Building Family. Building Community.
Pictured above are wife Lina and husband Domenic Molinaro. The large image is just a few short years ago and the inset image is in the 1980s A Modest Yet Determined Beginning Although the Molinaro Group is a remarkable and large-scale success story, its beginnings were the definition of “humble.” The company got its start at the family’s kitchen table in 1963. That’s where founder Domenic Molinaro worked with his wife Lina, who acted as secretary, office manager, mother, and cook. They both worked all day, ate dinner with their kids, and continued working through the night. “Our kitchen was our office. While I was typing for him, I would cook at the same time,” said Lina Molinaro. Domenic grew the business through perseverance and familial support. Several years into his career, he became general contractor for a building in Guelph and had to quickly assemble a team of family and friends to help with a project he bid on. “I didn’t actually have a team when I won the bid, but I knew I could get one together,” said Domenic. He did and the large project was completed on time and on budget. After multiple successes throughout Southern Ontario, most notably in the Hamilton and Niagara Falls areas, Domenic looked up the road and thought Burlington would be a good place to explore new opportunities. Building Burlington One Block at a Time Burlington’s downtown and waterfront were relatively empty when Domenic arrived in the late 1990s. “You could fire a cannon all the way up Brant Street and not hit anything,” said Sam Disanto, Managing Director (and Domenic’s son-in-law), Molinaro Group. Domenic saw the same overlooked and under-loved downtown, but also saw the potential to fulfill his vision of what Burlington could be – a vibrant, growing city with a dynamic and livable downtown. That vision first took shape with Spencer’s Landing, his first project in Burlington. Built in 2003, it was one of the city’s first condos in nearly 20 years, featuring an indoor pool and other amenities not common at the time. Molinaro Group’s second development was Bunton’s Wharf, completed in 2007, naming the condo after a local pioneer at the request of city council. The mixed-use building has street-level retail, a first for the company, as well as amenities that made it an eminently desirable place to live. “I lived at Bunton’s Wharf for 13 years, me and my wife, and we even had a couple of children there,” said Rob Molinaro, Executive Vice President, Molinaro Group. “We enjoyed great amenities, including the amazing rooftop pool. You don’t see that much. And it was downtown, near the lake and everything. You couldn’t beat it.” Their third project was The Baxter, completed in 2008. Built next door to Bunton’s Wharf, the development was named after another city pioneer and rival wharf owner. In addition to street-level retail and varied terracing, the building featured larger units – over 2,500 s.f., which was unheard of in condos at the time (and even now!) – with outdoor terraces, gas barbecues, and other amenities. The Next Generation Goes to the Next Level Domenic’s sons, Robert and Vince, grew up in the family business, learning the trade from the ground up. As they gained experience, they became more involved in property development. When Domenic decided to step back from his leadership role, Robert and Vince (and their brother-in-law, Sam DiSanto) were ready to make the transition. The “next generation” of the Molinaro Group made a bold statement with the launch of 360 on Pearl. Ironically, the development replaced a convenience store that Domenic built on the property many years earlier. Completed in 2011, this luxurious high-rise condominium featured a modern look, customized units, and high-end amenities, as well as design elements that represented a new standard for Burlington condominiums. “How we built it then, with the podiums, with the setback, with the tower and the smaller footprint, is how the city mandates buildings are built today,” said Vince Molinaro. “We were ten years ahead of our time. I think we were the pioneers of this approach here in Burlington.” Making an Impact on the City Molinaro Group keeps developing multi-residential properties that have shaped Burlington’s downtown and waterfront. Strata. The Brock. Paradigm. And now Paradigm Grand. Each building is unique to the city and their respective neighbourhoods, as well as attractive and innovative in their design and amenities. Molinaro Group continues to shape the city in many ways. They’ve contributed funds, resources, and time to supporting community developments, including the Joseph Brant Hospital, the public library, and the performing arts centre. They’ve also supported local initiatives, such as an urban farm that provides fresh produce for Burlington’s food bank. In addition to continuing Domenic’s legacy, these efforts have helped make Burlington one of the most livable cities in Canada. “We’re glad to have played a role in helping to make Burlington such a great place to live,” said Sam DiSanto. And it all began around a kitchen table. Learn more about Paradigm Grand.
