‘It’s inviting’: Historic Moncton building back on the market

The Flat Iron building in Moncton is back on the market.

It may be well over 100 years old, but the Flat Iron Building in downtown Moncton, N.B., looks bright and brand new right now.

The historic property on Main Street is currently up for sale after the last tenant moved out about a month ago.

Built in 1917, the two-storey commercial building has been home to a variety of different business over the years.

It’s located right next to the city’s subway, or railway pass that gave passengers their first view of the city’s downtown when they arrived by train.

Realtor Dominic Gervais said he’s been getting phone calls about the property already.

“It’s bright, it’s open, it’s inviting,” said Gervais.

The two floors have been freshly painted and spruced up.

There’s also a spacious Airbnb in the basement which could mean extra revenue for the new owners.

It was purchased and renovated back in 2022 after being vacant for about a decade.

Two separate businesses set up shop since then, but both were short-lived.

Gervais said it’s a great spot for a small business looking for high visibility in the downtown core.

“It’s a historical, iconic building in Moncton. I remember walking down this street when I was young and it’s funny now that I have it for sale,” said Gervais. “A lot of people know about it so I think that it could be a really good fit for a business.”

Located right next door is the Subway Block, also built in 1917 and also a historic property.

The three-storey brick building has sat empty for years and the main floor window fronts are boarded up.

Scaffolding is in place on the outside, but Gervais said there’s not much going on inside right now.

“It’s been vacant for a long time,” he said.

Gervais isn’t working with owner Brian Steeves, but has been in touch with him.

“It definitely needs a lot of work, a lot of planning,” said Gervais. “As of right now, there’s nothing set in stone, nothing planned to start renovations.”

Downtown Moncton Centre-ville Inc. (DMCI) represents downtown commercial property owners.

Patrick Richard, DMCI’s executive director, said they always encourage owners to preserve as much heritage value as possible, but recognize that sometimes it isn’t financially viable.

“DMCI is not involved with the Subway Block file, but we strongly encourage preserving heritage wherever feasible. The building is an important part of our streetscape and would be missed,” said Richard in an email to CTV News.

Gervais said there isn’t a public listing for the Subway Block as of now, but the Flat Iron Building is listed at $599,900.

“I think that there are a lot of small businesses that are actively growing in Moncton right now, there’s a lot of opportunity as well,” said Gervais. “It’s a cute spot.”

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