CenterBeam Place

Commercial Properties Ltd. had owned the majority of the eleven separate structures involved in this complex rehabilitation project for a number of years. CEO John K. F. Irving acquired the remaining buildings in order to develop the entire city block at this prominent gateway to uptown Saint John. IT services provider CenterBeam is the anchor tenant on the upper floors of the rehabilitated complex. Commercial retail, financial and restaurant tenants occupy the ground floor storefront spaces.

Building Description

The project consists of the rehabilitation of eleven Italianate and Second Empire buildings in accordance with best heritage conservation practices as expressed in the national Standards & Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada (2003). In addition, heritage conservation building adaptation, and environmental impact reduction philosophies prompted Commercial Properties to construct both a new contextual infill within the block on Canterbury Street and a new unifying façade at the rear of the buildings.

Sustainability Challenges

• Accessing readily available skilled artisans and tradespeople with an understanding of traditional building techniques and detailing;
• Retaining demising walls while providing open floor concept layout;
• Integrating horizontal and vertical circulation in what was eleven different buildings on a sloping streetscape;
• Upgrading electrical and mechanical systems to meet current tenant needs and code requirements without compromising character-defining elements.