Reflecting Upon ‘The Molinaro Century’ – Part 1 #2
We confess, that title sounds a bit pretentious, but it’s meant to be tongue-in-check. Granted, The Molinaro Century may not rival the Renaissance or the Age of Enlightenment for historical impact. That’s irreverence talking, not ego.For us it’s simply a way of reflecting upon everything the company has done on this 20th anniversary of the completion of our first post-millennium project, and the impact we’ve had on Burlington since then. There is a consistent through-line, beginning with the Spencer’s Landing project, completed in 2003,to the current ones nearing completion; Paradigm Grand Finale and Illumina.In between those landmark developments, we completed these iconic and influential buildings, each distinctive in its own way: Strata Spencer’s Landing Bunton’s Wharf (2007) The Baxter (2008) 360 on Pearl (2011) Company President, Vince Molinaro credits his father, Domenic, for recognizing what the city could be. “Spencer’s Landing was our first project in Burlington, I’m proud to say. When we first came here nothing much was going on. My Dad saw the vision a lot people didn’t, including us,” Vince says. Executive V-P, Robert Molinaro marvels at his father’s foresight: “He saw something in Burlington despite the rundown downtown. It was not what it is now.” Built directly across from the future site of Spencer Smith Park, Vince is impressed with how the traditional brick design and classic trim has withstood changing trends. “The project was truly successful. It was probably the first condo building built in Burlington in 20 years. It’s a prominent address on Lakeshore Rd., with amenities (indoor pool) that were unheard of at the time for a 116 unit building with 10 Townhouses. These traditional brick buildings,” he muses, “there’s something to be said about them.” The company’s next two buildings, incorporated lessons learned from the first one. Bunton’s Wharf was notable for the commercial space included on the ground floor. The family expanded on the theme when designing The Baxter, a striking, multi-terraced residence with street-level restaurants and retail that further stimulated local business and street traffic. “The Baxter was our third building in Burlington, again a mixed-use building with commercial at the bottom,” Vince says. “(There’s) more commercial there than at Bunton’s because it worked so well. Again the name is one of the original pioneers of Burlington. He controlled one of the wharfs in Burlington so we named adjacent buildings after rival wharf owners.” “People love the architectural look of Baxter with different terracing and obviously the commercial aspect at the bottom with various restaurants and shops. It’s a very interesting building,“Rob says. The common denominator is that the first four Molinaro buildings is their proximity to the harbour. Not coincidentally, the Burlington waterfront has evolved almost in lockstep. The City of Burlington Waterfront Project, anchored by Spencer Smith Park, opened in early June, 2006. Brant Street Pier was unveiled exactly seven years later. Those two projects enabled the annual cultural and social events that provide the foundation of Burlington’s brand as a great mid-size city. The Sound of Music Festival in June, the winter Festival of Lights and Canada’s Largest Ribfest (September), all owe their origins to the waterfront renaissance. The Burlington Performing Arts Centre opened in 2011, coinciding with 360 on Pearl, the turning point in the Molinaro Group’s trajectory to become the most innovative developer in the area. Similar cases may exist in other parts of the continent, but it’s hard to imagine a developer and a community being more closely intertwined on a mutual path to success. In the words of Managing Director Sam DiSanto, the Molinaro Group has always tried to take a collaborative approach: “We’ve been building here for many years and not just condos. We build relationships.” “Whether it be with council or city staff or things like that, it’s got to be win-win. We pride ourselves on working with the local ratepayers, councillors, and staff,” Vince adds. “The (building) names came from the city. It wanted to respect the heritage of the area. Mr. Bunton was one of the original pioneers in Burlington. He actually owned a wharf called Bunton’s Wharf and he did his business there. He sold goods, he had ships coming in. His rival was Baxter’s Wharf which was the next building we built (chuckles) so it’s kind of a cool history and we didn’t mind the city picking the name. We just ran with what they gave us and I think it worked out very well.” If anything, the Molinaro Group is the modern-day equivalent of those pioneering businessmen who first put the city on the map. Building upon that legacy has worked out well for all parties as the company footprint expands into midtown and beyond. DiSanto says the company won’t rest on its achievements and has plenty of (real estate) inventory to develop far into the future. If “what’s past is prologue,” as Shakespeare famously wrote, then Burlington and its residents will be the big winners. NEXT TIME: A New Generation. A Renewed Vision The Molinaro Century – PT3
Paradigm Grand Tour with Sophie Buzzelli
Tour of Paradigm Grand condo with Sophie Buzzelli – Sophie Buzzelli, of Davies Condos in Burlington, has worked closely with the Molinaro Group for over 20 years. She knows first-hand the industry leading design features and lifestyle amenities the Molinaro Group builds into all its condos. And Paradigm Grand is the current pinnacle of that commitment to excellence. In this short video, Sophie walks you through what you can expect at this landmark condo, now under construction in Midtown Burlington.
