Get the Lifestyle Benefits You’ll Enjoy
Get the Lifestyle Benefits You’ll Enjoy “People truly enjoy living in our properties because, in many ways, they offer the features of a high-quality house but in a setting that makes those luxurious amenities affordable,” said Vince Molinaro, President, Molinaro Group. A key feature of a Molinaro Group development is its amenities. The Group pays great attention to providing customers with everything they could want in a premium lifestyle residence. All Molinaro buildings have access to outdoor space, such as balconies and terraces for individual units. And every building has features that cannot be found in most single-family homes. For example, 360 on Pearl is equipped with an entertainment lounge, theatre room, rooftop terrace, 24/7 security staff, and concierge services. At The Baxter, catering to families was a key design consideration so the condo offered bigger units, some of which exceeded 2,500 square feet. And the Molinaro Team enabled buyers to put their own personal touches on their units before moving in. Take Advantage of the Location Molinaro Group also has long believed in the value of building properties in downtown Burlington as a way to revitalize what was once an unattractive part of town. Bunton’s Wharf and The Baxter are located just steps from Spencer Smith Park, which fronts onto Lake Ontario. And both condos are right in the midst of numerous shopping, dining, and entertainment venues that sprung up in the wake of Molinaro’s investment in the area. Many Molinaro properties are located to encourage the use of public transit and reduce the use of private vehicles. For example, multiple award winner Paradigm, in Midtown Burlington, is within steps of the Burlington GO Station, following the European style of incorporating public transit into where people live. It also features covered storage facilities in its underground parkade for convenient bicycle parking. “Back in 2007, we knew transit would be extremely important, as it is in Europe,” said Sam DiSanto, Managing Director, Molinaro Group. “We were ahead of our time, and the success of Paradigm is the proof of that vision.” Live a Healthier Lifestyle Molinaro Group understands that people want amenities that contribute to a healthier lifestyle. For that reason, many properties include pools, gyms, workout rooms, and more, enabling residents to stay active and energized. In addition to an indoor rooftop pool, Strata offers a meditation garden. Meanwhile at Illumina, there’s a conveniently located, ground floor fitness studio, while Paradigm offers a one-of-a-kind outdoor fitness circuit and entertainment space. The company cares about the health of the community as well. For the past couple of years, Molinaro Group has donated land and materials to support an urban farm. This year alone, the garden produced over 1,000 pounds of fresh vegetables and herbs for the Burlington Food Bank. Reduce Utility Expenses Molinaro Group has been ahead of the curve when it comes to its properties’ energy efficiency and sustainability. The company knows energy costs will continue to rise and have taken steps to reduce their properties’ carbon footprint. This has the added benefit of lowering owners’ utility bills. For example, suites and common areas in Paradigm are equipped with energy-efficient lighting and energy recovery ventilators. The building is LEED® Silver Certified, in part due to design features that reduce its water usage. Every unit in Illumina, which is the first ENERGY STAR® certified building in Canada, is equipped with energy-efficient appliances. The building exceeds building code requirements by ten per cent, which means measurable savings for every owner. And Strata is equipped with a state-of-the-art geothermal heating and cooling system, which reduces energy usage by one-third versus most natural gas systems. “Being environmentally friendly is not new to us,” said Robert Molinaro, Executive Vice President, Molinaro Group. “We’re committed to it because it’s good for the planet, it’s good business, and it benefits our purchasers.”
Our Customers Love Our Condos! Masha & Himanshu
Our Customers Love Our Condos – E7: Masha & Himanshu At the Molinaro Group, customer satisfaction is our #1 priority. It’s why so many of our customers buy more than one condo from us. In this series of videos, we proudly give our customers a platform to share their thoughts on our condos, our team and Burlington.
PG – Sales Centre Demolition 2022
Paradigm Grand Sales Centre Demolition 2022 Robert Molinaro takes us on a tour of how Paradigm’s (and Illumina‘s) original sales centre has been skillfully dismantled. The process took place over a couple of months in the late Fall, yielding a generous amount of re-useable materials. It’s also the first stage of construction on Midtown Burlington’s iconic landmark development.
Paradigm Ph1 LEED® Silver accreditation
Paradigm Phase One’s LEED® Silver accreditation is the culmination of a full scope commitment by the Molinaro Group. Working with its consultants, construction trades and vendors, the Group is bringing greater environmental sustainability to condominium design and construction in Burlington. The three-tower, first phase of Paradigm, in Midtown Burlington, adds LEED® Silver to a long list of other awards for distinctive design, branding excellence and materials innovation.
Getting Ready for Pre-Delivery Inspections
“Getting Ready for Pre-Delivery Inspections (PDI’s) Coming in the New Year.” In this year-end segment, Robert Molinaro walks us through progress at Illumina in Downtown West Burlington. Sidewalks, curbs and landscaping are underway. Interior finishes are coming together, and Pre-Delivery Inspections (PDIs) are on the schedule for early in the New Year! In the meantime, Happy Holidays and All the Best from everyone at the Molinaro Group.
