91 King Street. Image: Mark Leger/Huddle.
A new development at 91 King Street will see the former Woolworth building demolished later this month.
Percy Wilbur purchased both that building and 85 King next door and plans to knock both buildings down in order to build a 14-storey mixed-use building uptown.
He believes the city is going through a bit of a renaissance period, and he’s happy to be able to contribute to the changing cityscape.
“There’s a few keys to the puzzle to really ignite that: the school in the south end, the Fundy Quay, and a few eyesores that could use a little lipstick,” Wilbur said. “With those in place we’ll have a very vibrant, energetic city, and we’ll have economy to scale to encourage more pedestrianization of walkways and parks and paths and bike lanes.”
In particular, he believes the project will contribute to energizing the King’s Square area, citing recent construction of the Irving Oil building as well as upgrades to the Imperial Theatre.
Council approved an agreement Monday to close part of South Market Street for four months, starting May 17, to allow for the demolition of the two King Street buildings.
“The buildings to be demolished are significant in stature and require additional lands surrounding them to provide for adequate buffering for safety along with additional space to adequately complete the work,” said a staff report to council members.
“In addition, portions of the right-of-ways for both King and Charlotte Streets will also be required.”
Wilbur says they won’t begin construction until the project has locked in a few tenants, which he believes could take up to a few months after demolition.
“The demolition’s moving forward regardless, as is the project. It’s just a matter of timing,” he said.
The developer hopes to begin the 14-storey build with a few levels of underground parking, topped by a commercial retail space that has been earmarked for a long-awaited uptown grocery store.
Above the potential grocery store would be two floors of office space, and then nine residential floors totaling 93 apartment units.
Wilbur says it’s too early to know whether any of those units will be tagged for affordable housing.
Due to the development’s proximity to the historic City Market, Wilbur says he’s also been in touch to ensure they don’t overshadow the nearby shops and stalls.
“Obviously we hope to enhance anything that’s at the market, so we’re working very closely together,” Wilbur said.
The developer says the response has been extremely positive so far, and he’s excited to see the project continue to come together.
“We’re so encouraged by the community, city staff, and elected officials,” Wilbur said. “We’re really flattered by the fact we’re getting an overwhelming positive response to this project.”
With files from Brad Perry.
