[Helladog]

Anyone heard any news on the proposed Irving office tower??

I heard somewhere it could be as big as 67 stories, but that's prolly a huge exaggeration.

[Haliguy]

I heard somewhere it could be as big as 67 stories, but that's prolly a huge exaggeration.

Yeah Ok...LOL....

[GUB]

67 Storeys?
That sounds credible.
It wouldn't look a bit out of place with the SJ skyline would it.

[Wishblade]

Hahaha maybe 6 OR 7. 67 is completely rediculous for a city like Saint John. it would look like the skyline was giving you the finger or something :haha:

[ErickMontreal]

67 Storeys?
That sounds credible.
It wouldn't look a bit out of place with the SJ skyline would it.

Come on, 67-stories is at least 2.0 millions S/F, it is more biggest than Place-Ville marie in Montreal and the same size than First Canadian place in To as well.....

A 7 to 15-stories building (75 000-100 000 s/f) is less ridiculos.

[mmmatt]

I heard somewhere it could be as big as 67 stories, but that's prolly a huge exaggeration.

:rolleyes:

[Helladog]

Hey...I'm not saying that sounds probable, but considering the golden ball is like 7-8 stories, it'd be unlikely they would build the same size to fit all their offices under one roof. Unless they use a larger footprint...

[mmmatt]

Hey...I'm not saying that sounds probable, but considering the golden ball is like 7-8 stories, it'd be unlikely they would build the same size to fit all their offices under one roof. Unless they use a larger footprint...

Well considering that the new motto of construction in NB is "why make it 10 stories when we could just make five 2 story buildings for cheaper" that will probably be the case

[Helladog]

Hahaha maybe 6 OR 7. 67 is completely rediculous for a city like Saint John. it would look like the skyline was giving you the finger or something :haha:

Here we go...LOL

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/Obsceneeyedog/Saint%20John/irv.jpg

[michael_d40]

Well considering that the new motto of construction in NB is "why make it 10 stories when we could just make five 2 story buildings for cheaper" that will probably be the case

Um.... Thats the Moncton Motto sir..... Were talking about Saint John here.

[mmmatt]

Um.... Thats the Moncton Motto sir..... Were talking about Saint John here.

no...Monctons motto is "make everything ONE story and have 20 buildings"

[ErickMontreal]

Um.... Thats the Moncton Motto sir..... Were talking about Saint John here.

I am really fascinated by the hate between both cities.

On a national horizon both cities are really similar. At the end of the day either have the same kind of issues to dealing with.
I just think both Moncton and SJ have to work more together.

[ErickMontreal]

no...Monctons motto is "make everything ONE story and have 20 buildings"

lol :tup:

Moncton has some space something SJ does not have. Otherwise, I suppose SJ could use the same way to get things done.

[Helladog]

I saw this crane on the waterfront yesterday, and I thought they were starting the cruise ship terminal...guess it was for something else...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/Obsceneeyedog/Saint%20John/cruise.jpg

Source: Me :D

[Seely32]

Here we go...LOL

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/Obsceneeyedog/Saint%20John/irv.jpg

You know what I kinda like it lol. We could be on the map with the most awkward skyline in north america and bring somemore tourists....with a nice observation deck it could work:yes: :koko:

I wouldnt mind if it was 16 or 17 stories or 6 or 7 bulildings at long wharf With some height to them.

[Seely32]

Anyone notice how many building are going the renovation and restoration uptown. I see multiple brownstones and brick offices getting fixed. The only thing that bothers me is the infastructure which is one of the most important thing for a successful area. The roads uptown are absolutely awful espically on the north side of the peninsula. They should take some of that justice complex money and fix our streets.

Regarding the justice compley I hope they make it 6 storys with some design just not a 3 story box on a parking garage. Also I beleive it was in the paper earlier that they will extend it to the "inside connection".

[thefishingnut]

I'd think in 4-5 years once the new Justice complex is built, hopefully a new Irving Tower, and the new interchanges get trucks away from downtown, that it would be a good time to focus on downtown streets. Progress is great, but it's sure going to be a mess traffic-wise for a while in an area that's hard to get out of at times. And the construction equipment/trucks are going to beat the streets up as well. Short term pain, long term gain.

I too hope there are a few higher buildings changing the city profile. In the 10 years I've been in the area, I've seen the old hospital, half of Red Rose, and the Sugar Refinery knocked out of the skyline, and I can't remember anything new hitting it. Time to see some construction cranes downtown!

[thefishingnut]

I am really fascinated by the hate between both cities.

On a national horizon both cities are really similar. At the end of the day either have the same kind of issues to dealing with.
I just think both Moncton and SJ have to work more together.

No matter where we grew up, there was always a rival town or city. Maybe you can comment based on your handle, but from what I've seen in my travels, neither Montreal/Quebec City or Halifax/Sydney are each others biggest boosters.

From what I've seen here, there is a lot of resentment in Saint John for (perceived?) political bias towards Moncton on the provincial level. I don't if that's true or not, but I have noticed that Saint John has a knack for electing opposition party representatives at all levels, and I've been left scratching my head on many election nights as the returns come in.

[mmmatt]

dp...no need to rant :poke:

[kwajo]

Must have been a bad day, because normally it doesn't smell at all, at least Uptown. The Pulp Mill smells more often than the Refinery does, so the West Side is usually worse off in that regard. Overall the air quality in SJ is pretty good, I'm sure if you compared our downtown pollution levels they wouldn't be drastically different than other cities of the same size, or of Moncton even [which is still smaller ;)].