Our Customers Love Our Condos – E6: Kevin D.
Our Customers Love Our Condos – Episode Six: Kevin D. At the Molinaro Group, customer satisfaction is our #1 priority. It’s why so many of our customers buy more than one condo from us. In this series of videos, we proudly give our customers a platform to share their thoughts on our condos, our team and Burlington.
Paradigm Grand Phase One Back Story
In Episode 4 of our “Building A Better Burlington” series, Molinaro Group’s senior executive team shares the origins of Paradigm. The award-winning development, which was always meant to be a master planned, five building community, began with the launch and construction of the first three buildings on the north end of the site. But long before that happened, the Molinaro Group had a vison for how the land should be re-zoned to accommodate residential – an idea that was unheard for the area, which the Molinaro Group later named Midtown. And yet, despite its initial success, Paradigm still faced obstacles that delayed the final phase, Paradigm Grand, by over two years.
Molinaro Group: More than Just a Builder
Molinaro Group is not just another builder in Burlington. It’s evident in the properties they’ve developed, the way they interact with buyers, and how they’ve contributed to Burlington’s growth. “The Molinaro Group brings their product to market a little bit differently than others,” said Linda Davies, Broker of Record, Davies Condo Real Estate. “They say what they’re going to do and they deliver on their promises.” A Builder with History in Burlington Molinaro Group has been in the property development business for over 60 years. And, perhaps more importantly, they’ve been developing residential and commercial properties in Burlington for almost 25 years. When Domenic Molinaro first arrived in the city, its downtown and waterfront was a blank canvas. He set out to fulfill his vision of what Burlington could be by developing beautiful and unique buildings that redefined and vastly imnproved their neighbourhoods. Molinaro Group started Burlington’s growth with the development of Spencer’s Landing. When it was built in 2003, it was the city’s first condo in almost 20 years. This led the way to other iconic developments – Bunton’s Wharf, The Baxter, 360 on Pearl. Paradigm is its latest award-winning condominium development, and, with Paradigm Grand now selling, the Group’s track record of success continues. “We don’t rest on the laurels of the past,” said Sam DiSanto, Managing Director, Molinaro Group. “With every building we create today, we learn from what we’ve done and enhance the next project as much as we can.” Dealing Directly with the Builder Molinaro Group is a family owned and operated company, which is reflected in how they run the business. They are hands on and involved in every part of the operations, from the initial design through to the final sale and beyond to customer delivery. For example, buyers get access to timely and accurate information and engage with experienced salespeople at Davies Condos who understand Molinaro’s products and offerings. More importantly, buyers deal directly with the builder through their exclusive arrangement with Davies, so there’s no third parties, meaning, buyers get the best selection and best prices. “We take a personal interest to make sure our buyers are happy,” said Robert Molinaro, Executive Vice President, Molinaro Group. “We want to be involved in every aspect to make sure our customers are happy.” Commitment to Craft, Customers, and Community Molinaro Group is dedicated to developing quality properties. They take great pride in the unique design of their buildings, they use of high-quality sustainable materials, and deliver amenities that appeal to buyers. The proof is in the numerous awards they’ve won for their developments, which have also helped put Burlington on the map. The builder’s commitment to quality is evident in the number of repeat buyers they’ve had over the years. The owners of Molinaro Group take great pride in the loyalty of their customers, as it speaks to the quality of their work and their commitment to customer care. “We take a personal interest in the satisfaction of their buyers as we do in the successful completion of our developments,” said Sam. Molinaro Group also gives more as a builder by giving back to the community. They have supported and invested in numerous charitable initiatives, including the Joseph Brant Hospital, public library, and performing arts centre. They’ve also partnered with local businesses and initiatives at the community level. For example, they’ve donated land and materials to create an Urban Farm with Bunchberry Connections. This year alone, the farm produced over 1,000 pounds of fresh food for the Burlington Food Bank. “The food bank is a great organization, full of passionate volunteers, and we’re happy to help them provide people with fresh vegetables and herbs,” said Vince Molinaro, President, Molinaro Group.
