In Conversation With... Adriana Bell, Property Manager, Edgewood Suites, Flato Developments Inc.

For a fairly young company (2005), Flato Developments sure has come a long way. With multiple developments of varied housing types in GTA markets such as Stouffville, Brampton and Richmond Hill, and now further out locales such as Dundalk (about 125 kms north of Toronto), the Markham-based builder has quickly built a solid foundation.

But at Flato, it’s not just about building homes, it’s about developing entire communities, and giving back to those communities in meaningful ways.

In Dundalk, for example, to complement its Edgewood Greens townhomes and detached homes, Flato is also developing Edgewood Suites, an adult lifestyle community comprising studio and one- and two-bedroom rental units.

To find out more about this unique offering, and other goings on at Flato, we sat down with property manager Adriana Bell.

Let’s start with an easy one… We’re already past the midway point of 2023. How is the year shaping up for Flato Developments’ Edgewood Suites?

It’s shaping up to be a great year. We’ve come so far with finishing touches at the property. Tenants have been steadily moving in, and although we do have a few available units at this point, the property is starting to take on its own characteristics, as tenants help shape the culture and community feeling. It’s really comforting for this project to become home to so many people.

And what was the highlight of 2022?

We got initial occupancy in 2022, and moved in our first tenants, so that was a milestone, no doubt. It is always validating when you reach a moment such as occupancy on a new build. It’s kind of like watching a butterfly emerge from the cocoon.

With so many other developments and projects underway, how involved is Flato Developments in Edgewood Suites?

Flato Developments is the builder and owner of the Edgewood Suites brand. We operate under this Edgewood Suites name to help signify the unique characteristics of a purpose-built rental apartment building, tailored to 55-plus active adults.

What more can you tell us about the demographic this project would appeal to?

Edgewood Suites offers all the comforts of a well-appointed home, with five appliances, personal thermostat controls, modern finishings and high-quality amenities with simplicity of a single monthly payment. This type of unit is ideal for a homeowner looking to simplify their life by removing maintenance and utility costs, and is an ideal choice for anyone living in other rentals who would appreciate living in a community of peers with similar interests. Our units are independent living, meaning we do not include any health care services – however, our concierge can help connect tenants with local convenience and health care resources to help meet their needs. Whether you are still working or already retired, Edgewood Suites is tailored for each person to find their own balance of independence and involvement.

Where else will we see Edgewood Suites?

Edgewood Suites is the first but won’t be the last purpose-built rental project from Flato. We plan to add these buildings alongside Flato-built communities in Owen Sound, Beeton, Shelburne, Lindsey, Cameron, Markham and King City. The Dundalk project is our flagship in this new brand, and we are excited to offer purpose-built 55-plus rental housing options alongside our single-family homes, townhouses and condos to offer a full range of housing opportunities.

How is this product offering different than a condo?

Condo buildings might look similar in their modern units and amenities, but condos and purpose-built rentals vary in significant ways. First, a condo requires that you purchase the unit. That purchase price might require financing, or will take a big chunk of your savings. This investment does give you equity in the property that you can sell at a later date, however it requires monthly condo fees to maintain the area outside of your unit, and those fees vary from a couple of hundred dollars per month to more than $1,000, and could increase significantly over time. If the condo building decides a major repair is required and they do not have the funds, they can also require individual unit owners to pay additional assessments that can be tens of thousands of dollars. These shocks can be hard to manage on a fixed income, and could leave a condo owner in a tight situation.

Purpose-built rental buildings such as ours offer units that are comparable in the look and function to condos, and offer amenities like condos, but do so with one single all-in monthly price that even includes utilities such as gas, hydro, water, taxes and all maintenance. This single monthly price is easier to budget for and takes away all the stress of condo boards and maintenance fees, and lets you focus on your hobbies, health and even a second career if you choose. Spend your time reading a book instead of the hydro bill. Purpose-built rentals also come with professional property managers, who work alongside skilled contractors to keep buildings and grounds in top condition for you to enjoy.

What types of amenities and extras are provided at Edgewood Suites?