[kwajo]

You know what I kinda like it lol. We could be on the map with the most awkward skyline in north america and bring somemore tourists....with a nice observation deck it could work:yes: :koko:

I wouldnt mind if it was 16 or 17 stories or 6 or 7 bulildings at long wharf With some height to them.
I agree, it actually does look kind of appealing. It'd actually be great for the city because it might start a trend of building up, not out. I want us to build a vertical core like Vancouver, not continue to sprawl into the horrific East Side.

Oh and someone said that Moncton has space and that SJ doesn't have that luxury. I don't know whether they just meant Uptown (which is obviously true since SJ is on a peninsula), but overall Saint John is enormous in physical size, we have open space coming out of our ears.

[Seely32]

In regards to the smell I was having lunch with a lady who lives in Upstate New york and was saying she could not beleive the air quailty in this city the pulp mill won awards for changing its processing and how little it pollutes now it won a worldwide award in 2000 for helping the aquatic life on the reversing falls.

The oil refinery mind you its an economy booster but I have my own personal hate for the oil industry.

WIth Irving they can either make or break our city....And to be honest I dont mind having one of the worlds richest family on our backyard...does moncton???

[mmmatt]

does moncton???

no...sorry bout that post...I deleted it for a reason...Im trying to stay away from starting conflict...its pointless, SJ will always win and Moncton is crap :D

[Seely32]

no...sorry bout that post...I deleted it for a reason...Im trying to stay away from starting conflict...its pointless, SJ will always win and Moncton is crap :D

I agree .....maybe we can grow into a mega city and have us meet in sussex.....one can dream.

[mmmatt]

I agree .....maybe we can grow into a mega city and have us meet in sussex.....one can dream.

:yes:

[ErickMontreal]

I agree, it actually does look kind of appealing. It'd actually be great for the city because it might start a trend of building up, not out. I want us to build a vertical core like Vancouver, not continue to sprawl into the horrific East Side.

Oh and someone said that Moncton has space and that SJ doesn't have that luxury. I don't know whether they just meant Uptown (which is obviously true since SJ is on a peninsula), but overall Saint John is enormous in physical size, we have open space coming out of our ears.

Its me!!, Its not a luxury, Moncton get built bigbox crap due to the space availabitlity in downtown

Why Irvings get built all those projects ?

The facts are Irvings controls the medias and handles the political process as well, from this, they do what they want. The meaning of the democracy seem to be really relative for them. Oh yes, sometimes, they hold biased public hearings with preconceived results to expose their high transparency level. The best thing that could occur for the Saint John citizens would be that Irving become a public company...

Anyway,I really like Saint John but I really hate vertical integration ownership like Irving does

[nero1979]

I have heard rumors regarding that the new Irving building, is also going to accommodate offices for Repsol and the partner with the 2nd refinery. If this is true I could see 25-30 floors tops, which would nice regardless in my mind. Has anybody else heard this?

[Downtown Bolivar]

^^^Hmmm....wow! What's the current tallest in the Maritimes? No doubt the Irvings would love a landmark building, and not just a park, railroad, refinery, etc!

I think the Irvings enormous wealth stirs resentment and apprehension. They are big fish in a small pond. But what they've accomplished is nothing short of amazing. The only city I've seen dominated by one company so much is Corning NY, and Corning Glass. That domination has been largely beneficial...except in a downturn.

[GUB]

I'm quite sure the tallest building in the Maritimes is the Aliant building (Maritime Centre) in downtown Halifax.
The building is viewed rather negatively by locals/planners etc. due to its positioin which blocks the water-view from Spring Garden Rd. There is also a large wind-tunnel effect due to the building, not to mention the large shadow it casts.
Despite all the negativity associated with the building, I don't see all the fuss. It's a pretty prominent building, and if anyone else has ever been in the elevator, it provides a bomb-ass view of the city and harbour.

[Haliguy]

^^^Hmmm....wow! What's the current tallest in the Maritimes? No doubt the Irvings would love a landmark building, and not just a park, railroad, refinery, etc!

I think the Irvings enormous wealth stirs resentment and apprehension. They are big fish in a small pond. But what they've accomplished is nothing short of amazing. The only city I've seen dominated by one company so much is Corning NY, and Corning Glass. That domination has been largely beneficial...except in a downturn.


The tallest is Fenwick Tower in Hailfax at 33 stories.

Whats the tallest in Saint John right now? If it is to much taller then any other buliding right now it woudl stick out like a sore thumb I would say 15 - 20 story buliding would blind in nicley.

[kwajo]

The tallest is Fenwick Tower in Hailfax at 33 stories.

Whats the tallest in Saint John right now? If it is to much taller then any other buliding right now it woudl stick out like a sore thumb I would say 15 - 20 story buliding would blind in nicley.
Brunswick Square is the tallest at 19 (?) stories, but it is on the top of a hill, so if you built a 30-35 storey building on the waterfront, they would probably appear to be of similar height.

All indications are that the new Irving building would have Repsol offices as well, and if they are involved then this could be a very large building or group of buildings (Repsol is an enormous company, far larger than Irving will ever be).

