Retail, office space proposed for downtown St. John's parking lot
The design for a proposed retail and office space at the corner of Water Street and Bishop’s Cove was approved by city council on Monday, with a few changes and suggestions, such as including bike racks and public art. – Contributed
Building will cover ‘very, very underutilized’ property, Mayor Danny Breen says
ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — St. John’s council has approved the design of a proposed Water Street building that developers hope to start construction on this year.
The office and retail space will be located at 331 Water St. at Bishop’s Cove. Currently that area is a parking lot, located across the street from The Keg and adjacent to the Murray Premises and the old Templeton’s building.
The development has not yet been approved – the unanimous vote at the Monday meeting was approving only the design of the proposed building.
The application is currently being reviewed by city staff for development approval, and the developer still needs to submit a detailed site plan.
The design indicates it will be a three-storey building with two levels of parking.
Deputy city manager Jason Sinyard said the upgrades to water and sewer infrastructure on Water Street should be completed before work begins on this building, so the two projects will not be in conflict. However, Coun. Debbie Hanlon wondered whether the potential for continual work in the area will negatively affect area businesses.
Coun. Dave Lane suggested a small “buffer period” between the two construction sites “might be prudent.”
Meanwhile, Mayor Danny Breen called it “a great project,” especially because it will make use of a “very, very underutilized” property.
