The Official Saint John, NB Project Thread

[cdnguys]

Statistics Canada indicates that for July 2018 the unemployment rate in Saint John is 5.4% (lowest since 2009) ~ just another indicator things are on the upswing. Was talking my buddy from Wyndham - he says their parent company in Indianapolis went through a reorganization and a division based there is transferred to Saint John. (Company was split up into 2 publicly traded corps). He said there are even executives moving to Saint John and they will be renting space in the Brunswick Square office tower until their expansion on Crown Street is complete ~ apparently they have to wait for Brothers Beauty Supply to vacate at end of month.

[JHikka]

Originally Posted by cdnguys

The Saint John Real Estate board released July stats - 257 homes sold in the city - an all time high for July and 5th best month in the history of board. I do get the sense more people are moving here ~ starting to see a lot of unfamiliar faces

The Saint John CMA has improved its interprovincial migration numbers recently, with 2016-2017 being the best year for interprovincial migration since 2010-2011. The CMA is still losing more people to other provinces than it gains but it's down to only a third of the loss that it was in 2013:

Interprovincial Migration, Saint John CMA:
2011: -365
2012: -889
2013: -1,215
2014: -1,323
2015: -918
2016: -661
2017: -450

[ColSJ]

Screenshotted off of snapchat of the development of the new Irving Oil parking garage and refurbishment of that lot.

[MonctonRad]

Photo showing progress on your new field house.



This is a big project, I'm surprised there isn't more chatter about it on your forum........

[Sabien]

From the Cineplex parking lot you can get a great front row seat of the construction - and, in person, it's much more massive than I had expected. See renderings/plans: www.sjfieldhouse.com

The first phase will hold the two soccer fields - with one field encircled by the track & field lanes, pole vault, long jump, etc.

Phase 2 will be the two ice surfaces. I'm a little surprised that the ice rinks weren't phase one with the track & field coming later - but I know nothing about the market/demand for either – I'm sure their market research guided the decision.

Once completed, and when large events are held there, all of the amenities in that neighbourhood will be booming - there are over 20 restaurants of various price ranges within walking distance, not to mention several hotels and motels nearby.

I don't think the project has received the publicity it deserves - maybe as things progress it will increase.

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by Sabien

I don't think the project has received the publicity it deserves - maybe as things progress it will increase.

Indeed. When complete, there won't be anything like this anywhere else in the province. it'll be fantastic for sports tourism. Other cities will have to step up their game in order to compete.

Good for SJ.

[NB_ExistsToo]

Originally Posted by Sabien

Phase 2 will be the two ice surfaces. I'm a little surprised that the ice rinks weren't phase one with the track & field coming later - but I know nothing about the market/demand for either – I'm sure their market research guided the decision.

.

I'm unaware of the market research either, but from the discussions I have had with people in the community, they're more interested in the hockey rink, and keep saying they need a new one in town.

so maybe the planning committee would be worried about phase 2 construction if it were the soccer portion, whereas they knew people would still push for the hockey rink.

Then again, it could be to do with the 2026 World Cup desires with the strange Can/USA/Mex approach.

[JHikka]

Originally Posted by NB_ExistsToo

I'm unaware of the market research either, but from the discussions I have had with people in the community, they're more interested in the hockey rink, and keep saying they need a new one in town.

I imagine that once the two Fieldhouse ice surfaces are online some city rinks may be retired. A couple will be nearing the end of their lifespans in 5-10 years, IIRC (Gorman, Belyea, etc.). This would depend on what the Fieldhouse ice rinks would look like in terms of users/usage as a whole. There aren't currently enough ice surfaces in Quispamsis, for example, so there's been some crossover of those residents using SJ rinks in the past.

Saint John has lacked an indoor soccer venue for quite some time and there is certainly the user base there for one. Getting an indoor facility for use through the winter for outdoor sports is more important to the local sports scene than added hockey rinks, IMO.

