The Wentworth construction site. Image: Cherise Letson/ Huddle Today
Covid-19 hasn’t slowed down the construction of a new apartment complex on Wentworth Street in uptown Saint John.
Developer Percy Wilbur says The Wentworth, which is being built in the former spot of the Gothic Arches, is still on track to being completed by early fall 2021.
“Construction was still essential, but we were a couple of weeks reorganizing. We had to decide were we going to be able to be social distancing and working at the same time,” said Wilbur. “Once the government came out with their rules and we adapted to how we’re going to do [things], everything is moving forward.”
Wilbur stays the building’s foundation is well underway, with crews planning to pour the slab floor for the complex’s first floor sometime this week. He says social distancing measures have made construction move a little quicker in some ways.
“In some respects, we’re a little bit more productive than before, simply because people can’t stand around and chat,” says Wilbur. “They’re just putting their heads down and working.”
A website recently launched showcasing the building’s features and the units that will be up for rent. Suites range from one bedroom/one bathroom plus den to two bedroom/2.5 bathrooms. Rent starts at $1,250.
Image: The Wentworth website.
Wilbur says a dozen units already have deposits on them.
“We’re getting an awful lot of inquiries. We’ve got a lot of people putting down deposits and reserving units. It’s been a really pleasant surprise,” he says. “We launched it very discreetly because it’s a new website, there were a few little bugs we had to work out … but other than that, it’s been fantastic.”
Most of the inquiries have come from young professionals and empty-nesters looking to down-size.
“A lot of people wanting to downsize and sell their house and move into a large apartment. These are quite spacious, some of them are 1,400-1,700 sqft. Some of the penthouses are 2,000 sqft. Even the one-bedrooms have one bedroom and one den and it’s over 800 sqft. In Toronto, that’s a two-bedroom,” says Wilbur. “We’re getting quite a mix. A lot of young professionals but mostly empty nesters wanting to move back into the city.”
The Wentworth isn’t the only new major construction project going on in uptown Saint John. Construction of the new Telegraph apartment complex is also underway on Canterbury Street. Despite Covid-19, Wilbur says people are still thinking ahead and see the benefit of living and investing in uptown Saint John.
“I really think people are anticipating everything will be back to normal in a year’s time when these projects will be concluded,” he says. “I think it’s a good time to be investing and I think it’s a good time to be preparing for what comes after Covid-19.”
Cherise Letson is a reporter with Huddle, an Acadia Broadcasting content partner.
