Paradigm Grand Takes the Pain Out of the Great Commute
Paradigm Grand Takes the Pain Out of the Great Commute For many of us, The Great Commute could be back in full swing. And it’s not great for all of us. How can you make it easier on yourself? Thankfully, after many months of pandemic-induced isolation at home, many of us are finally (if reluctantly) ditching remote work (if only partially) and returning to the familiar routine of making the daily trip to the office or job site. Reconnecting in person with co-workers is the upside; the downside for many is the toll of the journey and hours spent in transit. Driving is more costly than ever. And enduring the traffic delays while navigating the to-and-fro in the GTA at peak hours can be a test of one’s sanity, regardless of the means of travel. While we’re all glad to back in circulation, we also have our limits. How Paradigm Grand Reduces Makes the Grueling Commute, Easier It goes something like this: spend your home and leisure hours enjoying the restorative small-city charms of Burlington while saving time, money and stress hormones via a swift and seamless GO train ride to the big city next door. What’s the clincher? Your GO ride is only a short walk away. At the Molinaro Group we can’t say we saw the pandemic coming when selecting the Paradigm site; it only looks like a stroke of genius in hindsight. Please forgive us for patting ourselves on the back but it’s also true that we envisioned Paradigm this way as part of our master plan for building a better Burlington. Breaking ground next to a GO station way back in 2007 simply made a ton of sense even if, at the time, it wasn’t common practice in North America. “Building by the GO station was unheard of many years ago,” says company president, Vince Molinaro. “Paradigm being right adjacent to a major GO station made a lot of sense to us even though the city probably didn’t have the planning in place for it. Even though purchasers were probably thinking about places. But we saw the benefits to buyers before everyone else did.” Managing Director Sam DiSanto concedes that the plan came with obstacles but the Molinaro Group surmounted any and all objections because the development made so much sense. “We had this inkling that transit very soon is going to be extremely important, so we pursued the deal. We needed the land to be re-zoned for mixed use and residential, which we knew would work here. Take a look at all the great cities in Europe and everything is built around transit stations.” “As they say, the rest is history,” he says with a smile. A New Chapter Launches Paradigm’s Grand Finale Paradigm Grand Takes the Pain Out of the Great Commute Another window of opportunity for commuters is about to open with the pending launch of Paradigm Grand’s two front towers, right on Fairview. This is the Grand Finale of the five-building, community originally envisioned by the Molinaro group. Anyone who missed out on the first phases of the development will have another chance to take advantage of this unparalleled access to fast and affordable transit. Imagine your workday starting with a short walk to the station, followed by a scenic ride along the lake. Relaxed, rested and ready to go is a much better mindset to begin your workday than arriving frustrated and even angry after gripping the steering wheel in stop-and-go traffic. The Paradigm Grand way is to live in a growing mid-sized city and work in the big city, without the mental and physical toll that makes highway commuting such a soul-sapping burden. City-dwellers in North America are gradually coming around to the benefits of the car-optional European lifestyle . This includes more intimate living spaces, proximity to neighbourhoods, transportation, parks and recreation. For the Molinaro Group it is all of a piece. “We’re not just building condos we’re building lifestyles,” Vince says. “We’re creating a better Burlington for people who live here and for people who want to live here. And Paradigm Grand is the full expression of our vision for how to do that, right here in Burlington.” Paradigm Grand Takes the Pain Out of the Great Commute
Molinaro Leads With LEED
