This is the first of a monthly contribution that I'll be making to the official Cityzen blog. I'll discuss all things Cityzen including the latest updates on our projects, interesting things that we have in the pipeline, upcoming events and much more.
So, let's get straight to it!
Last year was a busy year for us: both Mississauga's Absolute Towers phases 4 and 5 and Aria in North York both came to occupancy; we had a fantastic launch of our newest project ION Condos at Keele St. and Wilson Ave.; and we bought some great parcels of land. If 2012 is anything like 2011, consider us blessed!
Speaking of this year, we've hit the ground running.
Construction on L Tower is going strong and steady as we build to the 23rd floor, while our 154 Front project is currently in the approvals stage. All things being equal, we hope to be ready to bring it to market this year. Stay tuned!
Another new site of ours, Cherry Street, is still at the conceptual design stage so we won't be able to share anything yet. Don't worry though, you'll be the first to hear about it. As for a rough estimate of when we can bring the residential components of this project to market, my crystal ball says the earliest we'll be able to release will be spring 2013. (Don't quote me on that).
Now, aside from our usual work. If you've been following us, you can tell that Migrating Landscapes has been a huge initiative we've been promoting. Currently, we NEED to raise money for this group of emerging Canadian architects and designers to make it to the 2012 Venice Architecture Biennale.
Photo from BlogTO.com
We reached out to our peers in the building industry to raise funds in hopes of hitting our donation target by late February for the architectural competition. The exhibition is open at Brookfield Place in Toronto until February 22nd, so go out and vote for your favourite project as you walk around the space.
We especially want people - anyone - to donate! Any help is welcome and greatly appreciated! It's a great cause and I'm very proud to be part of it.
I'd also like to talk about the state of the market out there. There's always so much talk about bubbles and what not, but in my opinion, as long as rates remain low, I think we can expect similar sales activity as last year. Obviously, I am concerned about pricing. But if low interest rates stay low in the short and long terms, this will help us. For people entering the housing market: this year is going to be important for you.
So, here's to a fantastic 2012. It all began when I ate at the new Terroni on Yonge Street a few weeks ago. I really recommend this place for its authentic Italian cuisine, and by summer it will have a fantastic patio terrace.
To end off, we have some new and exciting projects on the horizon, but we can't really reveal anything yet. Sorry! Just thought I'd throw that teaser in!
Sam Crignano, President of Cityzen, will be contributing regularly to the blog. If you have any questions you'd like to ask him please let us know in the comments below, or reach out to us via Twitteror Facebook.
