New 13-Storey Apartment Building Rises in Saint John Now

UPDATE: A long-awaited redevelopment in Saint John is finally taking shape as a new 13-storey apartment building rapidly rises in the heart of King’s Square. Construction is underway, with large pre-made sections being assembled on-site, resembling a giant Lego project, and drawing significant attention from the community.

Developer Percy Wilbur confirmed that the building will feature nearly 150 apartments and ground-floor commercial spaces, including potential restaurants and pharmacies. The project is already transforming the landscape of Saint John, which has seen this prime property sit vacant for years. “I wanted it to fit in the immediate vicinity,” Wilbur stated, emphasizing the building’s design to complement the historic City Market.

Strescon Limited, a local manufacturer, is playing a crucial role in this innovative construction approach. The company has produced 2,000 pre-cast components off-site, which are now being trucked to the site and assembled using a crane, significantly speeding up the construction timeline. “It could reduce building costs by as much as 10 percent,” Wilbur added, highlighting the financial benefits of this method.

Rebecca Patterson, district manager at Strescon, noted that the precast design not only enhances the building’s aesthetic but also allows for quicker assembly. “The windows are already in place. It’s almost weather-tight as you go up floor by floor,” Patterson explained, showcasing the efficiency of this construction technique.

The urgency of this project aligns with a broader push from the Carney government for modular construction to tackle the nationwide housing crisis. Brandon Searle, director of innovation at the University of New Brunswick, stated, “If you look at the real benefits of off-site construction, it’s speed.” This project exemplifies the potential of modern construction methods to meet the growing demand for housing in Canada.

Wilbur has faced several challenges since purchasing the property five years ago, including supply chain issues that delayed progress. However, with construction ramping up earlier this fall, he anticipates residents moving in by late 2024. Rents for the new apartments are expected to range from $1,300 for one-bedroom units to between $1,400 and $3,000 for two-bedroom units, targeting young professionals and newcomers to Saint John.

As the project unfolds, many in the community are eager to see the revitalization of this once-neglected area. Wilbur remarked, “It’s a revitalization project for the downtown core,” emphasizing the importance of creating a vibrant neighborhood.

This innovative building is not just about providing homes; it represents a significant step forward in addressing Saint John’s housing needs and showcases the potential of modern construction techniques. Residents and stakeholders alike are watching closely as this ambitious project develops.

Stay tuned for more updates as construction progresses and the community anticipates its new addition to the skyline of Saint John.