[Moncton] Downtown Developments

[Monctoncore]

Parking would be awesome, but if people are being that childish thy they won't support the arena because they might have to walk a few blocks is sickening... Don't support the events and then you lose them, then you end up paying taxes on something that isn't being used all because people are lazy and don't want to have to walk. Not everything has to be at our fingertips, we are a lazy culture and it's really sad, yes we have snowy days, we have cold days, we have warm days, but it's simple to dress up warmly when you are going out. End of rant

[whisky7up]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

les Gourmandes cheese delicatessen and chocolate shop is moving from the Keddy's block (Crowne Plaza Hotel) to 527 Main Street, across from the Codiac RCMP headquarters.

That answers that then. We passed that on Friday and I thought "isn't that the expensive cheese shop?"

[josh_cat_eyes]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

In addition to the renders that Erick posted above, I thought I would also post the site plan from the pdf marketing brochure:

The L shaped building on the far left is where the GoodLife is going to be correct?

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by josh_cat_eyes

The L shaped building on the far left is where the GoodLife is going to be correct?

Not quite. pierremoncton superimposed the new site plan over the old site plan and came up with this:

[habs33]

St James' Gate will reopen May 4th
https://www.facebook.com/gatemoncton/

[MonctonRad]

Regarding the new Tokai Ramen Japanese restaurant downtown.


source: https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...79&oe=57A5A17F

The owner is the same fellow who runs Osaka Hibachi and Japan Go! down the street.

According to Wikipedia, Ramen is:

a Japanese noodle soup dish. It consists of Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a meat- or (occasionally) fish-based broth, often flavored with soy sauce or miso, and uses toppings such as sliced pork (チャーシュー chāshū?), dried seaweed (海苔 nori?), menma (メンマ menma?), and green onions (葱 negi?). Nearly every region in Japan has its own variation of ramen, from the tonkotsu (pork bone broth) ramen of Kyushu to the miso ramen of Hokkaido.

[Good2go]

In the past few days "For Sale" signs popped up in front of these 3 buildings that make up the southwest corner of Queen and Alma.

[pierremoncton]

I recall that these three homes have been for sale on and off for the past few years. One house down on Alma (closer to Main) was sold in 2013 and renovated, while the others haven't changed hands. You can see the progression (and for-sale signs) on Google Streetview.

[pierremoncton]

I had posted a few months ago about a house at Queen & Lewis being demolished. It was replaced with a parking lot which - until I read the following article from Acadie Nouvelle - I thought had been built by the city because it actually looks nice: http://www.acadienouvelle.com/actual...le-de-moncton/

So I watched Monday's council meeting to learn more. Discussions surrounding this issue and Queen/Lewis reconstruction start at 43:00 and go on for 40 minutes: http://rogerstv.com/show?lid=12&rid=...110&gid=251884

It appears that the developer has spent $2.4MM so far on that corner. His monthly expenses are $8,500 while his revenue is $1,500, which he attributes to the fact that the city owns a money-losing gravel parking lot next-door that people use freely at night; to make things worse, he claims that the lot doesn't even conform to city bylaws on parking lots (curbs, lines, lights).

Another problem is that the reconstruction of Queen & Lewis was planned for 2012 or 2013, but will only take place next year due to engineering challenges with respect to sewers. Once that work is done, the public parking lot will largely disappear (only a small parcel will remain, which may be so small as to be useless). The developer had suggested taking over that lot in the meantime at his own cost (fencing it up, etc) but due to lack of communication between himself, city staff & council, there's been no movement, and hands are now tied with the upcoming elections.

The developer - Thierry Lebouthilier - has bought and renovated a number of buildings all around town over the past few years. His office is on St George and he owns the empty lot at St George & High, on which he wanted (wants?) to put up a four-storey building. He's the kind of developer that the city ought to support. Here's an article about his business from 2013: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-br...ntre-1.2254241

Here's a great example of his work: https://www.google.com/maps/@46.0889...7i13312!8i6656

[Scarface]

Originally Posted by Good2go

In the past few days "For Sale" signs popped up in front of these 3 buildings that make up the southwest corner of Queen and Alma.

Just a note on that I've seen sign prop up, and get taken down at those 3 buildings over the past few years I'm wondering if they might be asking to much for the location, and lots sizes perhaps.

Originally Posted by pierremoncton

I had posted a few months ago about a house at Queen & Lewis being demolished. It was replaced with a parking lot which - until I read the following article from Acadie Nouvelle - I thought had been built by the city because it actually looks nice: http://www.acadienouvelle.com/actual...le-de-moncton/

So I watched Monday's council meeting to learn more. Discussions surrounding this issue and Queen/Lewis reconstruction start at 43:00 and go on for 40 minutes: http://rogerstv.com/show?lid=12&rid=...110&gid=251884

It appears that the developer has spent $2.4MM so far on that corner. His monthly expenses are $8,500 while his revenue is $1,500, which he attributes to the fact that the city owns a money-losing gravel parking lot next-door that people use freely at night; to make things worse, he claims that the lot doesn't even conform to city bylaws on parking lots (curbs, lines, lights).