Molinaro Leads with LEED “Being environmentally friendly is not new to us.” Robert Molinaro, Executive Vice-President, Molinaro Group Molinaro Group has long been at the forefront of improving the energy efficiency and sustainability of its buildings. Its exhaustive efforts have improved the quality of its building design and construction, and created a better living environment for residents. Its environmental leadership will also increase the lifespan of its buildings and reduce residents’ cost of living over the longer term. LEED Certification for Paradigm LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a third-party green building certification program. It sets the standard for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance green buildings and promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability. To qualify for LEED® certification, projects must meet certain prerequisites and earn credits related to addressing energy, water, carbon, waste, transportation, materials, health, and indoor environmental quality. Paradigm is a LEED® Silver Certified development, receiving awards for energy efficiency, air quality, and design innovation. It is built with locally sourced building materials, features a state-of-the-art “white” roof, and incorporates native and drought-tolerant plant species and high-efficiency irrigation equipment into outdoor spaces. Suites and common areas are also equipped with energy-efficient lighting and energy recovery ventilators (ERVs). “Creating LEED developments is just good business and it also benefits our purchasers, as they get to live in a healthier environment,” said Vince Molinaro, President, Molinaro Group. ENERGY STAR Certification for Illumina Many people know about ENERGY STAR® certified appliances, which are more energy efficient than typical appliances. But did you know buildings can also be ENERGY STAR® certified? ENERGY STAR® certified buildings use less energy and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than most buildings. They must meet strict energy performance standards, as set out by the Environmental Protection Agency, and are evaluated annually to ensure they maintain those standards. Buildings must earn an ENERGY STAR® score of 75 or higher, which means they perform better than at least 75% of similar buildings. Illumina is the first ENERGY STAR® certified building in Canada. Its appliances are designed and manufactured to use less energy and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions. It has also been certified for meeting the ENERGY STAR® program’s air tightness tests, HVAC and mechanical commissioning, and benchmarking requirements. “It will be ten per cent better than building code, which translates to ten per cent energy savings for the customers,” said Vince Molinaro. LEED – Geothermal Heating and Cooling at Strata Strata is one of the first condominiums in Burlington to apply for LEED® certification. In addition to its water-efficient features and green roof, the building has a state-of-the-art geothermal heating and cooling system. A geothermal (or geoexchange) electric heating and cooling system draws heat (and cooling) from the ground. It is a more environmentally friendly way to heat and cool buildings because it employs a renewable energy source and does not produce carbon emissions. It also reduces the building’s heating and cooling energy consumption by one-third compared to traditional natural gas systems. “Residents can feel good about reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which contributes to a healthier community,” said Rose Benedetto, Managing Director, EnerQuality. LEED- Sustainability Begins in the Community Molinaro Group’s commitment to sustainability and the environment goes beyond its buildings. They’ve extended their efforts into the community. A company approached the Molinaro Group for help with developing an urban garden. The goal was to provide greater food security for people in the community. Molinaro Group realized its benefits, donating land and materials toward the project. The urban garden produced more than 700 pounds of fresh produce for the local food bank. It also had a positive impact on the local economy and the environment. As Molinaro President Vince Molinaro says “It’s just a great initiative.”