[Franco401]

The Belyea might o
not be due for retirement because Lancaster and Saint John have separate minor hockey systems, and the LMHA would be left with nothing but the River Valley Community Centre in its absence.

[ColSJ]

Progress towards the new NB Museum continues

http://www.country94.ca/news/846021367/former-coast-guard-buildings-coming-down-month

[JHikka]

Originally Posted by Franco401

The Belyea might o
not be due for retirement because Lancaster and Saint John have separate minor hockey systems, and the LMHA would be left with nothing but the River Valley Community Centre in its absence.

The associations don't own and operate the rinks - the city/municipality does.

That said, the city would presumably consult with the associations on their feasibility to a certain degree.

[NB_ExistsToo]

Originally Posted by JHikka

Saint John has lacked an indoor soccer venue for quite some time and there is certainly the user base there for one. Getting an indoor facility for use through the winter for outdoor sports is more important to the local sports scene than added hockey rinks, IMO.

Oh I agree. I've played at the UNB facility, but just isn't the same as turf/actual fields. I assume most of this was due to the lack of money and spiraling population base. That seems to have all settled and now they actually have some ability to try and push a couple projects while maintaining something that resembles a budget

[RR Drummer]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

Indeed. When complete, there won't be anything like this anywhere else in the province. it'll be fantastic for sports tourism. Other cities will have to step up their game in order to compete.

Good for SJ.

I am very impressed with the whole project. It took a long time but it will be well worth it once complete. Saint John will have an outstanding facility that will benefit many users, both local and non local. And to think I'll only be a short walk away.

[JakeNB]

Originally Posted by JHikka

The day we've literally been waiting decades for has finally come. 91 King has been sold.



The original facade, as posted by SJCRE, looks something like this:

91 King is looking worse than ever. Does not appear to have been any work done to date and no activity is visible. Anyone have any idea what's going on?

[Southpaw78]

Originally Posted by JakeNB

91 King is looking worse than ever. Does not appear to have been any work done to date and no activity is visible. Anyone have any idea what's going on?

Yes, would be great to hear if anyone has an update! The same people also bought 22 King. Is there any work being done there? Live out of town so not able to check...

[ColSJ]

Originally Posted by JakeNB

91 King is looking worse than ever. Does not appear to have been any work done to date and no activity is visible. Anyone have any idea what's going on?

91 King

IREI closed on 91 King in April 2018 after a complicated process. The current structure is sound, IREI intends to lease the existing spaces to national restaurants, preferably to house a movie theater, or a national convenient store. Once the tenancy is stabilized, we intend to add more residential components to the existing structure, and will be working closely with the City planning department to achieve the necessary density. Once again, the plan is to have roof top terrace, perhaps a swimming pool & hot tub, small putting green, checker board, and BBQ space. Phase 1 is starting in May 2018, and phase II is slated for early 2019. https://www.integrityreinvest.com/current-projects

Here is a photo of the inside of 91 King taken in April. As to how many stories will be added hasn't been announced but I hear they're looking at adding 60 units. A lease for the bottom floor is currently being advertised.

[JHikka]

Originally Posted by JakeNB

91 King is looking worse than ever. Does not appear to have been any work done to date and no activity is visible. Anyone have any idea what's going on?

Thanks for joining the forum.

Patience is important for larger projects like these. Things don't necessarily happen overnight.

[Franco401]

91 King is probably the single most significant restoration effort in the city since Market Square or at least Centrebeam place, so it's certainly worth the wait.

[JakeNB]

I'm not an impatient person. But looking at the owner's own statements which refer to Phase 1 starting in May 2018, I am becoming increasingly dubious that the owner has the financial or management capacity to make this project a reality. Truly hope I am wrong, but nothing has been happening on site, no building permits have been sought, and the building continues to be an eyesore. I guess time will tell. Hopefully someone with some inside knowledge will jump in to the discussion.

[mark smith]

It's not going to happen