Thursday 20 June 2013

Fortress Real Developments Inc. Move Forward on New Sheppard Ave Project

Fortress Real Developments, PACE and Empire Communities Meet at the Corner of Progress and Opportunity



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In all great undertakings, progress is how we measure our path towards a goal. In Scarborough, three developers have joined together and already arrived at Progress.

A new project, at the corner of Progress Road and Sheppard Avenue East, will bring up to 400 new housing units to one of the fastest growing communities in the Greater Toronto Area.

Fortress Real Developments, Pace Developments and Empire Communities, all based in York Region, have come together in co-venture and acquired an approved 2.3 acre parcel. With an existing sales centre already on site, the project is expected to come to market later this year.

"Affordability is so important, especially for the first time home buyer," remarked Daniel Guizzetti from Empire. "This site will offer excellent options for the first time homebuyer, for young families and to investors looking to buy units to rent for cashflow." With award winning high rise projects including Eau du Soleil, Rain and Beyond the Sea, Empire brings trusted experience to the project's 2 towers.

A veteran of the low rise market, PACE Development's Dino Sciavilla sees a growing area clamoring for quality homes. "This site is in a terrific location with 3 bus lines at its doorstep and access to two major highways, the 401 and 407. Add in the new LRT line and the accessibility here is off the charts." Across the street from the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto and near one of the GTA's largest mosques, the area offers a rich and diverse cultural mix.

One of the biggest draws was just how strong the demand for units in the area had become. "We don't even have a sign up yet but every time I'm on site with consultants or trades, local people from the neighbourhood just walk up to me and ask to buy a unit! We've already collected 40 names just from walk ups... I've never seen anything like it," exclaimed Jawad Rathore, President of Fortress Real Developments. "The appeal of this site is huge. It is everything we look for when picking a project."

The acquisition is the second co-venture between the three companies. They have already commenced site clearing and are preparing for the start of construction in Markham, Ontario on the Mount Joy townhomes and a stunning new condo tower called 'the Mark'.
With a unique combination of skill, strength, experience and savvy, the team of Empire, Pace and Fortress seem to make 'progress' wherever they go.
About the Companies

Fortress Real Developments Inc. - Fortress Real Developments is a Canadian real estate development company that seeks out and analyzes opportunities in major Canadian markets. The company has placed their focus on quality projects with recognizable alpha in residential low-rise, high-rise, commercial and industrial project. For more information visit: http://fortressrealdevelopments.com.

Empire Communities - An award-winning builder/developer in Ontario having built some of the most successful condominium residences and master-planned single family home communities across the province. Over the past 20 years, Empire Communities has established a long-standing tradition of crafting prestigious residences with a strong emphasis on quality and outstanding customer experience that fits effortlessly into the lifestyle and priorities of its homeowners. For more information visit: www.empirecommunities.com.

PACE Developments Inc. - PACE Developments is a fully integrated, multi-disciplinary construction/development building company with headquarters in Ontario, Canada. The company's building profile ranges from luxury custom built homes to subdivision and commercial office and retail. For more information visit: www.pacedevelopments.com.

Harmony Village Project in Barrie 

Speaking last night to Fortress Developments on Twitter, (username @FortressRDI ) I asked what was the most prominent development they had planned for the Toronto Area. After a minute or two I got my answer. Looks like Fortress Developments is part of a landmark project taking place in the northern limit of the GTA.


The project is called Harmony Village, a mixed use project aimed at retiring and near retirement baby boomers. The project with land acquired by City Core Developments is located in central Barrie right on the waterfront of Lake Simcoe. Without doubt the most fascinating aspect of the Harmony Village development is that the developer put the design bid out to architectural firms to propose the best use for the land. The designs submitted by Four firms including:


Core Architects
Raw Design
Diamond Schmitt
Hariri Pontarini


All the designs submitted by the firms combine ground level podium detailing with retail mixed grade below and above 3 to 4 towers rising from podium. This has got to be the largest residential project ever proposed for Barrie, and shows the extent of the growth which is occurring there now along with the growth at the northern reach of the GTA. The setting for the development provides a year round resort type feel for the residents which should become a major selling point in addition to the true retail offering which will also be afforded to the residents. When I first saw this development in the spring of this year, I must admit I was shocked at its size in particular its location in Barrie. I was unsure that Barrie had enough people that wanted this type of Highrise convenience lifestyle. But now on second thoughts it is apparent that with a solid design concept and master plan combined with the ambiance of Lake Simcoe on your doorstep, this might just end up becoming one magical place to live, and the convenience of Toronto down the road. I must admit, not bad, not bad at all.


The two Winning Designs were chosen as a pair.


Raw Design and Core Architects will mold their designs into one final vision for the project.















The Diamond Schmitt Architects






A Sweeter Shade

1 comment:

  1. It is an informative blog and you have shared nice images. View beautiful listing of Houses for Sale in Scarborough.

    ReplyDelete