In Conversation With... Justin Federbush, Vice-President, Diamante Development Corp.

For new home development projects – particularly condominiums – location is everything. It is, after all, at the root of the number one rule of thumb in real estate – doubly so in these pandemic days when buyers are ever-more demanding.

For Diamante Development Corp., things don’t get much better than the location of its two most recent project: Mirabella, in a prized lakeside locale in the west end; and The Diamond, in North York’s city centre.

We caught up with Justin Federbush, vice-president of marketing and operations, to learn more about these signature projects and other topics.

Let’s start with an easy one… How’s business these days? For many developers, 2020 turned out to be a strong year, despite the challenges of COVID, and 2021 looks like more of the same.

Despite the challenges of COVID-19, business has been strong. For our Diamond project, we are nearing the final stages of construction and are looking forward to welcoming residents to the building when we begin occupancies in September.

For our Mirabella project, we have seen an increase in sales activity since the end of 2020, and that has been consistent throughout 2021. We are also delighted to watch construction unfold, as we move towards our targeted occupancy next spring.

What is Diamante doing differently these days, as a result of COVID?

There is no question that COVID-19 has caused everyone in the development industry to reconsider the design of buildings and how we can improve health, wellness and enjoyment through it. Mirabella is targeting LEED Gold certification, and we have achieved the Tier 2 level of the Toronto Green Standards Version 2. Through these initiatives, we implemented ERVs in all suites for better indoor air quality, and increased indoor and outdoor amenity space to provide amenities for the whole family to work and play. This includes a designated children’s play area, a quiet library, business centre and two large outdoor terraces. In response to COVID-19 directly, we implemented touch-free door sensors.

What did you learn about prospective buyers? How have their needs and wants changed through the pandemic…?

The challenges of COVID-19 have resulted in many businesses requiring or allowing their employees to work from home so, now more than ever, people are spending more time within their home. Buyers are less needing to choose a home that is close to their workplace and look more for homes that are larger and more comfortable to live in and located in neighbourhoods that are more desirable to them.

We have always designed our suites with the end-user in mind, so at Mirabella, all of our suites have larger proportions, with layouts that have been designed for livability. For example, we are proud of our WMSS-W/EMSS-W layouts, at 764 sq. ft., which provide homeowners with two well-sized bedrooms, two three-piece bathrooms, a den, full-sized living and dining areas, more than 17 linear ft. of closet space, and a large balcony with views of Lake Ontario.

We have always sought out extraordinary locations before others see the value, and Mirabella is a prime example of that. Homeowners at Mirabella will be beside some of the most beautiful natural environments in Toronto, while also being a short drive away from Downtown Toronto, Etobicoke and Mississauga.

What can you tell us about Mirabella?

Mirabella is a 38-storey building, comprising two stunning towers on an elegant podium. Located at the corner of Windermere and Lake Shore Blvd. W., Mirabella is nestled right in between High Park and Lake Ontario in one of the most natural settings in Toronto.
Mirabella is well under construction, with occupancy slated for spring 2022, and we are excited to now be selling our final release of suites. Within our final release, we have an amazing selection of one-bedroom plus den, two-bedroom and two-bedroom plus den suites from 550 to 1,539 sq. ft, with prices starting in the low $700,000s.

What distinguishes this project from other new condos in the area?

While there are other new condo projects that provide residents with waterfront views, Mirabella stands out from the competition by not only providing its suites and amenities with luxurious irreplaceable views of both Lake Ontario, but also equally gorgeous views of High Park. Mirabella also features a timeless and classic architectural design, with its precast concrete cladding which allows it to stand apart from the glass towers in the area.

We are providing suites that are spacious and designed for end-users to enjoy living in them, and we are providing more than 10,000 sq. ft. of indoor amenities spaces (exclusive to each tower), and more than 20,000 sq. ft. of outdoor amenity spaces, which is well beyond what is required by the City of Toronto.

What distinguishes Diamante from other condo developers in the market?

Diamante provides unparalleled value to clients, and Mirabella is no exception. Constant research and review have been conducted on every aspect of our projects to ensure the best homeowner experience. The Diamante hallmark has always been superior building quality, unique living spaces and extraordinary value.

We always look for prime city locations that are rare and valuable. One Balmoral brought elegance and substance to a section of Yonge that was underestimated, and subsequently helped increase the values on Farnham and Balmoral west of Yonge. The Florian in Yorkville was our latest constructed project, and is one of Toronto’s most sought-after luxury buildings. Diamante also focuses on respecting the neighbourhoods that we develop in and their history. Phoebe on Queen includes architectural elements from the historical brick styles of the neighbourhood, while also paying homage to the area, such as through the rare half-acre internal private park at Beverley and Queen.

Beyond these projects, what’s next for Diamante?

We are developing a project at 5300 Yonge St., just south of Yonge and Finch, that we hope to launch next year. We are excited to share details of this new project within the coming months.

diamantedevelopment.com

AND ON A PERSONAL NOTE...

How have you managed during the pandemic? Taken on any new hobbies or acquired new skills?

While the pandemic has been challenging, it has been an opportunity to appreciate the positive things in life and the things we sometimes take for granted. Being away from family and friends for such long periods of time was difficult, so I am happy to see the province slowly open up and afford the opportunity to see them more often. It has also been a pleasure to have more time in the kitchen to develop my cooking skills. I think I’ve perfected my carbonara recipe!

What, or who, is your greatest inspiration for what you do?

My mother passed away when I was young, and she has always been my greatest inspiration. She was the one to shape who I am today. Everything I do has been in her memory to make her proud.

What’s on your watch lists these days?

Ted Lasso has become a household favourite of mine, as it is the most wholesome and comforting show I have ever seen. It honestly could not have come at a better time. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a smile and a laugh.