Another problem is that the reconstruction of Queen & Lewis was planned for 2012 or 2013, but will only take place next year due to engineering challenges with respect to sewers. Once that work is done, the public parking lot will largely disappear (only a small parcel will remain, which may be so small as to be useless). The developer had suggested taking over that lot in the meantime at his own cost (fencing it up, etc) but due to lack of communication between himself, city staff & council, there's been no movement, and hands are now tied with the upcoming elections.

The developer - Thierry Lebouthilier - has bought and renovated a number of buildings all around town over the past few years. His office is on St George and he owns the empty lot at St George & High, on which he wanted (wants?) to put up a four-storey building. He's the kind of developer that the city ought to support. Here's an article about his business from 2013: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-br...ntre-1.2254241

Here's a great example of his work: https://www.google.com/maps/@46.0889...7i13312!8i6656

For the Queen St part aren't they just readjusting the small part between Lewis, and Steadman to make it a less awkward intersection, and also widening Lewis Street a small bit to make it easier for people (mostly drivers) at the Main Street/Lewis Street lights?

I din't think they where be doing so much work that it would take out an entire, or at least a majority of the private owned parking lot.

[josh_cat_eyes]

^^^
They are realigning Queen so that it creates a proper intersection. It would be nice if they realigned it with Rabbi Lippa Medjuck too.

[Scarface]

Originally Posted by josh_cat_eyes

^^^
They are realigning Queen so that it creates a proper intersection. It would be nice if they realigned it with Rabbi Lippa Medjuck too.

Unfortunately it would probably have a major cost associated with that But I was looking at if they would expand Harris The city would have to buy out the property located at 33-35 Steadman but it would make a straight road up to the Dexter's Market then turn right, and meet Queen street. But that would also be a hefty cost.

[MonctonRad]

With the civic election today, I've been doing some ruminating on the future of the old Moncton High School, and the possibility of relocating the Moncton Public Library to a potential MHS redevelopment (as envisaged by the MH35 group).

- Brian Hicks is in favour of relocating the library.
- Dawn Arnold is in favour of keeping the library as part of the Blue Cross Centre, and right next to the Downing Street Plaza project.

Here is the site plan for the MH35 proposal:



The MH35 group feels that a relocated library is a keystone of the proposal, and that the project to save Moncton High School likely wouldn't go ahead without it. With Dawn Arnold the probable winner in today's election, this would tend to place the MH35 proposal at risk.

I wonder if there isn't another way forward- perhaps a third option to move away from this impasse.

According to most people, the real jewels of MHS are the old auditorium and the new gymnasium. In the above site plan, this conforms to the grey coloured area and the adjacent orange coloured "centre of excellence". This is what people really want saved. The Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada would be moving into this space.

I humbly suggest that the Centre of Excellence and the auditorium be saved at all costs, with other alternatives explored for the future of the remainder of the building.

The simplest thing to do would be to demolish this portion of the old high school and use the land as a parking lot for the new Atlantic Ballet Theatre. In other words, a partial renovation/partial demolition. I don't think anyone has brought this forward as a proposal before. A benefit of this could be that the proposed lobby addition to the building could be moved to the north, and away from the historic main entrance to the building, thus preserving the buildings facade.

the current MH35 proposal would replace this:



with this:



I've always been unsettled by this. The facade of the entrance is the defining feature of MHS. I have never been a fan of covering it up with a glass box. By demolishing the north wing of the high school and relocating the new lobby to the north, the original facade gets preserved.

A partial renovation/partial demolition would save the important parts of MHS, and at the same time keep the public library in it's bright and cheery location in the Blue Cross Centre. It might even be cheaper than a wholesale renovation and relocation. A win-win situation perhaps?

Thoughts anyone.........

[Patapouf26]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

With the civic election today, I've been doing some ruminating on the future of the old Moncton High School, and the possibility of relocating the Moncton Public Library to a potential MHS redevelopment (as envisaged by the MH35 group).

- Brian Hicks is in favour of relocating the library.
- Dawn Arnold is in favour of keeping the library as part of the Blue Cross Centre, and right next to the Downing Street Plaza project.

Here is the site plan for the MH35 proposal:



The MH35 group feels that a relocated library is a keystone of the proposal, and that the project to save Moncton High School likely wouldn't go ahead without it. With Dawn Arnold the probable winner in today's election, this would tend to place the MH35 proposal at risk.

I wonder if there isn't another way forward- perhaps a third option to move away from this impasse.

According to most people, the real jewels of MHS are the old auditorium and the new gymnasium. In the above site plan, this conforms to the grey coloured area and the adjacent orange coloured "centre of excellence". This is what people really want saved. The Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada would be moving into this space.

I humbly suggest that the Centre of Excellence and the auditorium be saved at all costs, with other alternatives explored for the future of the remainder of the building.