More From Molinaro
More From Molinaro With a family history of success dating back over 55 years, the Molinaro Group brings a different approach to creating landmark condos. A big part of that difference is their focus on customer service through every step of the buying and construction process. When you choose Molinaro, you deal directly the the builder to get the best price, selection, and care. And while the Molinaro Group is an award-winning developer, it’s the loyalty of their customers’ that matters most.
Join the Success Story
Even though the real estate market has cooled off, some projects are hot. Case in point is Paradigm Grand in Midtown Burlington, Ontario. This is the Grand Finale of one of Ontario’s most successful master planned condo communities. And right now is your opportunity to deal directly with the builder and its exclusive broker to get the best deal. In this video you will learn about the Molinaro Team’s personal approach to treating buyers. You will dscover just a few of the many attributes Paradigm Grand possesses that make it an unparalleled investment. Join the Success!
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.”
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.”
Paradigm achieves LEED Silver Certification
Paradigm’s LEED® Silver certification comes as a result of an exhaustive effort by the Molinaro Group and its consultants, construction trades and vendors to raise the bar for condominium design and construction. From its very inception, sustainability was designed into Paradigm. The three-building first phase of this master-planned Burlington, Ontario condominium includes many high-efficiency features that have been designed to simultaneously reduce the environmental footprint of the development and minimizing ongoing costs for its residents. From its state-of-the-art “white” roof to energy-saving peripherals, from locally sourced building materials to overall design innovations, sustainability is integral to Paradigm’s construction. Learn more about Paradigms LEED Silver Certification
Building a Better Burlington: Tour of Success
Introducing our new series: Building a Better Burlington!⠀ ⠀ In episode 1, ‘Tour of Success’, President Vince Molinaro and Vice President Rob Molinaro reminisce on their past projects in Burlington: Spencer’s Landing, Bunton’s Wharf and The Baxter.⠀ ⠀ Take a look at these beautiful homes in the sky, that people love to live in!
Vince Molinaro Inducted Into West End Home Builders’ Association Hall of Fame
On February 13th, Molinaro Group President Vince Molinaro was recognized by the West End Home Builders’ Association (formerly Hamilton-Halton Home Builders’ Association) as an inductee into the organization’s Hall of Fame. Vince is a past president of the WEHBA, and of the Ontario Home Builders Association. His role within the association saw him take charge of the Condo Act legislation reform, while at the same time sitting on the Land Development Committee, Tarion Liaison Committee, and By-Law Review Committee where he was a member of the Board of Directors and Executive Board of Directors. Vince Molinaro (left), is presented the recognition by VP and sales manager Anthony E. Franciosa (right) By consistently creating and delivering premium quality products, Vince and the Molinaro Group have set the standard for intelligent, respectful, and high value real estate that enhances the already enviable lifestyle Burlington has to offer. Aside from the bricks and mortar, the Molinaro Family has also contributed to the success of Burlington through charitable efforts, and by being impassioned advocates of the city they’ve helped build for decades. Since their humble beginnings in 1963, the Molinaro Group has developed over 10,000 residential units and more than one million square feet of commercial real estate. Their developments transcend their material value and ultimately take on a personal and unique meaning. Which is why, from land use to architecture, from amenity designs to suite finishes, they focus on delivering excellence in every aspect of their projects. Read the full article about Vince’s induction on page 4 of Portfolio of NewHomes and Condominiums here.
2019 Close to our Hearts Gala – Come from Away
For the past two years Vince and Tina Molinaro have had the honour of being the Co-Chairs at this incredibly important Gala for Carpenters Hospice. Their efforts have helped to raise over $400,000 for the organization. They are pleased to be Chairing the 2020 Gala and look forward to raising even more money for this important part of the Burlington Community. Carpenter Hospice is a home in the heart of Burlington that offers both residential-based care to people in the last stage of their lives, and community-based programs for people dealing with grief or a life-limiting illness.
2018 Close to our Hearts Gala – Eat Well, Laugh often, love much.
Vince and Tina Molinaro are looking forward to a night of fun and celebration as they proudly serve as Co-Chairs at the 17th annual gala in support of Carpenter Hospice. The 2018 Close to Our Hearts Gala theme is Casa Calabria – a vibrant, Italian theme. Mangia bene, ridi spesso, ama molto. Eat well, laugh often, love much. Carpenter Hospice is a home in the heart of Burlington that offers both residential-based care to people in the last stage of their lives, and community-based programs for people dealing with grief or a life-limiting illness. Click here to see the image gallery from the evening on the Facebook page.