Burlington in the Fall Beckons One and All
Burlington in the Fall Beckons One and All You’ll have to forgive us. We never get tired of trumpeting the virtues of this city we call (our corporate) home and the change of seasons is one more opportunity to blow our horn. Burlington’s ideal location in the sweet spot of the Golden Horseshoe pays dividends year-round but never more so than in the Fall. Sorry, deniers, the cooler breeze and shorter days of autumn are almost upon us though rest assured it’s no cause for gloom. On the contrary, Burlington shines at this time of the year when it celebrates many of its best features. Whether you’re into the food/wine harvest scene, changing colours, music, festivals or fitness, there is something for everyone. This abundance of cultural riches is one of the qualities that attracted the Molinaro family to the area long before Paradigm Grand was even a glint in anyone’s eye. As company President Vince Molinaro says, the city combines small-town appeal with a growing urban sophistication. He’s believes the two can comfortably co-exist because of deep roots. “Burlington has a strong character; people love living here. There’s a lot of large festivals, a lot of good restaurants, a lot of mom-and-pop shops people love to see.” It also means that you can sample all of these attractions without venturing far from your door. Allow us to curate what might be your fall itinerary of events and destinations in the weeks ahead. Some Suggestions to Help Plan Your Autumn Adventure Burlington’s waterfront jewel and focal point, Spencer Smith Park, gets top billing for convenience and accessibility. You can make a day of it to explore; pack a picnic lunch and cycle or simply enjoy the trails on foot. It’s an ideal spot for kids and families with plenty of room to spread out and relax or play. It’s also home to the unofficial start of Fall, the Labour Day Weekend Ribfest, an all-ages outdoor event billed as the largest in Canada, marking its 25th anniversary this year. In addition to the aromatic smoked meat delicacies, you’ll find a tantalizing selection of traditional carnival treats guaranteed to leave a mustard or ketchup stain. It’s never too early or late in the season for ice cream and Burlington punches above its weight in the frozen treat department. You can map out of a tour of the city’s dozen-or-so top-notch purveyors and sample one or more of these establishments every weekend. Whether you prefer a cone or cup, full-dairy or vegan alternatives, you’ll find a shop to satisfy your personal craving. Head for the Hills and Valleys Gardening enthusiasts come from all over the region to visit the Royal Botanical Gardens. Typically ablaze with vivid blooms throughout the summer, the grounds project a more melancholy mood in fall that holds its own charm. The tree canopy transitions to a multi-coloured riot and the well-defined trails are ideal for walking, outdoor dining or finding a remote corner for quiet contemplation in a beautiful natural setting. Don’t miss the Hendrie Valley Trails in the Grindstone Creek Valley in mid-to-late September. You’re always within easy driving distance of one of Ontario’s most popular attractions, the Niagara wine region. Just minutes south on the QEW, September and October are peak harvest season. Most local winemakers are pleased to host tasting/information sessions during this exciting time of year, and post visiting hours and directions on their websites. The Burlington Performing Arts Centre will be humming right through October. Fans of Seventies’ rock radio can catch former chart-topper Air Supply (Sept. 15), vintage Canadian rocker Tom Cochrane and his band Red Rider at the same venue on the 20th while the October calendar includes performances by local favorite Glass Tiger (Oct. 14), the Vienna Boys Choir (Oct. 15) and the Canadian Jazz All-Stars on the 29th. The Burlington Terry Fox Run/Walk for Cancer Research (Sept. 18), and the Applefest Fall Fair (hosted by Museums of Burlington – Oct. 1) are also on the list of autumn highlights. You’ll find a complete day-by-day list for September and October on the city’s own website. Fall in Burlington. Life doesn’t get much grander.
Burlington Mural Tour
Burlington is a lovely city but even it has some areas that need “a little love.” That’s what Molinaro Group President Vince Molinaro says motivated his team to support the creation of four original murals in Burlington’s downtown area. In this brief walk about, Vince takes us to the four locations and talks about the artwork, including the most recent installation by @KelseyMontague Art @ChrisPPerez, @kane.ism, @steampaints, @poser.abm Vince also makes the point that supporting the creation of wall art is an extension of the Molinaro Group’s decades long track record of building beautiful condos all across the Burlington area.
Construction Update: “Kitchen Progress, Two Storeys of Fun… and more!” – August 2022
The end of Summer sees Rob Molinaro at Illumina as it moves forward to completion. The main lobby is getting prepped for finishing, flooring and kitchens are going in, and the rooftop, two storey party room and outdoor terrace are really starting to shape up.