[GUB]

You're correct Haliguy, in stating Fenwick as the tallest.
My instinct told me Fenwick, but I just thought the Mar. Centre because it is so much larger (width) than Fen.
The Aliant building is 21 storeys.
Was in Fenwick once, but not very high up.
Did you know they built a swimming pool on the upper-most levels, but when filling it up realized the building was not sound enough to carry the weight?
I find fenwick kind of cool, in a weird way.

[Haliguy]

You're correct Haliguy, in stating Fenwick as the tallest.
My instinct told me Fenwick, but I just thought the Mar. Centre because it is so much larger (width) than Fen.
The Aliant building is 21 storeys.
Was in Fenwick once, but not very high up.
Did you know they built a swimming pool on the upper-most levels, but when filling it up realized the building was not sound enough to carry the weight?
I find fenwick kind of cool, in a weird way.

Yeah there's all kind of stories about Fenwick..lol... I use to live on the 19th floor. Youcould feel the building move on a windy day. The Alaint building my actaully seem taller then 21 stories if you think about. On the Hollis street if you look at the hotel at the base of it you colud add another 5 stories on to it making 26 stories.

[Seely32]

Brunswick Square(80.8 metres) 19-story office building with 511,032 sq/ft which was built in 1980. It is the largest office building in New Brunswick in terms of square footage and second in Atlantic Canada behind the Maritime Centre in Halifax. It is tied with Assumption Place in Moncton for the highest.Fortis Properties

from wikipedia.


The hill that its on easily adds another 3 or 4 stories from the waterfront.

[mmmatt]

Brunswick Square(80.8 metres) 19-story office building with 511,032 sq/ft which was built in 1980. It is the largest office building in New Brunswick in terms of square footage and second in Atlantic Canada behind the Maritime Centre in Halifax. It is tied with Assumption Place in Moncton for the highest.Fortis Properties

from wikipedia.


The hill that its on easily adds another 3 or 4 stories from the waterfront.

:D Me and Halifaxmtl666 wrote that sentence. (he wrote the part about Brunswick Square and I added in the part about Assumption Place)

PS...Assumption Place is still the tallest in NB by number of above ground floors (20 vs 19) :cool:

[Haliguy]

:D Me and Halifaxmtl666 wrote that sentence. (he wrote the part about Brunswick Square and I added in the part about Assumption Place)

PS...Assumption Place is still the tallest in NB by number of above ground floors (20 vs 19) :cool:

Is Brunswick Sqaure larger than Pruddy'y Wharf tower II?

[mmmatt]

Is Brunswick Sqaure larger than Pruddy'y Wharf tower II?

Yes

Brunswick Square = 511,032 sq.ft.
Purdys Wharf II = 367,919 sq.ft.

Sources - GWL Realty (http://www.space4lease.com/canada/bc/members/gwl/portfolio_search/main/searchResults_All.asp?results=Y&language=1&PropertyType=Office&start=1&end=10&ProvMarket=16&BuildingID=4530&print=no)
Fortis (http://www.fortisproperties.com/en/home/aboutus/propertyportfolio.aspx)

[Varlik]

Fenwick is tallest but the number of floors is misleading because it is a residential building and residental floors are not as tall as commercial floors. Here's a good comparison of the buildings in Halifax

http://skyscraperpage.com/diagrams/?29846861

Regarding the photo of the crane beside the cruise ship, I watched it for a while at lunch time and it was used to replace a dish on the ship. The one they removed had a piece missing for some reason.

[Seely32]

:D Me and Halifaxmtl666 wrote that sentence. (he wrote the part about Brunswick Square and I added in the part about Assumption Place)

PS...Assumption Place is still the tallest in NB by number of above ground floors (20 vs 19) :cool:

Hopefully Irving will put us #1 in the maritimes. I would like a 40 story about 480 to 500 feet. Depending where its at on the hill and it wont stick out like a sore thumb. Brunswick square is about 250 and I would give it another 50 from the hill. So it could be a focal point and be easily built up around. High for our standards and not to high were it would look ridiculous. It could be a hieght that we could build to.

My only hope is that the nimby;s dont come out in full force. If they do I will be there fighting for the building whose with me:cheers:

[GUB]

The Irving's are not exactly ostentatious.
I would be shocked if they were to build the tallest building in Saint John.
My bet is that they would intentionally build something shorter than the Brunswick tower, so as not to draw attention etc.

[mmmatt]

The Irving's are not exactly ostentatious.
I would be shocked if they were to build the tallest building in Saint John.
My bet is that they would intentionally build something shorter than the Brunswick tower, so as not to draw attention etc.

My thoughts exactly

[Seely32]

They did build the largest Oil refinery in Canada and are going to build one thats bigger. They had one of the largest oil tankers in the world, and unless they plan on building multiple buidlings they just wouldnt have the room with a smaller building.

[Varlik]

I think the Irvings would build the tallest building if it made economic sense to them but it likely would not. Everything they do is strictly a business decision and they certainly didn't build the biggest refinery just to show off.

[Wishblade]

Fenwick is tallest but the number of floors is misleading because it is a residential building and residental floors are not as tall as commercial floors. Here's a good comparison of the buildings in Halifax

http://skyscraperpage.com/diagrams/?29846861

Regarding the photo of the crane beside the cruise ship, I watched it for a while at lunch time and it was used to replace a dish on the ship. The one they removed had a piece missing for some reason.

If you want to compare Fenwick tower with other buildings on total height, the height is listed as 98 meters (322 ft).

