Since the real estate boom began in the 1990s, Toronto has transformed into a true international city filled with sophistication, diversity and culture. Today, with many companies and leaders bringing their business to town, there is an increased demand for real estate developments within the market. Though architects and designers play a crucial part in shaping how the Toronto of tomorrow will look, it’s in many ways real estate developers who have overall control on what gets built and how the project is executed.
While some developers specialize in specific types of projects, such as luxury high-rises or affordable condominiums, others tend to cluster buildings together in master-planned communities. There is also diversity between real estate companies themselves, with no two developers sharing the same vision. However, all developers are committed to building integrated and diverse communities, further adding to the vibrance of Toronto.
Here are some of the top real estate developers in the city.
Tridel
Founded by Jack DelZotto in 1927, the company is one of the biggest and oldest condo developers in Toronto. Initially building single-family homes, Tridel expanded into a high-rise construction business in the 50s and later came to build rental towers and condos during the construction boom of the 70s. Today, Tridel is known for bringing relatively affordable condos to the market with projects scattered throughout the GTA. The company recently unveiled its first smart condominium at Ten York, a newly completed 69-storey community in Toronto’s downtown core.
“Toronto is fast becoming a global technology hub and Tridel is keeping pace by introducing a range of tech-savvy amenities which are available to our customers today,” said Jim Ritchie, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Tridel.”
Minto
This real estate company was founded by four brothers and has been servicing Ontario for over 60 years. Minto serves the community under the philosophy of building better places to live, work and play one home and one relationship at a time. It recently unveiled a new branding campaign to reflect the company’s growth and evolution. Minto Communities, a division of The Minto Group, is currently breaking ground at Glen Agar, a new community of 53 luxury, single-family homes in Etobicoke.
“Glen Agar offers a rare opportunity for buyers to customize a new home within a neighbourhood that boasts mature trees, green space, nature trails and parks,” said Agnieszka Wloch, Vice President, Development, Minto Communities.
Mizrahi Developments
Toronto’s Sam Mizrahi founded Mizrahi Developments in 2008 with a desire to enhance the changing streetscapes of Canada. Initially, Mizrahi Developments built luxury custom homes in prominent Toronto neighborhoods like Forest Hill. The company expanded into developing custom luxury condos, in projects such as 133 Hazelton, 181 Davenport, 1451 Wellington and 128 Hazelton.
“We wanted to construct carefully articulated, mid-to-high-rise buildings that give those who work and live in them as much pleasure as those who pass by their exteriors,” Toronto’s Sam Mizrahi explains.
Today, Mizrahi Developments has broken ground on “The One” project, located at the intersection of Yonge and Bloor Streets. With construction underway, once completed, The One will be the tallest building in Canada and also Canada’s first supertall (300+ m) skyscrapers and will feature a mix of commercial and retail space.
Mizrahi says he applauds what’s happening in Toronto. “I think the growth we’re seeing, and the number of cranes that are up, is a testament to how successful Toronto has been.”