New Mural Brings World Renowned Artist’s Work to Downtown Burlington
Artist Kelsey Montague’s work has been commissioned by Taylor Swift and featured in Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and the Smithsonian Institute. Now, her work is gracing a building in downtown Burlington. Thanks, in part, to the Molinaro Group. “This is an exciting moment for Burlington,” says Molinaro Group president Vince Molinaro. “Kelsey’s work is so energetic and fun, just like Burlington, and we’re delighted to have helped make this happen!” Located at Elizabeth St. and Lakeshore Rd., the artwork was commissioned by tourism Burlington, and was made possible with the generous support of the Burlington Downtown Business Association and the Molinaro Group. Kelsey’s work is about demonstrating how art weaves itself into our daily lives. Burlington’s rich cultural footprint, defined by its art gallery, museums, music festivals and its performing arts centre, means this original artwork is a perfect fit for the City. For Vince and the Molinaro Group, contributing to street art is a natural extension of their corporate mission. “We have always built more than just condos here – we’ve built the community, too. And we think our condos have a distinctive artistic merit to their look and lifestyle that’s added real value to Burlington.”
Paradigm’s Architectural Inspiration
The Molinaro Group’s vision for Paradigm was made real through the talents and dedication of Berardo Graziani and his team at Graziani & Corazza Architects. In this segment, Berardo shares his insights about how Paradigm got its distinctive look, and why the development, now in its Grand Finale, stands as an iconic statement of confidence in Burlington’s future.
Our Customers Love Our Condos – Episode One: Vera and Luis
Vera and Luis share their thoughts on why they bought a Molinaro condo and why they feel Burlington is such a wonderful place to call home.
At Paradigm Grand You Can See for Miles and Miles
At Paradigm Grand You Can See for Miles and Miles Life on the Golden Horseshoe means wonderful vistas. One of our favourites is the view on a clear day of the Toronto waterfront skyline from Niagara-On-The-Lake. Anything that makes the Big Smoke look tiny, right? The view from the twin front towers of Paradigm Grand is about to rival any along the western shore of Lake Ontario, thanks to the vision of the Molinaro Group and their architect Barry Graziani. Maybe he was listening to The Who when he was doing his drawings. The legendary rock band’s hit “I Can See for Miles and Miles” is the perfect theme song for his vision of a structure with almost limitless sightlines toward the blue horizon. Barry and the Molinaro Group ensured that floor-to-ceiling windows be the standard for every unit so, you will see for miles and miles … and then some. Natural Light Matters and It’s Everywhere at Paradigm Grand An abundance of natural light ranks high on the wish list of most condo customers for good reason. The winter months in Canada can be unrelenting. A lack of adequate daylight isn’t just unhealthy for our physical well-being but it can take a severe mental toll as well. We are nothing if not sympathetic to the issue of cabin fever. That’s why every unit at Paradigm Grand features a wall of glass in the main living area. Consider it your front-row ticket to the evolving seasons. No need to turn on the TV or check your mobile device. The weather report is always right there in front of you. Vivid summer sunsets; the ever-shifting tones of blue, grey and silver during the winter, and the blazing, multi-coloured canopies of fall – you get them all right out your window. The location of Paradigm Grand’s two front towers will offer an unobstructed view of Burlington’s greatest asset – its lakefront. There are no other man-made structures to interfere – and won’t be any in the foreseeable future – because these are the tallest planned for the area at 22 stories. You can invest with confidence, knowing that a shutter won’t come down on your magnificent sightline. There’s nothing standing between your premium unit and the shoreline except parkland and low-rise residential neighbourhoods. Paradigm Grand’s amenities, including the all-season swimming pool, yoga studio and fully-equipped fitness center, also feature soaring glass windows and an ever-present flood of glorious light. It’s “a home run” says Managing Director Sam Di Santo, in the forefront of the project since the site was selected in 2007. “With Paradigm” he adds, “we were truly ahead of our time.” The Grand Finale is a Vision Fully Realized From Graziani’s standpoint, it’s a thrill is thrilled to see this final stage of his design coming to fruition. “The exciting part about the Grand Finale is that it starts to crystallize and finalize what we originally thought. The addition of the two, front towers create this courtyard; that almost becomes a little oasis, a sanctuary in this development. It starts to take on a life of