[mmmatt]

I think the Irvings would build the tallest building if it made economic sense to them but it likely would not. Everything they do is strictly a business decision and they certainly didn't build the biggest refinery just to show off.

Again my thoughts...I dont think I will ever need to post again! haha

But yeah Irving will not go out of thier way to have the tallest building in the city, if they dont need the space or can somehow do it cheaper (ie two shorter buildings) they will. Believe me Irving is not out to make NB a better place THEY ARE OUT TO MAKE MONEY $$$$! and they are damn good at it too, they will even go as far as paying SJ pennys for what could have been worth multiple millions (LNG pipeline). Oh they try to make themselves out as being all nice...ie "PLANTING 33 MILLION TREES THIS YEAR!!"... too bad people cant see the small print on that sign...(cutting down a billion). Irving is the single best and worst thing to happen to New Brunswick at the same time. what a world.

[Helladog]

I have heard rumors regarding that the new Irving building, is also going to accommodate offices for Repsol and the partner with the 2nd refinery.

That would make perfect sense. With office space at a premium right now, extra space could be leased until needed.

[GUB]

No offence Seely, but you're missing my point entirely.
I'm well aware of their large oil refinirie(s) etc. as are the majority of people who regularly view this thread.
All I'm saying is that Irving is not going to go out of their way to build this massive-glamorous headquarters. They will do it economically and as modest as they can.

[ErickMontreal]

No offence Seely, but you're missing my point entirely.
I'm well aware of their large oil refinirie(s) etc. as are the majority of people who regularly view this thread.
All I'm saying is that Irving is not going to go out of their way to build this massive-glamorous headquarters. They will do it economically and as modest as they can.

Agree with you, moreover the new rafinery will be a huge investment which involves a high risks level . I`m not sure they will focus on the building issue.

JD Irving won`t built a new HQ, its a building for the Irving Oil division. They likely get build something around 75-130 000 s/f (5-15 stories)

[Seely32]

No offence Seely, but you're missing my point entirely.
I'm well aware of their large oil refinirie(s) etc. as are the majority of people who regularly view this thread.
All I'm saying is that Irving is not going to go out of their way to build this massive-glamorous headquarters. They will do it economically and as modest as they can.

From my understanding this will be thier headqaurters so seeing as it is that, I couldnt see them make a box with nothing aesthetic I agree with you it will make economic sense but..I see them making this thier jewel. I couldnt imagine bringing new business oppurtunities to a ugly office building thats not impressive. Economics is one thing doesnt mean they have shortcomings in thier headquarters. With not many places uptown to have a huge footprint I think up is the only way to go. With multiple tenants they will require a fair amount of square footage, and they could recover the money that it took them build it.

Even if they dont build big which I think they will mind you any fight from the city....I can still hope and dream.

[ErickMontreal]

From my understanding this will be thier headqaurters so seeing as it is that I couldnt seem them make a box with nothing aesthetic I agree with you it will make economic sense but..I see them making this thier jewel. I couldnt imagine bringing new business oppurtunities to a ugly office building thats not impressive. Economics is one thing doesnt mean they have shortcomings in thier headquarters. With not many places uptown to have a huge footprint I think up is the only way to go.

Even if they dont build big which I think they will mind you any fight from the city....I can still hope and dream.

You have a point.

[thefishingnut]

Sounds like we need a poll on how many floors people think the highest building in a new Irving develoment would be. What are your thoughts?

a) under 5
b) 5-9
c) 10-14
d) 15-19
e) 20 or more.

My vote is c).

[Helladog]

Sounds like we need a poll on how many floors people think the highest building in a new Irving develoment would be. What are your thoughts?

a) under 5
b) 5-9
c) 10-14
d) 15-19
e) 20 or more.


I'm with e.

[Haliguy]

I would have to go with C

[Seely32]

I am going with E as well

[Alberta Bound]

I'll vote e, although twin buildings at level c would look nice :)

[GUB]

I'm going to go with option C, however option B is my second bet.

[PersonPlaceorThing]

2 C's or 3 B's.

[mmmatt]

C

[PostModernPrometheus]

[QUOTE=thefishingnut;3029239]Sounds like we need a poll on how many floors people think the highest building in a new Irving develoment would be. What are your thoughts?

a) under 5
b) 5-9
c) 10-14
d) 15-19
e) 20 or more.


Bigger/taller is not necessarily better, and I think the answer would depend on what site such a theoretical building would be constructed on....a 10-15 sotry building at the bottom of king street vs. the top of that street would look vastly different....I think that in general, a single tasteful 15 story building or two 8-12 story buildings would fit in best with the rest of the current Saint John skyline....I'd rather see something smaller that complements/augments the current skyline of the city than something that simply has to be the tallest, or have the most floors, etc. .

[PostModernPrometheus]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/Obsceneeyedog/Saint%20John/JaquelinePrem.jpg

Source: My cell phone



I drove up to this site last evening - trying to make sense of what exactly is being done on this site...is it a full expansion (more offices, etc)? it almost looks at this point like it's an addition housing an elevator shaft or something....

[PostModernPrometheus]

From my understanding this will be thier headqaurters so seeing as it is that, I couldnt see them make a box with nothing aesthetic I agree with you it will make economic sense but..I see them making this thier jewel. I couldnt imagine bringing new business oppurtunities to a ugly office building thats not impressive. Economics is one thing doesnt mean they have shortcomings in thier headquarters. With not many places uptown to have a huge footprint I think up is the only way to go. With multiple tenants they will require a fair amount of square footage, and they could recover the money that it took them build it.

