An iconic piece of Saint John real estate is likely to face the wrecking ball in the near future.

The Golden Ball building at the corner of Union and Sydney streets was recently sold to J.D. Irving, Ltd.

A release from JDI confirmed the purchase of the building and property as part the company’s long-term planning for its corporate headquarters site.

But following an assessment of the building, it was deemed no longer suitable for use.

According to the release, JDI plans to remove the building.

An email from the City of Saint John confirmed an application for a demolition permit related to the site was received last week and is being reviewed.

“The Golden Ball is significant in our company’s history and we know the site carries memories for many people,” said JDI vice-president of communications Anne McInerney in a statement. “We’re disappointed the building is no longer viable and want to prevent it from falling into further disrepair.”

The site will be maintained as a green space while future possibilities are evaluated, but no decisions have been made about long-term use and no specific redevelopment projects are under consideration at this time.

The building opened as K.C. Irving’s Golden Ball garage in 1931, where the industrialist ran his Ford dealership.

By the 1950s, the building housed the head offices of several Irving companies. Until 2019, it was the headquarters of Irving Oil, Ltd.

Irving Oil vacated the building in 2019 to move into its new headquarters on King’s Square South, and it’s remained empty since.