First City School of Dance Expands with New Lease at Place 400
400 Main Street, Saint John, NB “Place 400”
A major expansion is underway for First City School of Dance after the business owner signed a lease for approximately 5,500 square feet at 400 Main Street in Saint John, NB
The new space represents a significant milestone for the growing dance school, allowing the business to expand from a single studio to three dedicated dance studios designed to accommodate classes for both children and adults. The larger footprint will also allow First City School of Dance to broaden its programming and continue fostering a welcoming, non-competitive environment that embraces a variety of dance styles and skill levels.
Owner Marcia Dysart said classes will continue at the current uptown location on Union Street throughout the summer, with plans to officially open the new Place 400 location in early September ahead of the fall dance season. Her second KV dance studio will be unaffected.
The expansion reflects a broader shift occurring across the Canadian commercial leasing market, where experiential, wellness, fitness and service-oriented tenants are outperforming many traditional retail categories. Industry reports from major commercial real estate firms including Cushman & Wakefield Canada point to continued demand for tenants that drive customer engagement, community activity and recurring in-person visits.
Service-based businesses, particularly fitness, wellness, entertainment and personal services, are increasingly becoming key drivers of retail leasing activity across North America. From personal experience, I can say that these sectors are continuing to gain momentum as landlords look for tenants that create destination traffic and experiences that cannot be replicated online.
Stephanie Turner of Cushman & Wakefield Atlantic represented First City School of Dance in the transaction.
NEW PARTNERSHIP CATERS TO MEDICAL CLINICS
SAINT JOHN, NB: Cushman & Wakefield Atlantic is proud to partner with Maritime Medical in delivering a new generation of clinic space in Saint John designed with one goal in mind: enabling better, more connected patient care through thoughtfully planned, collaborative medical environments.
Recognizing the evolving needs of healthcare providers, this partnership brings together Cushman & Wakefield Atlantic’s deep market expertise with Maritime Medical’s specialized experience in developing and adapting spaces for physicians. The result is a growing portfolio of clinic opportunities tailored to modern practice where efficiency, flexibility, and collaboration are built into the foundation.
Currently, medical practitioners can explore opportunities at 661 Dever Road in west Saint John and 1 Magazine Street, ideally positioned just north of the city centre. Both locations offer accessible, well-located space suited to a range of users, from individual practitioners to larger care teams, with layouts that encourage shared services, streamlined workflows, and patient-focused design.
ACTIVE LISTINGS
Looking ahead, the partnership is actively advancing plans for new clinic developments in Saint John with capabilities across Atlantic Canada. Each project is being strategically considered with proximity to regional hospitals in mind, ensuring that physicians benefit from convenient commutes while maintaining strong connectivity to the broader healthcare network.
Maritime Medical, under the leadership of Jonathon Rasenberg, brings a proven track record in both new construction and redevelopment, with a focus on delivering spaces purpose-built for medical professionals. This includes the successful transformation of an existing building at 122 Hampton Road in Rothesay into functional, modern clinic space which demonstrates their ability to reimagine properties to meet the specific needs of today’s healthcare providers.
Jonathon is a creative entrepreneur with extensive experience in real estate development and acquisition. As well as a deep understanding of development project finances, he has a broad knowledge of the construction industry and can even jump in an excavator if required. He has a remarkable talent for finding new opportunities, negotiating deals and getting things done
122 HAMPTON ROAD IMAGE GALLERY (EXAMPLE OF COMPLETE PROJECT)
Together, Cushman & Wakefield Atlantic and Maritime Medical are helping shape the future of outpatient care in Saint John by creating environments where practitioners can collaborate more effectively, operate more efficiently, and ultimately deliver better outcomes for their patients.
If you are a medical practitioner in New Brunswick or beyond that is currently looking for new clinic space, looking to upgrade your existing facility, or planning for future needs, now is the time to act.
For more information, please contact:
STEPHANIE TURNER (506) 333-3442
BROCK TURNER (506) 608-8747
Novel new concept for Brunswick Square
39 King Street, Saint John, New Brunswick “Brunswick Square”
Something new is coming to Brunswick Square pedway level. Local business person and serial entrepreneur Andrew Hutchinson is installing a Ramen Noodle vending machine called RamenBox in the former John’s Convenience spot across from Tim Hortons. In addition to the vending machine and a small amount of seating, the shop plans to offer licensed ceramic ramen bowls with chop sticks such as Harry Potter, Wicked, Pokemon, etc. Something different and fun!