Even if they dont build big which I think they will mind you any fight from the city....I can still hope and dream.


I think ultimately, if the 2nd refinery & plans for a new office tower do go ahead, the final tower product will be something moderate...not a nondescript street level box, but not a 20+ floor gleaming white tower....it would likely be in the middle somewhere....blending economical sense with the current / future business needs . . . I agree that most places in the uptown have smallish footprints to build on, so maybe i'll be proved wrong & there will be a really skinny 25+ story tower go up some day. . . .:shrug:

[Seely32]

I drove up to this site last evening - trying to make sense of what exactly is being done on this site...is it a full expansion (more offices, etc)? it almost looks at this point like it's an addition housing an elevator shaft or something....

I agree I dont understand what they are doing to it.

The Saint john energy building has some steel up now and it does not seem to high maybe they will go a little bit higher. There is some ironwork behind it and I am wondering what will happen behind it.

The bridge seems like its taking forever and I wonder if they plan on painting the lights and railings blue as well.

[mmmatt]

Why dont they spend the money on repaying the massive loan they have on that bridge? Im sure people would be happier to pay less of a toll instead of having a blue bridge.

[PostModernPrometheus]

Why dont they spend the money on repaying the massive loan they have on that bridge? Im sure people would be happier to pay less of a toll instead of having a blue bridge.

lol...good point - the original cost of the bridge, if i recall correctly was about 18 million dollars (i'm not sure if this figure is adjusted to current day value or not)...more than 20 million has been paid on it, with more than 20 million left to go...I know that there have been calls for debt forgiveness on the bridge, and i think its fair to say that the city and its citizens have more than paid for their part of that old project...as it currently stands, i dont think it's possible to pay down the bridge debt....

PS- re: the new bridge paint job .....i do like the blue better than the green :notacrook:

[michael_d40]

lol...good point - the original cost of the bridge, if i recall correctly was about 18 million dollars (i'm not sure if this figure is adjusted to current day value or not)...more than 20 million has been paid on it, with more than 20 million left to go...I know that there have been calls for debt forgiveness on the bridge, and i think its fair to say that the city and its citizens have more than paid for their part of that old project...as it currently stands, i dont think it's possible to pay down the bridge debt....

PS- re: the new bridge paint job .....i do like the blue better than the green :notacrook:

Yeah, the blue is pretty sweet. Were really classin up the place around here lol :)

[mmmatt]

Yeah, the blue is pretty sweet. Were really classin up the place around here lol :)

Someone post a picture...I wanna see! :D

[Helladog]

Why dont they spend the money on repaying the massive loan they have on that bridge? Im sure people would be happier to pay less of a toll instead of having a blue bridge.

That bridge requires repainting almost continually. The toll was raised recently to have the bridge paid off within 10 years, cause the debt isn't going to be forgiven.

[Helladog]

I think ultimately, if the 2nd refinery & plans for a new office tower do go ahead, the final tower product will be something moderate...not a nondescript street level box, but not a 20+ floor gleaming white tower....it would likely be in the middle somewhere....blending economical sense with the current / future business needs . . . I agree that most places in the uptown have smallish footprints to build on, so maybe i'll be proved wrong & there will be a really skinny 25+ story tower go up some day. . . .:shrug:

I'm talking completely without any knowledge of Irving needs, but considering the golden ball has an average footprint and is about 7 stories as it is, add all the other Irving Oil offices, call centre, additional requirements due to the new refinery, LNG/Canaport and aquired partners, and unless they buy up a couple of city blocks and increase the footprint, they've got to be looking up...

From what I understand, they already committed to uptown, and there isn't a whole lot of space to sprawl around on.

I must admit, I'd also like to see a different building dominate the skyline besides the 70's Brunswick Square tower, preferably something more appealing to the eye.

[thefishingnut]

I agree with you Kwajo in regards to the majority, if not entirety of Rothesay town council. The decided placement of bus stops in Rothesay simply does not make any sense. For godness sake---in front of Riverside Country Club?! Are Saint Johners going to grab the bus to Riverside and proceed to pay $100 green fee?!

I was thinking about this when I drove past Riverside yesterday. There is a new bus shelter built which looks pretty nice, and it's very close to the parking lot for the park, which was paved in the past 2 weeks. So structurally there are some positive elements about it if a spouse would be dropping off their partner to catch the bus in to work, or if parents would be dropping off/picking up the kids from there. For a 1 car family in the area, it's probably a pretty good setup.

It seems odd that Rothesay would bother building a bus shelter if they didn't want to participate long term.

[Seely32]

I was at the east Point shopping center today and they have a media and public relations office.

They have a floor model of the entire east point shopping center, It includes all the other phases. It looks massive it was closed today so I can't go into any specifics but it looks nice from the window. I plan on stop by later in the week if anyone beats me to it be sure to post....But you are not allowed to take pictures of the floor model. So I wont be able to get everything.

[michael_d40]

I was at the east Point shopping center today and they have a media and public relations office.

They have a floor model of the entire east point shopping center, It includes all the other phases. It looks massive it was closed today so I can't go into any specifics but it looks nice from the window. I plan on stop by later in the week if anyone beats me to it be sure to post....But you are not allowed to take pictures of the floor model. So I wont be able to get everything.