We have some fantastic amenity spaces at Edgewood Suites, including a games room that features a full kitchen and harvest table that seats 14 people, and walks out to covered patio that overlooks the 77-km multi-use trail on the back border of the property. The library offers a cosy fireplace, comfortable reading nooks and a putting green, the gym meets all of your fitness needs, and the faith room is available to feed the soul. The side of the building is topped with a large patio with barbecues overlooking the beaver ponds and woods to the south. All of these amenities are made better by the social programming that offers something for everyone. From paint nights to wine tasting, bingo, cards and creative writing workshops, the social programming is led by tenants to ensure that programming is in demand.

What prompted Flato Developments to undertake purpose-built rentals such as Edgewood Suites?

Flato builds in many smaller towns, and we heard from locals, community leaders and municipalities that there was a need for diverse housing options. We know it is hard for older adults to find a situation that meets their needs. Our Edgewood Suites brand offers a more cost-effective living option than full-service retirement villages, while offering the independence and high-quality finishings that many older adults appreciate. Our units are barrier-free, buildings feature elevator service to all floors, and all bathrooms have grab bars to help facilitate aging in place. Social programming and comfortable shared amenities encourage social inclusion and help to fight the isolation that can plague older adults and have a negative impact on health. Flato Developments believes in building communities, and that means offering diverse housing options. Edgewood Suites speaks to our commitment to quality housing of varied types.

Flato is well known for giving back to the community, in many ways. Where does this philosophy come from?

Shakir Rehmatullah, president and founder of Flato Developments, is a philanthropist. He is also modest and doesn’t like it when I point out all the things he does for our community. He donated $500,000 to the hospital redevelopment project in Markdale that serves Dundalk, and $1 million to the new local Dundalk community health centre. These kinds of donations are common for him, as he always supports the local communities where he is building. In Lindsay, he recently contributed $3 million to Ross Memorial Hospital and $1.2 million to Fleming College. He supports local charity events, sports teams and events such as the recent Canada Day celebration in Owen Sound.

Best of all, staff are supported in participating in community organizations and service clubs, such as Shelburne Rotary Club and events such as the Senior’s Health Fair here in Dundalk where I was a presenter last year. It is a company philosophy that we should all strive to contribute in positive ways, and to go above and beyond for our clients and communities.

edgewoodsuites.ca

AND ON A PERSONAL NOTE...

How do you spend your time away from the office?

I live in the country, with my partner on his family farm. We live in what was his grandparents house and represent the third generation on this farm. My partner and his dad do most of the heavy lifting, but I end up helping with the sheep, emptying grain bins at harvest and feeding chickens. I have also been an avid equestrian since I was a child and keep a pleasure horse at a lovely facility not far from my home farm. I can go from boardroom to barn pretty quickly, and the diversity in my day keeps me on my toes.

Who or what are your greatest influences in life? And in business?

Oh, big question. I often think of how I’ve kept little pieces of those people I’ve worked with previously. I can’t leave my desk on a Friday until I’ve tidied up because of this great COO, I had once that had a requirement for clean surfaces in offices and an overall eye for detail that I am so grateful he instilled in me. Then I hear this great facilitator in my head who I worked with only briefly, but who always said “and, not but” referring to the fact that things can be contradictory and, (not but) true. I had a GM in one role who always told us to “assume good intentions,” and I had a manager who used to encourage me to not be afraid of big ideas, even when they come from small spaces. I think I have collected a great shoe box of insights and habits from previous leaders I’ve worked with that probably have more influence on my day to day than any big names.

And I have to point to Brene Brown (American professor and author) as a big name who I find inspiring and influential in my style. I really appreciate that her focus in on leadership strengths as human strengths, rather as some characteristics that are compartmentalized away from our non-work lives. She has some very simple, yet profound statements that I aim to follow. I appreciate her perspective on clarity, showing up, courage and failure, among others.

What’s on your reading list these days?

In the summer, I have to admit that I don’t have a lot of time to sit down and be still. So, I’ve actually gotten really into audio books. Listening to the author read their work in their own words is riveting. I listened to The Color Purple read by author Alice Walker… Oh, it gave me chills. And listening to Tina Fey read her humourous memoir Bossypants is a completely different experience from reading, in a good way. It kind of feels like you are having brunch with the author with all the benefits of hitting pause and rewind. Also, podcasts are my new go-to while I’m doing housework. I enjoy the diversity of topics they cover.