Saint John's landmark Falls Restaurant to be demolished
The City of Saint John is planning to demolish the old Falls Restaurant, a landmark building that overlooks the rapids on the city's west side.
Council quietly approved the move last week week, allocating $90,000 for the removal of the former restaurant and tourist centre, which closed late last year.
Ward 1 Coun. Bill Farren said he is unhappy with the decision to remove the building.
"I don't agree with it one little bit," he said.
"It's a building that's been there for a lot of years. People from all over the world go see the Reversing Falls. I think that building's worth bringing back up to snuff."
The municipally-owned building, which has fallen into disrepair in recent years, requires between $700,000 and $800,000 in upgrades, including plumbing, heating and air conditioning, and structural work, city managers told council on March 16.
Farren says council's vote happened so quickly, he actually missed it, failing to register his opposition.
"I'm very disappointed with myself," he said.
Council has asked city managers to fast track the demolition, but no date has been set.
Mary-Ellen Mallette, a local resident, says she will be sorry to see the building that her father-in-law helped construct in the early-1950s be taken down.
She recalls it as being a place to celebrate special occasions.
"It was good food, great service. The girls got to know us after a while," said Mallette.
"Wedding anniversaries, graduations, special birthdays — they were there. So yes, we will miss it."
The restaurant and tourist information centre was built on top of a foundation that anchored an earlier bridge on the sharp rock face at the Reversing Falls. The building was subsequently expanded and remodelled.
