February or early March of 2023 is the new timeline for “The Wellington” mixed-use building that’s under construction in uptown Saint John to be move-in ready.
Supply chain issues have led to construction delays since the project began last March, pushing the opening back from its original estimate of October 2022 to February or March of 2023.
Work on the six-storey, mixed-use building has begun to move inside as work on the 47 apartments within begins. Half of the units will be subsidized, others will be set at a market rate of $1,400 per month, all inclusive.
“It’s coming along quite well even in light of the fact that costs have skyrocketed. We’re still within our estimated budget and all the materials are within excellent calibre and grade,” said Lisa Keenan, the board president of Saint John Non Profit Housing.
Four unit pilot project venture announced
On Tuesday, the organization L’Arche announced it would begin interviewing candidates for supportive housing for those with intellectual disabilities to live independently at The Wellington.
The move is part of a pilot project with Saint John Non Profit Housing and Inclusion NB. It will be paid for by $130,000 in funding from the Department of Social Development.
The Wellington will make four of its affordable housing units available for the project.
“We know of many adults with intellectual disabilities who are still living with their parents who dream to one day have their own space,” said Zoël Breau, executive director of L’Arche Saint John.
Breau says that once the four units have been filled, L’Arche will work with an additional 20 candidates to provide similar, supported, independent housing throughout the Saint John region.
Keenan agrees that the project has unlocked a lot of potential in the non profit housing space.
“It has opened up the door to more partnerships between non-profit housing and other non-profit organizations.”
Interest in commercial space
Negotiations have also begun for some of the ground floor retail space.
Nothing is confirmed but there has been interest from a local Saint John company for “a trendy, diner-style restaurant that may include grab-and-go and outside seating in the summer months,” according to Saint John Non Profit Housing Inc. general manager Narinder Singh.
The Wellington was designed by Acre Architects to comply with Passive House Standards, a rigorous environmental standard for energy efficiency. The units will also meet universal design standards, making it easier for people to age in place without leaving their homes.
It stands on the site of the former Jelly Bean Houses, at the corner of Wellington Row and Union Street, in uptown Saint John.
“The top floor offers a magnificent view of the city. There have been a lot of inquiries, so I don’t think we’ll have any problems filling it,” Keenan said.
Alex Graham is a reporter with Huddle, an Acadia Broadcasting content partner.