Tree trimming at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre
The Molinaro Group once again is participating in the Burlington Performing Arts Centre’s Festival of Trees. This is the 6th Annual edition of the event which sparks yuletide joy to patrons who visit the Centre until Dec 17th. The pre-lit artificial Christmas trees, generously donated by Canadian Tire’s Burlington Stores, and sponsored by local businesses, will light up BPAC’s Lobby for four weeks – until their silent auction ‘winners’ take them home for the holidays. “We also make a further donation, on behalf of the winning bid for the Molinaro tree,” said Vince Molinaro. “It’s our way to help pay it forward, and to encourage bids for our tree, which go to the Performing Arts Centre. Win-win all around!” To get your chance at winning a tree, enter the Silent Auction by simply viewing the trees in-person and placing your bid. All tree bid proceeds support the Burlington Performing Arts Centre. Tree bidding ends on Saturday, December 17 at 8pm. Minimum bid for trees is $10. Winners will be contacted by email and/or phone and can pick up their trees on Monday, Dec 19 and Tuesday, Dec 20. Entrants must consent to signing up for our mailing list to be eligible. For more details visit: https://burlingtonpac.ca/events/festival-of-trees/
How Paradigm Grand became an Underdog Story
How Paradigm Grand became an Underdog Story Image: Burlington City Hall – One has to wonder how Paradigm Grand’s unanticipated two-year+ delay impacted Burlington’s housing market. The original vision behind Paradigm Grand can be condensed into a few simple concepts, all of which now seem prescient in retrospect. The Molinaro Group saw underdeveloped land in an underrated midtown area of a still unheralded mid-sized city, and believed a master-planned lifestyle community was the right fit. Very few people agreed, at first. With 2023 on the horizon, a swirl of emotions is coursing through the leadership team at the Molinaro Group as they prepare to flip the calendar and watch The Grand Finale of the Paradigm project march toward completion. “We’re feeling joy, excitement, gratitude, and perhaps the slightest hint of redemption,” said Sam DiSanto, Managing Director of the Group. While most of those emotions are obvious, “Redemption” requires some background. Sam continues: “Back in 2008, apart from us, there were very few believers in a residential project on Fairview. That whole area was meant to be big box land. We had a vision for something entirely different. But it took a lot of work to get others to see it, too.” And as Group President Vince Molinaro has shared, “We definitely saw something other developers, and even the city, just didn’t see… but we knew our concept would work. So, it feels great to know how well buyers and the city, as a whole, have gotten behind our concept at this location.” Location, in this case, was more than just a piece of land. It was also the site for a massive investment to create a transit hub, including GO trains and bus service. “The transit element is a very European approach, and because all three of us have travelled throughout Europe together, we saw this kind of residential development in a lot of cities,” said Robert Molinaro, Executive VP at Molinaro. “It just made sense to bring this idea to Burlington.” Even Great Ideas Face Opposition Despite its being an ambitious, long-term, high value development, the likes of which the city had never seen before, Paradigm faced various degrees of resistance; what some might call NIMBYism. Oddly, the backyard for Paradigm was a railway corridor. “Objections often come from being ill-informed or misinformed so, we made a huge effort to share the vision and to detail its many benefits to the city,” said DiSanto. “And even that wasn’t always enough.” Now, almost 14 years since inception, it feels strange to see the real estate industry and governments at all levels, under fire for not building enough housing of all kinds to satisfy the demands and needs of buyers. “We have pent-up demand from new Canadians and the frustrated offspring of current homeowners anxious to fulfill their own dream of home ownership, pinched by a market with too little inventory and daunting prices throughout the Golden Horseshoe and beyond,” said Linda Davies, Founding Broker of Davies Condos, the Molinaro’s long time exclusive broker for Paradigm. “We’re the last people to say ‘we told you so,’” said Robert Molinaro. “Far from it; but we were convinced Burlington was a diamond in the rough with untapped potential as a vibrant, desirable place to live, work and raise a family.” And it would be on a vacant lot, in what the Molinaro Group actually named ‘midtown,’ that the perfect spot existed to execute a grand vision. One that would see an ultra-modern condominium development that would come to be a new standard for Burlington. Sam DiSanto says the driving force behind the origins of Paradigm can be distilled to a single word: patience. “When we started looking at that property it was 2007. We knew transit was going to be extremely important,” he said. “So, we strongly encouraged the landowners to have the site re-zoned for mixed use and residential. At first, they disagreed but eventually took our advice. And when the zoning was in place, they reached back to us and we jumped on the deal. The rest is history.” A Done Deal, Almost Undone History had to wait. As the first Phase of Paradigm sold out, consisting of three towers at the north end of the property, plans were already well underway – and mostly approved – to begin the launch of the remaining two towers that would front onto Fairview. But the election cycle in local politics took over and more delays were put in place that delayed the launch of Paradigm Grand for over two years. It’s pure speculation, but one has to wonder how that delay impacted the market of eager buyers then who are now facing higher prices and equally higher financing costs. “These things happen and while they are frustrating, we stayed focused on the future and kept working with the city to move the final phase forward,” said Robert. “And that patience paid off when we got the green light to move ahead about a year ago.” Solving the current housing crisis will take even more resolve and imagination in the years ahead. Based on today’s media headlines, it seems certain demand will only rise. “The vision we had 15 years ago wasn’t based on a precise prediction about what’s going on today,” said Vince. “But we always look ahead, so our concept at Paradigm was right back then and now, with Paradigm Grand moving forward, it’s even more so now.”
