In this episode of All About the Neighbourhood, Bob and Jake McVicar open the doors to an 1890s home on Orange Street and unpack what it truly means to live, invest, and build a life Uptown.As a grandfather–grandson real estate team rooted in the community, Bob and Jake blend lived experience with market insight. They share stories of restoring century-old homes, raising families in historic spaces, and helping clients fall in love with properties that are anything but cookie-cutter.The conversation explores the architectural evolution of Uptown Saint John, from Victorian and Edwardian homes to 1920s builds and Craftsman details. Behind modest façades, they reveal what makes these homes unforgettable: soaring 11–12-foot ceilings, intricate crown mouldings, original fireplaces, and craftsmanship that simply isn’t replicated today.They also challenge the long-standing fixation on Germain Street as the “iconic” Uptown address, highlighting the many vibrant blocks and hidden gems that define the neighbourhood’s real character.Rewinding to the 1980s, Bob and Jake reflect on a very different Uptown — boarded-up storefronts, empty upper floors, and quiet streets. From there, they trace the decades of private investment, public revitalization, and grassroots belief that sparked the renaissance we see today.Along the way, they dive into:-Why old homes offer character you cannot manufacture-How lifestyle and affordability once pulled young professionals out of corporate cubicles and into Uptown living-The dramatic appreciation of property values — and what today’s buyers need to know-Why hyper-local knowledge is essential when purchasing 100+ year-old homes-Tight inventory, rising demand, and what it actually takes to secure a home in the neighbourhoodThe episode closes with a rapid-fire Q&A on what they love most about Uptown, what they hope never changes, and what excites them about what’s ahead, from new schools and infill housing to transformative developments like Fundy Quay and 99 King.If you care about heritage, growth, and the future of Saint John’s most storied streets, this one’s all about the neighbourhood.

This week, Bob and Jake are back with Derek Riedle for a festive chat from a brand-new build on Harding Street—right in the heart of uptown Saint John’s deep south end.

They’re talking real-time renewal, neighborhood nostalgia, and why this part of town is finally getting the attention (and investment) it deserves. Expect hot takes on walkability, Christmas traditions, and the kind of community that makes you want to stick around—and maybe even build something.

Also: stews, stray Christmas Eve guests, and a nod to It’s a Wonderful Life. Because of course.

Tune in for a little warmth, a little insight, and a look at what’s next for south of Queen.

In the very first episode of All About the Neighbourhood, grandfather-grandson duo Bob & Jake McVicar sit down with longtime friend and guest co-host Derek Riedle to kick things off.

Jake shares how he went from corporate life at IBM to building a career in real estate alongside his grandfather. He dives into everything from launching an Airbnb business to restoring Uptown’s historic gems. Bob, a well-known voice in the community, reflects on the city’s growth, challenges, and what makes Saint John’s economy real—not just buzzwords on a pitch deck.

Together, they talk family business dynamics, the city’s authentic edge, and why they’re betting big on Saint John’s future. It’s a conversation about roots, resilience, and the neighbourhood they’re proud to call home.