(File Image)
Demolition of the former Woolworth / Bargain Shop building at 91 King Street begins this morning. The building has been vacant for a number of years and an eyesore in the heart of the city. It has gone through a number of owners all with plans for redevelopment – but – nothing materialized.
Local developer Percy Wilbur purchased the property and an adjoining property late last year. Wilbur is demolishing the buildings to make way for a planned commercial and residential development. He is working to secure a grocery market as an anchor tenant in the street level commercial area.
Demolition of the buildings requires some changes in traffic patterns – parking – and sidewalk access. The City says the following changes are effective today:
There will be no parking along South Market Street, effective Monday, May 17. No Parking signs have been installed to ensure motorists are aware.
South Market Street will also be closed to all through vehicle traffic, except emergency vehicles, effective Monday, May 17 and until further notice. The lower section of South Market Street will remain open for pedestrians.
The loading zone for Market merchants has been moved to North Market Street and no on-street parking will be permitted on North Market Street except for loading in the new designated loading zone.
The portion of sidewalk next to the demolition site from South Market Street to the top of King Street, and the upper portion of King Street alongside the building will be closed while the demolition occurs.
Accessible pedestrian access will be maintained along King’s Square, and down the south opposite side of King Street.
Parking on King Street immediately adjacent to the building will be sectioned off and restricted to only trucks and equipment required near the worksite.
There are many convenient places to park Uptown. For a list of local lots and spaces available, click here.
A short section of Charlotte Street will have a reduction of one lane, with the intention of allowing some additional parking in the area. The public will be notified when this occurs, and parking signage will be installed.
All entry points to the City Market will be maintained, and hours of operation will not change.
The popular Thursday Night Market will continue to operate beginning in early June, with a vibrant and revitalized space under the lights along the lower sections of North and South Market laneways.