The simplest thing to do would be to demolish this portion of the old high school and use the land as a parking lot for the new Atlantic Ballet Theatre. In other words, a partial renovation/partial demolition. I don't think anyone has brought this forward as a proposal before. A benefit of this could be that the proposed lobby addition to the building could be moved to the north, and away from the historic main entrance to the building, thus preserving the buildings facade.

the current MH35 proposal would replace this:



with this:



I've always been unsettled by this. The facade of the entrance is the defining feature of MHS. I have never been a fan of covering it up with a glass box. By demolishing the north wing of the high school and relocating the new lobby to the north, the original facade gets preserved.

A partial renovation/partial demolition would save the important parts of MHS, and at the same time keep the public library in it's bright and cheery location in the Blue Cross Centre. It might even be cheaper than a wholesale renovation and relocation. A win-win situation perhaps?

Thoughts anyone.........

I don't believe Dawn is vehemently opposed to the relocation of the Library. When news of it came to be, I believe she was expressing concern or skepticism, as was I. Like any good municipal leader, I think one should look at all the angles. If she does become mayor, she may still vote for relocation if it's in our best interest - especially if it's the only option to save the historical structure. But who knows, we might get more interested parties that may become keystones to the project. So, there's a slight chance of project MH35 being at risk (the project itself), but not of another project coming along that will save the old MHS.

As for the design, I also dislike the big glass box. To prevent that, I also like your idea of demolishing certain less ''valuable'' sections of the old school. Less square footage equals less maintenance and room for better usage later on. Plus, we get to hold on to a certain heritage.

[Taeolas]

Just curious, but has there been any consideration to have a Library branch at both locations?

How do the available spaces compare? (And how cramped is the current library?)

Considering what they are planning for MHS, that feels like an ideal "Arts Library" with a strong media and arts section, and a strong fiction section (to support the residential environment it is in).

The Downtown location may be better suited for a different focus; a law/political library focused library for example, with its space for more focused research in general.

[MonctonRad]

I see that signage is being installed for the new Stile store in the Empire Block on Main Street.

I really like how they've rejuvenated that building. This is what historical preservation should all be about.

[FarmerTom]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

With the civic election today, I've been doing some ruminating on the future of the old Moncton High School, and the possibility of relocating the Moncton Public Library to a potential MHS redevelopment (as envisaged by the MH35 group).

- Brian Hicks is in favour of relocating the library.
- Dawn Arnold is in favour of keeping the library as part of the Blue Cross Centre, and right next to the Downing Street Plaza project.

Here is the site plan for the MH35 proposal:



The MH35 group feels that a relocated library is a keystone of the proposal, and that the project to save Moncton High School likely wouldn't go ahead without it. With Dawn Arnold the probable winner in today's election, this would tend to place the MH35 proposal at risk.

I wonder if there isn't another way forward- perhaps a third option to move away from this impasse.

According to most people, the real jewels of MHS are the old auditorium and the new gymnasium. In the above site plan, this conforms to the grey coloured area and the adjacent orange coloured "centre of excellence". This is what people really want saved. The Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada would be moving into this space.

I humbly suggest that the Centre of Excellence and the auditorium be saved at all costs, with other alternatives explored for the future of the remainder of the building.

The simplest thing to do would be to demolish this portion of the old high school and use the land as a parking lot for the new Atlantic Ballet Theatre. In other words, a partial renovation/partial demolition. I don't think anyone has brought this forward as a proposal before. A benefit of this could be that the proposed lobby addition to the building could be moved to the north, and away from the historic main entrance to the building, thus preserving the buildings facade.

the current MH35 proposal would replace this:



with this:



I've always been unsettled by this. The facade of the entrance is the defining feature of MHS. I have never been a fan of covering it up with a glass box. By demolishing the north wing of the high school and relocating the new lobby to the north, the original facade gets preserved.

A partial renovation/partial demolition would save the important parts of MHS, and at the same time keep the public library in it's bright and cheery location in the Blue Cross Centre. It might even be cheaper than a wholesale renovation and relocation. A win-win situation perhaps?

Thoughts anyone.........

Did you read my mind early this am? Lol. I actually came here to post this kind of option and you already did. Glad I wasn't the only one with this thought.

[MonctonRad]

We now have some renderings for the new Sobeys Extra store (and NBLC) at the corner of Main and Vaughn Harvey:







Curiously, the new renders don't show what's going to go on to the south of the NBLC. We know there will be a little retail strip there in which the Shoe Tree will be relocated, and purportedly the GoodLife Women's location will be down there too. I wonder why they didn't include renders of the complete project??

[mmmatt]

^

Nice! As this is my primary grocery store and also part of my view I have to say it's a big improvement! I like the modern glass style as opposed to the more "country market" style brick entrance. The liquor store section is also nice...although the logo will likely change for the final project

As for the shoe tree and good life part I'm not sure, very curious...Maybe at the time of these renders those tenants were not confirmed?

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by mmmatt

As for the shoe tree and good life part I'm not sure, very curious...Maybe at the time of these renders those tenants were not confirmed?

I can absolutely confirm that Shoe Tree has been offered a spot in the development. My source was also pretty sure about GoodLife for Women, but I can't really be as certain about that.