Downtown East looking up with new development

YP NextHome caught up with Sebastian Mizzi, vice-president of SigNature Communities, to chat about new development, the revival of Toronto’s burgeoning Downtown East, and why this historic pocket of the city is the place to watch.

New Condo Guide: Why did SigNature Communities, Berkshire Axis Development and Andiel Homes choose Toronto’s downtown east neighbourhood for its latest development?

Sebastian Mizzi: Simply put, every single person involved in this project believes wholeheartedly that the east end of downtown Toronto is the place to be. From the King East Design District, to the Distillery, to St. Lawrence Market, and all the restaurants, cafes, shops, jobs and infrastructure in between, the east end has it all. We as a group wanted to be part of the city and to contribute to its future.

NCG: What’s the most important element to the revitalization of this inner-city pocket?

SM: As with anything, you need to build a consensus. Going from having a vision for a neighbourhood to actually building and implementing change is a big step. That said, I think you can see the consensus around the east end forming. Along with East United, the Globe and Mail building is coming on-line just down the street on Berkeley. There are several major projects along the East Waterfront, not to mention the potential to bring 70,000 jobs into the area with the Lower Don Lands redevelopment.

Keep in mind, the east-end is already a collection of great neighbourhoods. The attention they are now getting in terms of development is overdue, in my opinion.

NCG: East United will reflect the area’s old and new elements. What was the biggest challenge in bringing these two sides together?

SM: Whenever you are balancing two elements against each other, you always want to make sure that you do it in a way that elevates both. Luckily our design team – architects Giannone Petricone Associates, and Design Agency, who handled interiors – rose to the challenge. We wanted a building that paid homage to the history of this site, but still set a tone for a new design-driven future in the east end.

NCG:How have the surrounding neighbourhoods flavoured this new project?

SM:In every way. For instance, the suite finishing packages we’ve come up with are each named after and inspired by neighbourhoods in the area. Purchasers can choose between ‘King East Design District,’ ‘Distillery District’ or ‘St. Lawrence Market’ packages. They can also mix and match for something a little more custom. Then there is the podium, which is meant to reflect the industrial roots of the neighbourhood.

Moving beyond design, we actually committed to sourcing as much material from the east end as possible. And of course, all our marketing has been about uniting the east. It’s a message we’ve all gotten behind.

NCG:What’s Toronto’s next up-and-coming neighbourhood to watch?

SM:To be honest, I think there is so much potential in the east end, that this is going to remain the neighbourhood to watch for quite some time.

For more information on East United and to register, click here.