Im sure you could sneak a picture with a cellphone or something lol :P

[Seely32]

Ready for some big steps
Development Announcements soon on justice complex, Coast Guard site, bus garage: mayor

John Mazerolle
Telegraph-Journal
Published Monday August 27th, 2007
Appeared on page C1
SAINT JOHN - Mayor Norm McFarlane says three projects that many Saint Johners have been clamouring for should each take major steps forward in the coming weeks.

A police-justice complex in the uptown, redevelopment of the Coast Guard site on the waterfront, and the city bus garage's move east to make way for retail development on the West Side have each caught the public's attention, but they've all been slow going as the city negotiates land deals.

"I think we're getting to the point in a month or so we'll be able to make announcements," McFarlane said in an interview.

The projects have been in the works for years, and McFarlane said getting them underway will make it easier to pitch Saint John to investors because the growth he constantly boasts about will become more real. "It's a little bit easier to sell," he said.

The Coast Guard project has been in limbo since an announcement in 2005 that the Hardman Group Ltd. had been selected to develop the site. City manager Terry Totten said in late 2006 that the development was "a long ways away" because the federal government's asking price for the site was too high.

The plan is for the city to buy the property, then recoup the money through a lease to the Hardman Group.

In recent months, there have been signs the project is inching forward. Bill Hardman, of the Hardman Group, said in July that he would be able to talk about the project in a month or so. (He could not be reached for comment.)

In addition, company vice-president Colin Whitcomb this summer talked openly about expanding the area they plan to develop, to include Loyalist Plaza.

The scope of the $75-million project would be the largest for the uptown since the development of Market Square more than two decades ago. If the project moves ahead, the site would be redeveloped to include a hotel, condominiums, residential units, commercial and retail space, parking and an educational technology complex, all connected to Harbour Passage and the inside pedway.

Meanwhile, the West Side retail development has always been dependent on moving Saint John Transit's bus terminal from its current location on Fairville Boulevard to a new location, rumoured now to be McDonald Street, near Loch Lomond Mall.

McFarlane said earlier this year his goal was for work to begin at the current transit site this fall. On the retail side, the city is negotiating with Plaza BNG, Inc., the Montreal-based group behind the development. A message left on the appropriate official's cellphone was not returned.

As for the police-justice complex, McFarlane said last week's tender call for demolition of the YMCA-YWCA building on Hazen Avenue is the step that sets the construction of the entire project in motion. The province's tender for demolition closes Sept. 6 and the building should be removed by December.

McFarlane said the city will "be right behind" the province when it starts its work on the provincial justice building. The city is building a new police headquarters that will replace the Saint John Police Force's cramped and inadequate location in City Hall.

[Helladog]

Im sure you could sneak a picture with a cellphone or something lol :P

Ill have to bring along some a flirtacious hottie to distract them while I go clickin' away! :tup:

[PostModernPrometheus]

[QUOTE=Seely32;3034775]Ready for some big steps
Development Announcements soon on justice complex, Coast Guard site, bus garage: mayor

John Mazerolle
Telegraph-Journal
Published Monday August 27th, 2007
Appeared on page C1
SAINT JOHN - Mayor Norm McFarlane says three projects that many Saint Johners have been clamouring for should each take major steps forward in the coming weeks./QUOTE]



Good to hear....particularly about the Harman site, as the propsed Coast Guard site redevelopment is quite possibly the single most important / visible project that will help to usher in a new era for the uptown area.

[Seely32]

I havent heard anything new on the cruiseship welcome centre I wonder if its still ago.

Also I was wondering if we could make a group list of all the projects around town to update the main page and I need one for my site I know you guys can remember more than me?

[PostModernPrometheus]

Subcommittee will suggest possible stadium funding
John Mazerolle
Telegraph-Journal
Published Monday August 27th, 2007
Appeared on page C1
SAINT JOHN - The rebirth of the Canada Games Stadium will cost about $3.5 million, say two key members of the city's Recreation Implementation Committee.

"We've got a good foundation from which to launch and we hope to see it started within a year or so," said Bill MacMackin, a member of the Canada Games Stadium redevelopment subcommittee.

The subcommittee will make a presentation to common council at its regular meeting tonight. The upgrade of the stadium was one of the top priorities identified in the so-called Wallace Report on recreation in Saint John, released in 2005. The idea is to get the once-proud university stadium back up to national standards, make it more part of the community, and attract some premier events similar to the ones it staged in the 1980s and 1990s.

In August 2006, the city and the University of New Brunswick agreed to contribute $10,000 each toward a designer that would come up with the conceptual plans. /



Article Truncated

[PostModernPrometheus]

WATERFRONT PROJECT ON TRACK
August 27, 2007 - 7:12 pm
By: Denise Barkhouse - News 88.9 Staff



SAINT JOHN, NB - The company behind a proposed seventy-five million dollar project for the Saint John waterfront is aiming to break ground late next year.

Hardman Group Vice President, Colin Whitcomb tells us at this point the project is entangled in negotiations.

"Between the city and the Hardman Group, we have to determine who is going to take on what responsibilities for the different portions of the land once it's acquired from the federal government. So we're negotiating that back and forth with the Saint John Development Corporation." Whitcomb said.

Whitcomb said once an agreement is reached, the company plans to make a presentation to city council ( which will hopefully happen in October) for the proposed acquisition strategy from the federal government.

The four phase, ten year project, will include condominiums , 130 room hotel, and a parking garage.