its own. All of the residents will feel it’s part of their home.” Complementing the courtyard is the outdoor terrace of Paradigm Grand. A master stroke of humanistic design, this verdant expanse formally titled “Paradigm Park” soars seven stories above street level and spans the entire footprint. It’s divided into a fitness zone on one side and a separate leisure area with room to stroll, sprawl or just sit and contemplate the splendid view. As a fully-integrated feature, it’s an all-seasons escape where residents can meet and socialize in a spacious retreat or enjoy personal quiet time in the fresh air. It’s also totally in keeping with the Molinaro Group’s mission to create a lifestyle destination in the heart of a growing, mid-sized city. In the words of company President Vince Molinaro, “We’re not building condos we’re actually building lifestyles. We’re creating a better Burlington for people who live here and for people who want to live here.” The final stage of Paradigm Grand truly has it all. Light, air, sky. All you’ll need to do is just breathe. And gaze for miles and miles and miles and miles. Paradigm Grand – New
Molinaro Group – We Are Burlington
We Are Burlington “Molinaro Group is more than a company that happens to be located in Burlington. Burlington is a part of us. The city is in our blood.” Domenic Molinaro Founder, Molinaro Group A Long History of Building in Burlington Molinaro Group has been developing residential and commercial properties in Burlington for almost 25 years. Their buildings are an integral part of the downtown core and the waterfront. They’ve helped create the beautiful skyline that Burlington residents and visitors have come to recognize and appreciate. When Domenic Molinaro first came to Burlington downtown and waterfront were empty canvases. He had a vision for what the city could be. And he set out to realize that vision by developing truly beautiful and unique buildings. Vince Molinaro, President of the Molinaro Group, said, “When we first came here, there was nothing much going on in Burlington. My dad saw the vision. A lot of people didn’t.” Building a Livable City Burlington has always been known as a family-friendly city. That’s why Domenic chose to raise his family here. His children grew up, in part, working on construction sites around the city. And they initially raised their families in Burlington and the surrounding area. The rest of Canada knows how great Burlington is too. MoneySense magazine has repeatedly ranked Burlington as the #1 Canadian city to live in. “We would have to agree,” said Sam DiSanto, Managing Director, Molinaro Group. “And we’re glad to have played a role in helping to make Burlington such a great place to live.” Every property built by the Molinaro Group is recognizable and distinct to Burlington. They each have unique features and amenities that define their neighbourhoods. These buildings include: Spencer’s Landing Bunton’s Wharf The Baxter 360 on Pearl The Brock Illumina Paradigm Grand Working Together to Build Better Collaboration and cooperation are central tenets of how Molinaro Group does business. It takes the efforts of many people working together to successfully complete a development. This begins before the first shovel hits the ground. Molinaro Group engages with city councillors and ratepayers to ensure every development results in a win-win situation. They listen to all feedback when designing their buildings to create positive environments for residents and community members. For example, with Strata, the team at Molinaro Group engaged with local residents who wanted input on the look of the building. They worked for months to come up with a design that preserved the area’s vistas. In the end, they received a signed letter of approval from the resident committee. “We want the people of Burlington to view our buildings with as much pride as we do,” said Robert Molinaro, Executive Vice President. Supporting the City’s Economy and Communities Molinaro Group is committed to Burlington’s economic health and growth. Several years ago, they relocated their head office to the city. Setting up shop in the community means providing jobs—both directly and indirectly—to the people who live there. And they do business with other local businesses, which is good for the community and the economy. A city is more than its buildings. It consists of the people who live and work there. It depends on community amenities and spaces to make it livable. That’s why Molinaro Group has put time and resources toward the development of community amenities. They’ve donated land and materials for an urban farm that provide fresh fruits and vegetables to the food bank. They’ve supported campaigns to fund the public library and performance arts centre. And they’ve made significant financial contributions to the development of Joseph Brant Hospital. Robert says it most succinctly: “Molinaro Group is all about Burlington. And the city will always be a part of who we are.”
