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South Market Street Concept…follow up…
I was surprised and delighted to see the interest in “Concept for South Market Street”. The blog post was off-the-cuff inspired by a photo of a transformed alley in Auckland that reminded me of our South Market Street. The idea really took off when Mayor Mel Norton shared it with his followers on Google+ and on Facebook.
There were some naysayers but, I think, in general the comments were enthusiastically in favour of making South Market Street for pedestrians only.
Since the story generated so much interest, I did a little more on-line research on the subject and found an interesting article entitled “Urban alleys become pathways to revitalization”. The article described how 7 U.S. cities successfully transformed alleys in their urban cores. You can read that article here.
Brewer’s Alley at the Rialto Cafe in Denver.
Almost a full uptown block under new ownership tonight
Congratulations to Historica Developments on their successful acquisition of a portfolio of 4 uptown heritage buildings.
- 99 Germain Street has been the home of Bustin’s Fine Furniture retail showroom since 1905. Bustin’s Fine Furniture will be staying on as a tenant.
- 107 Germain Street is a 3 story office building currently the home to Dr. Brown, Claire Driscoll, Ispire and Enovex.
- 109 Germain Street is a 5 unit residential apartment building which is fully occupied.
- 30 Canterbury Street (also known as the “Canterbury Car Park”) is a 22,494 sq ft warehouse and parking structure.
The Bustin family had come to own the four buildings over many years in order to secure access to the alley behind the retail store to facilitate furniture deliveries. In recent year, the Canterbury Car Park has served as the warehouse for the furniture store. The large 3 story brick building on Canterbury had attracted inquiries from various developers over the years. Bustins finally concluded that warehousing was not the highest and best use for the building and it was identified as a candidate for redevelopment.
This transaction has been a long time coming with initial discussions starting in 2009. This was a complex transaction encompassing four mixed-use buildings each of which appealed to a different type of buyer/investor. It was important to the Bustin family that the buildings be sold together as a package and, in the end, Bustins and Historica Developments were successful in structuring a deal to make that happen.
Stephanie represented the vendor and Don Clancy, Gardiner Realty Ltd. Royal LePage represented the purchaser.
New windows coming to Princess Street!
91 Princess Street, Saint John
The Landlord, Historica Developments, will soon be installing two new large rounded windows in the front (currently bricked over).
Things are happening on this block!
Wondering how much office space you need?
Check out this nifty on-line calculator.
Just enter the # of offices, cubicles etc…and voila!…an estimate of the number of square feet your organization needs.
NOTE: I’ve added a link under CONTACT US…come back anytime to use it!
MAIN STREET REDESIGN GAINS STEAM
“SAINT JOHN – A long-held vision to redevelop Main Street from a tired, six-lane “eyesore” to a vibrant corridor with condominiums, shops and a view of the harbour could become reality if the province adopts changes to what is now a provincially designated highway.
A group of politicians and residents have met with government officials to push the proposal forward, which could also include an innovative funding scheme that could help municipalities across the province.
“Right now it’s a terrible waste of land – valuable land,” said Coun. John MacKenzie, who got Common Council’s support on the proposal earlier this year. “Land that, when you build up, could look over the harbour.
Impressions of Saint John. A quote from a Haligonian…
I just received an email from a business associate from Halifax who was in town last week. This is what he said:
“I must say I like the vibe of downtown Saint John. It seems to be more alive and there is more vibrancy and activity than in downtown Halifax. I just like the feel of it.”
It’s always nice to see things through someone else’s eyes. The hussle and bussle of the City Market always impresses! I should invite him back during cruise ship season!
Saint John Commercial Real Estate 