[Helladog]

The company behind a proposed seventy-five million dollar project for the Saint John waterfront is aiming to break ground late next year

So much for starting this fall...at least council is for this one as opposed to the Dean's Hill project 10+ years ago that went bely up in BS.

[GUB]

To me, this is typical Saint John. Everything takes forever to get going.---All talk, no action. Maybe I'm just being impatient, but these delays are hitorically commonplace in SJ. That being said, I think the mayor is doing a respectable job. Compared to the former mayor, Mayor Macfarlane is light years ahead of his predecessor, but then again a 12th grader could have accomplished what she did.

[michael_d40]

To me, this is typical Saint John. Everything takes forever to get going.---All talk, no action. Maybe I'm just being impatient, but these delays are hitorically commonplace in SJ. That being said, I think the mayor is doing a respectable job. Compared to the former mayor, Mayor Macfarlane is light years ahead of his predecessor, but then again a 12th grader could have accomplished what she did.



Actually, that SHE is the reason why Harbour Passage is up and running, Incase you havnt noticed, Harbour Passage has been the catelyst for the the recent explosion of uptown activity,
So ease up and give her a break.

[PostModernPrometheus]

Actually, that SHE is the reason why Harbour Passage is up and running, Incase you havnt noticed, Harbour Passage has been the catelyst for the the recent explosion of uptown activity,
So ease up and give her a break.



I think GUB has a point- historically, there has been a great deal of talk with little to show for it in the city, and the reasons for this are many....that being said, I'd also agree that the "Little red trail" (AKA Harbour Passage) was scoffed at by many when it was begun, but if nothing else, it's gone on to catalyse the general attitude in the city to a more positive one. . . .

I dont believe that Saint John is in a all-talk mode currently....things are proceeding slowly on some fronts, but they *are* proceeding in general. . . call me an optimist :jester:

[Seely32]

I think the tourist industry has been the catalyst for uptown revival.

We try to make the general appeal of the city seem greater. The trail looks beautiful for tourists because its not a focal point in the winter. The new "harbour blue" is due to the color of the harbor passage. Many of the restaurants have decks now to eat in at which appeals to the tourists and helps the look of the city. The bottom of duke and princess have improved immesely and will continue next summer when the lines are buried there is no reason most of the residential blocks cant have a Germain st. feel to it.(which is my favorite street in the city I walk on it daly wiishing I owned a home on it ....one day). The cruisheship welcome center will help our skyline some and our business uptown are thriving becuase of the tourists.

The justice complex will also move things along and thats all from our own people. Hardman group development if that goes through you could see people stateside buying apartmentes and condos there. I just feel like there is so much potential uptown and the upside is there are so many beautiful buildings here that just need some paint and minimal fixing. We live in a beautiful city its just covered in dust in some areas Let's do some dusting.

Helladog my I cant send pics from my cell so see if you can get a snap.

[michael_d40]

I think the tourist industry has been the catalyst for uptown revival.

We try to make the general appeal of the city seem greater. The trail looks beautiful for tourists because its not a focal point in the winter. The new "harbour blue" is due to the color of the harbor passage. Many of the restaurants have decks now to eat in at which appeals to the tourists and helps the look of the city. The bottom of duke and princess have improved immesely and will continue next summer when the lines are buried there is no reason most of the residential blocks cant have a Germain st. feel to it.(which is my favorite street in the city I walk on it daly wiishing I owned a home on it ....one day). The cruisheship welcome center will help our skyline some and our business uptown are thriving becuase of the tourists.

The justice complex will also move things along and thats all from our own people. Hardman group development if that goes through you could see people stateside buying apartmentes and condos there. I just feel like there is so much potential uptown and the upside is there are so many beautiful buildings here that just need some paint and minimal fixing. We live in a beautiful city its just covered in dust in some areas Let's do some dusting.

Helladog my I cant send pics from my cell so see if you can get a snap.



I agree, things are definately moving in the right direction. I truely believe we are living in one of the best places around. If things continue on this upward trend, I really dont see myself ever leaving, and im only 24. We are poised to become "THE" city in Atlantic Canada, and i cant wait.

Things here are truely looking up, and Im glad living here during this revival era.

[michael_d40]

Just an uptdate for the main page:
Bentley Crossing Harbourside Homes Part 1 is sold out and complete.
They are now on to Part 2 Portside Homes
Heres a link with plans and view http://www.bentleycrossing.com/

I believe that bentley crossing is all caused because of Harbour Passage providing a direct link to the uptown core, by foot,

[PersonPlaceorThing]

I'm suprised the city is continuing to work with Hardman. The company seems to have missed several benchmarks.

Hopefully they are not just making bold claims like when they announced they were expanding Market Square only to back out weeks later when the tenant they had lined up went to another space.

I think Hardman needs to act first, then announce. They talk big then move slow or not at all.

[Helladog]

Also I was wondering if we could make a group list of all the projects around town to update the main page and I need one for my site I know you guys can remember more than me?

:: New Redhead Road (Almost Complete)
:: Hwy 1 Exit Ramp to Shopping District
:: Mile One Interchange
:: Housing Project on Site of Old Hospital (West)
:: Apt Building off Somerset
:: Various Subdivisions in Millidgeville
:: CRA Office off McAllister Drive
:: Townhouses on Ellerdale? (Sign)
:: Wastewater Treatment Plant and Facilities (Under Construction)
:: Apt building on Adelaide Street (Almost Complete)
:: SJRH Emergency Room Expansion (Planning)

[Helladog]

I'm suprised the city is continuing to work with Hardman. The company seems to have missed several benchmarks.