You might have noticed activity in the space already. The offering should be available for the public to try mid-April.
According to the RamenBox website “The ultimate fusion of speed, flavor, and comfort. RamenBox is redefining the quick-service meal. Forget lukewarm fast food or sad office lunches — welcome to a self-serve ramen bar designed for the modern pace of life.”
“The retail landscape is evolving faster than ever, and tenants and landlords alike are redefining what it means to create vibrant, high-traffic destinations,” said a Stephanie Turner, listing agent from Brunswick Square. “RamenBox is a fantastic example of how innovative food-service concepts are reshaping consumer expectations. It’s exciting to see Ravelin embrace unique experiences that not only diversify the tenant mix but also drive sustained foot traffic and community engagement. Concepts like this are exactly what today’s retail sector demands.”
VISIT RamenBox on FACEBOOK
Do you have an idea for Brunswick Square. Call us today!
Stephanie Turner (506) 333-3442
Brock Turner (506) 608-8747
Land Sale Announcement | West Side Saint John
1857 Manawagonish Road, Saint John, New Brunswick
PMK Holdings Limited is proud to announce the sale of a 19.94-acre development parcel on the west side of Saint John.
Ideally situated, the property boasts sweeping views of Irving Nature Park and the unspoiled 49-acre Saints Rest Marsh–F. Gordon Carvell Nature Preserve. A remarkable natural setting defined by forest, beach, and salt marsh ecosystems.
Spanning more than 19 acres, the site presents significant development potential for its new owner, Island View Village Inc. planning on building roughly 1,580+ apartment units.
The vendors, Larry Kingston and Gail Kingston, are longtime residents of the surrounding area and played a key role in developing several homes along Manawagonish Road. They look forward to seeing how the new ownership will bring this highly desirable, water-view property to life.
This sale represents another positive milestone in the ongoing growth and transformation of Saint John’s west side
Stephanie Turner of Cushman & Wakefield Atlantic was the listing agent and Judy Mitchell of Re/Max Saint John brought the buyer.
The Harbour Bridge and the Polite Atlantic Canadian Traffic Jam
For most people in Saint John, the rhythms of life are shaped by the tides, the fog, and for many years now, the construction barriers on the Harbour Bridge. What begins in early spring and stretched all the way to December has turned our morning commutes into a slow-moving meditation on patience, frustration, and the quirks of the human condition.
We don’t talk enough about the mental health toll of this kind of daily disruption. When motorists are forced to leave home earlier and earlier, not to beat traffic but simply to survive it, the wear starts to show. It’s not just the minutes lost, it’s the constant low-grade stress of inching toward a bottleneck, watching brake lights flare like warning beacons, and knowing that this grinding crawl is how you start and end your workday.
But what makes the Harbour Bridge delays uniquely Maritime is how they’ve collided with our cultural identity. Specifically, the polite, orderly, “after you…no, after you” spirit that defines Atlantic Canadians.
The province, in its infinite optimism, has spent months promoting the zipper merge which is that modern, efficient, utterly counter-intuitive piece of traffic choreography where everyone uses both lanes, right up to the choke point, and then merges in alternating turns. It’s a system that works beautifully elsewhere. In many parts of Canada and certainly in the U.S., it’s second nature. People follow the signs; traffic flows; everyone gets where they’re going a little faster.
But here? Oh no!
We see construction cones half a kilometre away and our instinct is to merge immediately, form a single-file line, and silently judge anyone who does not. It’s not that we don’t understand the zipper merge. We do. We’ve heard the radio ads and passed the digital signs politely suggesting that we “Use Both Lanes.” But generations of social conditioning have taught us that driving up the empty lane feels… impolite. Like cutting in line at the grocery store. And so we queue. Dutifully. Endlessly.
