[Moncton] Downtown Developments

[jonny golden]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

Actual renders have appeared for the first two of the anticipated nine 6 storey apartment buildings on Millennium Blvd. These were found on the Spitfire Designs Facebook page:





These are actually nicer looking than I expected. Although the buildings are identical, they at least tried to mix things up in terms of colour palette.

I still have a problem with the site layout, but I am more encouraged now than I was before that this will be a decent development.

Yeah they actually don't look that bad. With a lot of trees in the landscape design, I think it could look good. However, the surface parking really will detract from the overall appearance. It would be great if they could alter the design of future buildings to incorporate underground parking. But of course like a lot of things in life, it's all about the money.

[NBNYer]

The new renders do look a bit better than the previously released one, but that was never the real problem with this development. The horrible built form, the acres of surface parking and the lack of walkable amenities are the problem. I hope they are affordable as such units are sorely needed. I think this development may become a less-than-desirable place to live in a relatively short timeframe. At least these aren’t in a very prominent spot in the city.

[PEI highway guy]

Is it my imagination or is there more activity going on this year, later in the season. My brother works in a window/door store/warehouse in MID west and they are still busy when it is normaly quiet. Lack of snow may b e one reason, but there seems to be much more piosting on variouus projects in NB at least, this late in the year.

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by PEI highway guy

Is it my imagination or is there more activity going on this year, later in the season. My brother works in a window/door store/warehouse in MID west and they are still busy when it is normaly quiet. Lack of snow may b e one reason, but there seems to be much more piosting on variouus projects in NB at least, this late in the year.

There is certainly lots of late season ongoing costruction going on. Probably more than usual, but we were a little short on new announced projects this year. I suppose this is OK since we probably have at least a two to three year construction backlog on previously announced projects.

[jonny golden]

I noticed that when they demolished that retail stretch at the Crowne Plaza, that there was a basement under it. I was wondering if they'd be able to use it for something. Apparently not, as it's been totally filled in. I guess they'll be building the new restaurant on a slab.

[jonny golden]

Originally Posted by jonny golden

I noticed that when they demolished that retail stretch at the Crowne Plaza, that there was a basement under it. I was wondering if they'd be able to use it for something. Apparently not, as it's been totally filled in. I guess they'll be building the new restaurant on a slab.

So there's been no activity at the site for the last few days. Was a date ever confirmed for the start of the new restaurant construction? Could they get going on this now, or would they have to wait until the spring?

[MonctonRad]

They may just wait for spring now.

[jonny golden]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

They may just wait for spring now.

I was wondering if the world juniors would be having an impact. Probably wouldn't look good having a busy/noisy construction site just across the street.

I'm still curious to see if they're planning to build a single level restaurant building only, or will it occupy the ground floor of something bigger.

[David_99]

Originally Posted by jonny golden

I'm still curious to see if they're planning to build a single level restaurant building only, or will it occupy the ground floor of something bigger.

A single level restaurant and an empty, single level former bus station right next to it, is such a waste of space and potential for such a prominent downtown location. It would be nice to know their long term plans.

[MonctonRad]

I don't think it will be single level. I imagine it will be two storey, like the plaza it is replacing (it would look funny otherwise).

I agree the lack of height is disappointing, but there is still potential for the future with the old bus station next door, and the parking lot in behind.

My main concern is that Moncton is probably so far off Aquillini's radar that nothing will happen for decades.

[jonny golden]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

I don't think it will be single level. I imagine it will be two storey, like the plaza it is replacing (it would look funny otherwise).

I agree the lack of height is disappointing, but there is still potential for the future with the old bus station next door, and the parking lot in behind.

My main concern is that Moncton is probably so far off Aquillini's radar that nothing will happen for decades.

I figured when they filled in the basement, that we wouldn't see anything significant being built; at least nothing with underground parking. Constructing a two floor project will unfortunately result in surface parking occurring behind the building. I guess there's potential for future development, but it would have been nice to see a major project along Main Street.

After decades of zero activity by Aquilini, at least we are somewhat on their radar now. But to what extent, who knows. It's frustrating seeing this prime property sitting underdeveloped, especially knowing the kinds of projects that they are capable of building. The demand is very strong for more residential units and it would be a major benefit for downtown Moncton if Aquilini would take advantage of this market.