Hopefully they are not just making bold claims like when they announced they were expanding Market Square only to back out weeks later when the tenant they had lined up went to another space.

I think Hardman needs to act first, then announce. They talk big then move slow or not at all.

I think everybody's on board the Coast Guard Site project this time, but it's the feds holding it up this time.

It's too bad they didn't stick with Market Square as planned, but they must have been banking on the CRA is an anchor tenant. With office space at a premium, they could have leased the space anyway, but without a guaranteed amount of space being leased it may not have been viable.

[GUB]

I suppose I'm being sort or opinionated regarding my crticism of our former mayor, but my god was she a redneck or what? A very nice woman, but what was accomplished under her leadership Michael?!
I'm aware that it's easy to be mayor in the midst of a boom, but the current mayor seems to be making things happen, as opposed to waiting for things to happen.

[Helladog]

Helladog my I cant send pics from my cell so see if you can get a snap.

I checked the place out today and it was still closed. I thought I might be able to zoom in with my camera, but the have the model covered in plexiglass, making it hard to get a good shot. I was going to have my six year old snap pics with my cell while I asked questions ;) ...maybe another time.

[PostModernPrometheus]

I have some great high res. aerial shots from a frew days ago of the LNG terminal (that's really coming along quickly....) as well as what looks like the beginnings of the next phase of the Cedar Point subdivision......I'll get them on as soon as I figure out how to shrink the file sizes down a little....

[kwajo]

comeX starts September 4th

See schedules etc.:
http://www.saintjohntransit.com/index.php?id=4


http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/darkharbour/image001.gif

[Helladog]

comeX starts September 4th

See schedules etc.:
http://www.saintjohntransit.com/index.php?id=4


http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/darkharbour/image001.gif

I knew they were going to KV, but didn't realize there was a Hampton run...thats a ways out!

[michael_d40]

City May Get New Restaurant]
Aug29/07/5:17pm

The Keg Steakhouse And Bar Is Considering Setting Up A Restaurant In City. Officials Spent The Last Day And A Half Exploring The Saint John Market And Meeting With Potential Developers. Mayor Norm Mcfarlane Says He's Excited By The Possibility Of A New Business Joining The Mix.

[PostModernPrometheus]

City May Get New Restaurant]
Aug29/07/5:17pm

The Keg Steakhouse And Bar Is Considering Setting Up A Restaurant In City. Officials Spent The Last Day And A Half Exploring The Saint John Market And Meeting With Potential Developers. Mayor Norm Mcfarlane Says He's Excited By The Possibility Of A New Business Joining The Mix.


Sounds good.....BUT...I do hope that the same thing doesnt happen as in St John's NL --> the Keg built a beautiful new restaurant on the waterfront there a couple of years ago (for those not familiar w/ St John's, the actual waterfront development is fairly sparse...).....it just looks out of place...the major business / buildings that US cruise ship passengers see in that town when they get off the boat is 1) a parking garage in front of them and 2) the Keg to their left

Just my 0.02 cents

[random11]

City May Get New Restaurant]
Aug29/07/5:17pm

The Keg Steakhouse And Bar Is Considering Setting Up A Restaurant In City. Officials Spent The Last Day And A Half Exploring The Saint John Market And Meeting With Potential Developers. Mayor Norm Mcfarlane Says He's Excited By The Possibility Of A New Business Joining The Mix.

I think this is cool stuff - The Keg prefers to build as opposed to rent/lease but with all the availability around perhaps they can be convinced to look in the city center. Clearly the success of any city is that of it's core. I have been reading these threads for months and tonight, finally took the plunge and joined.

[Seely32]

Welcome random11,

I would like them to build on water street somewhere nears steamers it could start the retail and restaurants on that street it would be nice near the new cruisheip welcome center and also could be another option for people if the hardman group project goes through.

[mmmatt]

Welcome Random11! :)

Always good to see new maritimers on here

[Seely32]

also I want to go out and get some photos of construction tomorrow because friday I am going in to get 4 kidney stones removed so I'll be in some pain and my movement will be sparse. Does anyone on here have some suggestions or projects they want to see just let me know. So far im going to:

Lienster project
Saint Johhn Energy building
Hampton Inn
Bestwestern
New tax office
New Ellerdale BUilding
robertsons wharf
Harbour bridge
Bentley crossings

And some buildings that are being fixed up...any more suggestion post fast....the ungodly pain of a urinoscopy and urenal stint await me.

[mmmatt]

Goodness! Good luck with that Seely!...hope all goes well. As far as projects I would like to see what the bridge looks like in blue :P

EDIT: whoops I see you listed that already haha...oh well...

[michael_d40]

also I want to go out and get some photos of construction tomorrow because friday I am going in to get 4 kidney stones removed so I'll be in some pain and my movement will be sparse. Does anyone on here have some suggestions or projects they want to see just let me know. So far im going to:

Lienster project
Saint Johhn Energy building
Hampton Inn
Bestwestern
New tax office
New Ellerdale BUilding
robertsons wharf
Harbour bridge
Bentley crossings

And some buildings that are being fixed up...any more suggestion post fast....the ungodly pain of a urinoscopy and urenal stint await me.



SOme pictures of the Eastpoint Shopping Area :)