Every so often, though, some brave or oblivious soul will speed past in the open lane, zipping up to the merge point like the government wants us to. That’s when the magic of human nature really comes alive. You might hear a driver in the line blare their horn. You might witness an expressive hand gesture or two. Occasionally someone pulls out, half-blocking the open lane like a vigilante mall cop of traffic etiquette.
Meanwhile, I sit in the line and think one of two things:
- They’re not from around here. In other regions, this is completely normal. Honestly, they’re probably confused why we’re all stacked in a single column like we’re waiting for a flu shot clinic to open.
- Maybe they’re in a rush and truly can’t wait. Life happens… kids get sick, bosses call unexpectedly, emergencies pop up. Keeping that lane open, even unintentionally, might actually be helpful for emergency vehicle or someone who’s legitimately in crisis.
Of course, there’s always a third explanation: They’re a jerk and they think their time matters more than everyone else’s.
Despite the province’s best efforts, radio campaigns, LED signs, public reminders, Saint Johners remain steadfast in their approach. We like our single-file lines. We like our fairness rituals. We find comfort in order, even if it costs us an extra ten minutes each morning. And honestly? That’s part of our charm.
In the end, the Harbour Bridge construction hasn’t just slowed our commutes, it has held up a mirror to who we are. Patient. Polite. Occasionally frustrated. Sometimes petty. Often generous. And always, always doing our best to navigate life’s choke points with a little dignity.
JYSK before & after
384 LANCASTER AVE, SAINT JOHN, NB
By now you’ve probably heard the buzz about the new JYSK home décor store that opened last week on the west side of Saint John. I had the chance to attend the grand opening on Saturday and spoke with their regional manager from Quebec, who was absolutely thrilled with the level of local support.
Word of their soft opening spread quickly, and the turnout exceeded expectations. Even a snowstorm on the morning of the grand opening didn’t slow people down. Shoppers arrived from across the region and lined up outside before the doors opened. Within the first half hour alone, the store handed out 150 gift cards worth $20 each.
JYSK originally purchased the building in 2022 and spent considerable time rezoning and renovating the property. Judging by the turnout and enthusiasm from the community, it’s safe to say the wait was well worth it.
Across Canada, office space is increasingly being repurposed as landlords respond to elevated vacancy rates and shifting workplace trends. A growing share of underutilized or obsolete buildings are being converted into retail, residential units, hotels, educational facilities, and mixed-use developments, with office-to-residential projects accounting for the majority of conversions. This trend reflects a broader repositioning strategy, where older assets are adapted to meet changing demand rather than competing with newer, amenity-rich, environmentally responsible office product.
Brunswick Square Announces New Tenant: Klancy Fashion Ezzentials
39 King Street, Saint John, NB “Brunswick Square”
Brunswick Square Shopping Centre is pleased to announce another new store open on the pedway level. The compact retail space with a large glass storefront is now home to Klancy Fashion Ezzentials, a boutique specializing in human hair wigs, hair extensions, hair accessories, hair care products, cosmetics, and jewelry.
In addition to beauty and fashion essentials, the shop offers a curated selection of unique African ready-to-wear clothing, along with fabric and sewing supplies, providing shoppers with an inspiring blend of beauty, style, and creativity all in one convenient location.
The store was launched by local entrepreneur Evelyn Ebhohimhen, who’s passion for fashion and beauty is sure to make the store a vibrant new addition to the centre. The boutique is located on the pedway level next to Foggy City Snacks & Souvenirs.
The landlord is pleased to see another local small business choose Brunswick Square as their home. This continued leasing activity reflects renewed confidence in the mall as a retail destination. Stephanie Turner of Cushman & Wakefield Atlantic is optimistic that with the growing lineup of new stores on level II, regional and national retailers will be inspired to take another look at the spaces that are still available on the that level.
Interested in leasing space on the pedway level of Brunswick Square?
Contact us today to see what spaces we have left!
Stephanie Turner (506) 333-3442
Brock Turner (506) 608-8747
A New Chapter for the Rossmount Inn
Chris & Graziella Aerni Pass the Torch to Alicia & Ryan MacDonald
After more than two decades of setting the gold standard in hospitality at the iconic Rossmount Inn, Chris and Graziella Aerni are turning a new page. One written with gratitude, pride, and excitement for the future. The beloved St. Andrews by-the-Sea destination, celebrated for its exquisite cuisine, warm service, and unparalleled natural setting at the base of Chamcook Mountain, is entering its next chapter under the stewardship of two deeply rooted Charlotte County residents: Alicia and Ryan MacDonald.
