graphic novels/toys, and the second, all the gaming! Board games, card games, warhammer, model kits, etc, with a large game room to resume hosting nightly events!

We're super excited about the possibilities that this will offer us! We're investing in ourselves and the downtown, bringing another awesome (toot toot own our horn) shop into the best stretch of St George Street!

More details to come, and pictures of the renos when we remember to take some!

This is actually huge news for the entire St. George Street district. The best block of St. George is between Weldon & Highfield, with a near continuous facade of successful small businesses. This was imperilled by the recent closure of the former Staples Pharmacy (retirement), and the impending decampment of Uni to Tannery Place South. Comic Hunter however will be a more than adequate replacement for the former Staples, as it is a bit of a destination retailer and will be a draw for the neighbourhood, which could benefit other businesses.

As for Uni, while it's impending departure is a bit of a disappointment, it is not actually leaving downtown, and their soon-to-be-vacated building is modern and avant garde in design. I don't think it will remain vacant for long. In fact, I could see a restaurant doing something very creative with this building.

I am very pleased with this news!