Tour of an Illumina condo – Welcome to your suite
Tour of an Illumina condominum suite. With PDIs (Pre-Delivery Inspections) in full swing as Illumina prepares to welcome residents, we thought a tour of your suite’s functionality was in order. Executive V.P. Robert Molinaro does the honours in this brief yet thorough walk through of one of the suites. Please note – ALL suites at Illumina have the same functionality features.
Our Customers Love Our Condos! Joe C.
Our Customers Love our Condos – Episode Eight: Joe C. 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’s Architectural Inspiration
Creating the Molinaro Group’s vision for Paradigm was a team effort. Collaboration created inspiration for the project’s architects at Graziani & Corazza. In this video, Berardo Graziani shares insights about Paradigm’s landmark look, and how the entire development represents an unequivocal statement of confidence in Burlington’s future.
Paradigm Grand’s Antidote to Winter’s Darkness
The Dark Times are upon us. Not the medieval version, of course, but we’re referencing some of the shortest days of the calendar year. These are the winter days that seem to be over before they begin and are bereft of sunshine. The ones that sometimes find us staring blankly out the window at a barren landscape and wondering how long before the trees return to bud. Thanks to the foresight that went into Paradigm Grand and the Grand Finale, you can heed the words of legendary folksinger Joan Baez, who famously said, “action is the antidote to despair.” Like her enchanting voice, those words ring true. That’s why the Molinaro Group built a comprehensive list of leisure amenities into Paradigm Grand’s lifestyle condominiums, to expressly address and defuse the seasonal gloom. Consider the expansive party and games rooms, and fireplace lounge, along with the rooftop spaces and deluxe indoor fitness facilities. Here you’re allowed to choose darkness, not be consumed by it. Executive Vice-President, Rob Molinaro, says significant square footage that could have gone unused or relegated to mechanicals, was reassessed and repurposed to give residents yet more options. The undeniable beauty of Paradigm Grand as a lifestyle community results from these optimizations that provide out-sized benefits for both daily living and, importantly, investor equity. “We’re grateful to have had so many great experiences in building condos here in Burlington,” Rob says. “We’ve had so many opportunities to learn how to leverage and manage space to create extra value. It’s extremely gratifying.” Choices are really what it’s all about. Hunkering down with a blanket and an espresso machine sounds like a good time to us but good mental health benefits from variety. Paradigm Grand provides such options at every turn. In the words of Group President, Vince Molinaro, it’s often been about “maximizing opportunities” during each phase of construction. Whenever there was a chance to add a quality of life feature, they pounced. He’s the first to admit that some of the most prominent outdoor leisure spaces were outright detours from the original blueprint; ideas that simply presented themselves in due course, and were seized upon as enhancements to a master plan that already stressed access to recreation. “The amenities in the building are what give the building life. We have pools, we have the outdoor terraces, theatre room, party room, the gym. The amenities are second to none.” Vince says. “This is where people congregate. This is where people make memories. This is where people make their new friends. This is the lifestyle we envisioned when we created this project.” Making personal connections can be difficult at this time of year when our primal instincts tell us to huddle near a heat source, isolate, and over-consume. Add the wariness that results from years of pandemic anxiety and it’s a steeper challenge. What the Molinaros have done, in effect, is neutralize those primitive urges to counter-program that mindset. Not every condo builder would think as deeply in these terms or with such an obvious sense of commitment. The evidence, though, is everywhere. Towering ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, abundant natural light and attention to detail characterize the common indoor areas that become so important in winter. Better still, going outdoors for fresh air means not even having to leave the complex. The terraces, outdoor seating, and meeting areas are easily accessed by anyone seeking a glimpse of the sun during its infrequent appearances. Long-time sales representative, Sophie Buzzelli, of Davies Condos Real Estate Brokerage, has witnessed the project evolve almost from the beginning. Based on her own vast experience in the field, she knows firsthand how these premium features are often decisive in turning prospective buyers into committed investors and happy community members. Customers seeking to have it all, she says, are sold on the Paradigm Grand ethos that, “Everything you need is right at home.”
Paradigm’s Grand Finale is a Vision Fully Realized
Paradigm’s Grand Finale is a Vision Fully Realized “It’s a thrill to see this final stage coming to fruition,” says Barry Graziani, partner at Graziani and Corazza architects who worked closely with the Molinaro Group to realize the developer’s vision for this landmark development. “The Grand Finale (which is now under construction), brings to life what we originally conceived. The addition of the front towers creates a courtyard that becomes a little oasis, a sanctuary in this development. All of the residents will feel it’s part of their home and lifestyle.”
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.
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.