Rather than simply being sold, the Rossmount was entrusted to Alicia and Ryan, an honour that reflects Chris and Graziella’s confidence in their vision, values, and connection to the community. The MacDonalds often say they are deeply humbled to have been chosen to carry this legacy forward, a sentiment that speaks to the personal meaning of this moment.
Alicia and Ryan, known for their thoughtful leadership and entrepreneurial spirit, have built a respected reputation through ventures such as Disher Homes in St. Stephen, The Hollows Golf Club, and The Rouxbarb Restaurant in Utopia. Their love for the region runs deep, and with a proven commitment to excellence, they are uniquely positioned to guide the Rossmount into its future.
Guests can expect the same level of culinary artistry, attentive service, and heartfelt hospitality that Chris and Graziella have so carefully cultivated over the years. Alongside that cherished continuity, the MacDonalds bring fresh energy and a genuine passion for enhancing the Inn in ways that honour its history and strengthen its connection to the community.
Equally important, Alicia and Ryan are committed to protecting the natural beauty that makes the Rossmount so extraordinary. Public access to the beloved carriage trail leading to the summit of Chamcook Mountain will remain open for all to enjoy… a reflection of their respect for both land and community.
For Chris and Graziella, the decision to pass on the Rossmount was made easier knowing it would be in such capable and caring hands.
“We are thrilled to see the Rossmount begin this exciting new chapter”, said the Aernis. “Alicia and Ryan’s energy, integrity, and deep connection to this region make them the perfect stewards for what’s next. We look forward to supporting them through a smooth transition and seeing the Rossmount continue to flourish.”
As the torch is passed, loyal patrons and new visitors alike can look forward to the same timeless charm that has defined the Rossmount now complemented by new ideas, local vision, and the continued presence and support of Chris and Graziella for years to come. The spirit of the Inn lives on, with even more to discover on the horizon.
Stephanie Turner, Associate Vice-President, Cushman & Wakefield Atlantic represented the Seller and brokered the commercial real estate transaction. The sale included the Rossmount Inn and 82.5 acres of land.
VISIT THE ROSSMOUNT INN’S WEBSITE: rossmountinn.com
Dressed for the Holidays
Shadow Lawn Inn. 3180 Rothesay Rd, Rothesay, New Brunswick
As the town of Rothesay gets ready to sparkle for Christmas, imagine owning one of its most cherished landmarks. Rich in history, filled with character, still available and waiting for its next chapter.
A place where traditions are made ✨ A business with endless potential ✨ A dream waiting for the right owner
WANT TO SEE MORE OF THE MAGIC? CLICK HERE >>> WINTER AT BEAUTIFUL SHADOW LAWN INN
SALE INFO >>> SHAWDOW LAWN INN
New Restaurant Coming to Uptown Saint John in 2026
36 Canterbury Street, Saint John, NB — A new culinary destination is headed to Uptown Saint John. Two local entrepreneurs have leased the 2,200 SF space at 36 Canterbury Street (currently home to Paddington Station) with plans to open in late spring 2026.
A modern restaurant putting its own spin on Japanese-inspired cuisine is now in development, with more details to come. Renovations will begin soon, bringing new life to this prominent Uptown location.
Historica, the landlord, is enthusiastic about welcoming this new concept to their Uptown portfolio, noting it will be a great fit alongside neighbouring businesses Picaroons and Pomodori.
“At Historica, we’re passionate about helping new businesses open, grow, and thrive in Uptown,” said Historica. “We’re excited to welcome this new restaurant to the Historica community and look forward to seeing their vision come to life.”
Stay tuned for updates as this exciting addition takes shape!
The lease transaction was brokered by Stephanie Turner and Brock Turner of Cushman & Wakefield Atlantic.
Did you miss out on this opportunity?
Contact Stephanie Turner or Brock Turner for information on other available Uptown retail spaces.
Saint John Commercial Real Estate 