[Colouratura]

Originally Posted by jonny golden

I was wondering if the world juniors would be having an impact. Probably wouldn't look good having a busy/noisy construction site just across the street.

I'm still curious to see if they're planning to build a single level restaurant building only, or will it occupy the ground floor of something bigger.

I think you hit the nail on the head. There originally was a hockey theme wrap across the construction fence to block the view. Like the design on the wood they put up on the old Subway Block building to "pretty" it up for the tournament.

I saw the fence and wrap fall a few days ago (one guy was holding it up) and yesterday noticed the wrap is gone.

[KnoxfordGuy]

Is the Times & Transcript still based downtown? What happened to the shiny chrome lettering on the front of their building?

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by KnoxfordGuy

Is the Times & Transcript still based downtown? What happened to the shiny chrome lettering on the front of their building?

Signage has been removed from the building. I don't know why. The building is still used as a printing facility, and is owned by Post Media. I don't know how much of a corporate (or news) presence is left in the building.

[teebs]

Originally Posted by KnoxfordGuy

Is the Times & Transcript still based downtown? What happened to the shiny chrome lettering on the front of their building?

Nope.

Reporters, editors, etc. have been working from home since the start of the pandemic, but that was quietly made permanent in the last year.

MonctonRad is right in noting all BNI papers are still being printed there, but I think I recall hearing the building was kept within the JDI umbrella. Pretty sure there was no real estate included in the purchase.

Not sure who is occupying it right now, I'd suspect other JDI outfits.

[MonctonRad]

Bayside Barbers out of Saint John will be the new tenant of the Flat Iron Building Downtown.

[MonctonRad]

The owner of the Flat Iron Building above remains interested in purchasing and renovating the adjacent Subway Block.

This is the good news. The bad news is that the city's heritage board is causing the developer considerable grief in their demands to maintain the buildings historical character.

Apparently the Subway Block is in horrible shape (huge holes in the floor, rotting woodwork, unstable brickwork). Major renovations are necessary in order to make the building safe, let alone fit for leasing. The heritage board is being obstructive.

The principle issue for the board is apparently the facade. As you know, there are several alcoves (recessed entries) along the front of the building. In order to make the front of the building safe (while retaining a semblance of historical accuracy), these alcoves will have to go in favour of a single non recessed entrance. The heritage board is taking considerable umbrage to this.

If the choice is between a developer who wants to preserve as much of the character of the building as possible while at the same time making the building safe, and, a completely intransigent heritage board, well, I guess you can tell what my own personal choice would be.

The choice should really be between strategic preservation versus demolition. Given the heritage boards intransigence, it would appear as if we are heading towards demolition and yet another hole along Main Street in downtown Moncton.

[adamuptownsj]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

The owner of the Flat Iron Building above remains interested in purchasing and renovating the adjacent Subway Block.

This is the good news. The bad news is that the city's heritage board is causing the developer considerable grief in their demands to maintain the buildings historical character.

Apparently the Subway Block is in horrible shape (huge holes in the floor, rotting woodwork, unstable brickwork). Major renovations are necessary in order to make the building safe, let alone fit for leasing. The heritage board is being obstructive.

The principle issue for the board is apparently the facade. As you know, there are several alcoves (recessed entries) along the front of the building. In order to make the front of the building safe (while retaining a semblance of historical accuracy), these alcoves will have to go in favour of a single non recessed entrance. The heritage board is taking considerable umbrage to this.

If the choice is between a developer who wants to preserve as much of the character of the building as possible while at the same time making the building safe, and, a completely intransigent heritage board, well, I guess you can tell what my own personal choice would be.

The choice should really be between strategic preservation versus demolition. Given the heritage boards intransigence, it would appear as if we are heading towards demolition and yet another hole along Main Street in downtown Moncton.

So stupid. The perfect is the enemy of the good. It he's leaving massing and proportions the same and using quality materials, what's the issue?

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

Bayside Barbers out of Saint John will be the new tenant of the Flat Iron Building Downtown.

Apparently this new barbershop will open on February 1st.


T&T photo

[Franco401]

Upscale barbershops are saving a lot of weird, small spaces in old buildings if you're OK with painting it black.