Plazacorp was named high-rise builder of the year at Tarion’s Homeowners’ Choice Awards on May 1, and senior vice-president Scott McLellan said it’s an honour the company really wanted.

An artist’s rendering of the Plazacorp Theatre District Residence planned for Toronto. (Image courtesy Plazacorp)

“It’s really the only one where you’re judged, rated and marked on what your purchasers think. That’s probably the most important award you can have in any industry, but certainly ours.”

Finalists and recipients for the Homeowners’ Choice Awards are determined by a comprehensive survey sent to Ontario homeowners who took possession of a new home. Survey questions focus on homeowners’ satisfaction with their builders, covering every stage in the homeowner-builder relationship — from the signing of the agreement of purchase and sale, through construction and the pre-delivery period, to after-sales service.

The awards are sponsored by Tarion, which has provided new home warranty protection to more than two million Ontario homes. More than 365,000 homes are currently enrolled in the warranty program and about 50,000 new homes are enrolled every year.

Plazacorp customer service programs

Plazacorp established a purchaser liaison program to answer questions and assist in every step of the process, from purchase to move-in. It also has a policy to have its condominium suites and common areas delivered “hotel-ready,” meaning everything is in place and finished.

Plazacorp’s goal is to have “zero deficiency suites” when owners move in. A handyman accompanies purchasers during pre-delivery inspections in case minor repairs are required.

“When you move in, we’re there to make sure that it’s comfortable and that there are no issues,” said McLellan, who added Plazacorp continually seeks feedback from purchasers, and makes note of it, to make potential improvements in the future.

Plazacorp also has a suite management program which leases units for owners who wish to rent them. Its services include: tenant screening; leasing; in-house maintenance and restoration; accounting; insurance coverage; compliance enforcement; in-house paralegal; and move-in and move-out inspection reports.

Plazacorp projects under construction

Looking forward, Plazacorp has a number of Greater Toronto Area condominiums under construction and in the pipeline.

Construction has reached the third floor at The Met at Vaughan Metropolitan Centre at Jane Street and Highway 7. It will offer one- and two-bedroom suites in a 30-storey, 575-unit high-rise as well as three-bedroom townhouses. Amenities include 24-hour concierge service, a fitness room, spa, party room, dining room, private kitchen, games room, theatre room, and an outdoor barbecue and lounge.

It should be ready for occupancy early in 2019.

Construction continues at the corner of Yonge Street and Yorkville Avenue, where 1 Yorkville has reached the 15th floor of its 58 storeys. The 577-suite development is a joint effort between Plazacorp and Bazis. Occupancy is scheduled for spring 2019.

The fourth and fifth amenity floors will feature a spa, outdoor pool, hot tub, hot and cold plunge pools, aqua massage area, sauna, juice bar, lounge, zen garden, fitness facilities, dance and yoga studios, open-air terrace and games room. The rooftop includes a sun deck, barbecues, an outdoor cinema, lounges, party rooms and kitchens. The building will include 24-hour concierge services.

The 37th-floor roof of 50 at Wellesley Station, at Yonge and Wellesley streets, is scheduled to be finished within a month. The condo will feature 365 suites, 140 parking spots, a games room, party room, gym, swimming pool and 24-hour concierge services. Occupancy should begin in six to seven months.

Plazacorp’s future developments

Construction is planned to start at Plaza Midtown at 33 Holly St., near Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue, within the next few months. It will feature a 32-storey, 538-suite tower and townhouses on one site. Amenities will include a swimming pool, gym, billiard room and theatre. January 2021 is the estimated completion date.

The first phase of construction at Theatre District Residence, at Adelaide and Widmer streets, should start in the next 90 days.

It will have a 49-storey, all-condominium south tower anchored by a six-floor podium. The 48-storey north tower will be anchored by a 10-floor podium that will house condo suites and 353 hotel rooms. Six heritage townhomes will be restored and used for commercial space.

Among the complex’s amenities will be a swimming pool, hot tub, outdoor lounge area, party room, dining room and chef’s kitchen. Occupancy is slated for 2021.

Construction should get underway at Mississauga Square, near Eglinton Avenue and Hurontario Street north of Square One Shopping Centre, in the next 90 days. It will feature a fitness centre, yoga and meditation studio, party room, a variety of lounges, a boardroom, an outdoor dining area with barbecues, an outdoor games area, sundeck, outdoor swimming pool, outdoor parking and concierge services.

A bit farther down the road are Plazacorp projects at: 170 Spadina; Jane and Bloor; Yonge and Finch; and 400 King St. W.

“They’re at various stages of development and zoning, and in the next 18 months we’ll have launched all of them,” said McLellan.