Happy Holidays 2023
Another year is wrapping up so some of the Molinaro Group got together to “wrap” a tree as sponsors of the @BurlingtonPerformingArtsCentre’s 7th Annual Festival of Trees.
November Begins on a Sombre Note, but Holiday Lights are on the Horizon.
While we anxiously await the first sporadic gusts of snow, plans for the Holiday Season are afoot. Soon after the clock rolls back on November 5th, Burlington becomes a waterfront City of Lights.
Molinaro Group Adds HorsePower to Its Charitable Efforts
Molinaro Group has been, and continues to be, involved in many endeavours that support the people of Burlington. From car rallies to urban farming, from hospice care to beautification projects, the Molinaro Group has helped make Burlington the charming and attractive city it is today.
Better in Burlington!
Better in Burlington! It’s better in Burlington and, in this video, the Molinaro Team proves it by presenting just a few of the many reasons Burlington is easy to love.
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
Reflecting Upon ‘The Molinaro Century’ – PT1
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
Construction Update: “We’re Making Great Progress!” – June 2022
With summer here, Rob ventures to the very top of Illumina, in Burlington’s Downtown West neighbourhood, to highlight a landmark architectural feature. Then he takes us on a tour of one of Illumina’s awesome 2-bedroom suites where framing and drywalling is well underway. “Great progress” indeed. Call us at (905) 631-8358 or visit our appointments page to book an appointment.
Construction Update: “Party Time on the 22nd Floor!” – May 2022
This month, Rob is on top of the (Illumina) world where he showcases how the Party Room and Panoramic Terrace will cap off this landmark Downtown West residence. Later, Rob heads down to the fifth floor where a major milestone is underway as the construction team is levelling floors to get ready for interior finishes. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the variety of techniques and materials used to create the premium quality living spaces Molinaro is known for. Call us at (905) 631-8358 or visit our appointments page to book an appointment.
Construction Update: “21st Floor” -April 2022
Almost topped off! Our April update sees Rob on the top residential floor. Above this, is Illumina’s panoramic party space, coming soon. Also in this episode, Rob takes viewers on a quick tour of progress on an actual suite on the third floor … and he reveals how the crane keeps pace with Illumina’s constant rise by lifting itself. Cool! Call us at (905) 631-8358 or visit our appointments page to book an appointment.
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
