As plans for a new east-end condominium dubbed On The Danforth approach finalization, UrbanToronto sat down with Moninder Khudal, President and CEO of Diam Developments, the developer behind the 10-storey project.
Khudal, also the President and CEO of Shyamora Luxury Homes Inc., explained how he made the transition from custom-built ultra-luxury homes to urban condominiums. “We were in the finance business and we’re now into the production side of the business. Our ultra-luxury homes are all over the GTA, mostly infill properties in southeast Oakville, Lorne Park, Mississauga. Our London Towns project in Downtown Oakville offers a rare opportunity of three luxury properties in a highly desirable location. Kleinburg is the place we’re doing the next project where we’re selling about 25 to 30 homes. We’re starting our model home next month, about $4-5 million, but On The Danforth is our first condo project."
Moninder Khudal, President and CEO of Diam Developments, image by Marcus Mitanis
On The Danforth is located, as the name suggests, directly on the vibrant street at 2359 Danforth Avenue. The 136-unit building is sandwiched between two subway stops on the Bloor-Danforth line, served by both Woodbine and Main Street stations. Khudal expanded on the assets of the location: "When you pick a project, you want to make sure that the neighbourhood is great. You want to make sure that the demand is great. You want to make sure the change is for the betterment of the neighbourhood. We were looking for a site in the area and this became available. It’s on the Danforth. What more can you ask for? It’s a beautiful place. This area is up and coming. The proximity to the subway stations is just wonderful. You can walk to Woodbine station and you can walk to Main Street station, and there is a GO station there too. You don’t have to have a vehicle if you don’t want to."
Onespace Unlimited designed the building, which makes use of stepped terraces on its south side. Khudal expanded on how the relationship between Diam and Onespace Unlimited was formed: "I saw their projects and I met a few of their architects. Our habit is to deal very personally with people. When I met Rod Rowbotham from Onespace, he was very enthusiastic and passionate about his designs and I felt very comfortable that this was the right choice." Black brick is utilized throughout the facade, which Khudal sees as integral to the building's character and context. "The brick gives a very warm look. It’s beautiful, modern, it fits in the area."
On The Danforth is located on the south side of the street, image courtesy of Diam Developments
The surrounding neighbourhood is predominately low-rise, so residents of On The Danforth will be able to enjoy panoramic views. "After the fourth floor you will have unobstructed views to the lake," said Khudal. "We knew we were going to have mostly end users in this area. So it is not the kind of project that is going to be sold mostly to investors. Our buyers will be 25-35 years old, couples, singles, because our sizes start from a little over 400 square feet to 1,030 square feet, from bachelor to two bedroom plus den. A very good starting price in the mid $200,000s. This is going to be a great facelift for the neighbourhood."
The building's main floor is expected to accommodate over 5,000 square feet of retail space, with a pet spa also being included on the same level. In seeking tenants for the space, Khudal wants to "make sure the retail complements the building and only increases the value of the property." Parking will be provided in the form of 85 car spaces and 85 bike spaces, with access from a rear laneway. The tenth storey of the building will house the amenities, which consists of a gym, party room, dining room and furnished outdoor terrace. Ceiling heights will reach nine feet, except on the main floor, ninth floor and penthouse, which push to ten feet. Though the specifications of each unit are still being worked out, the interiors by EsQape Design will likely contain granite kitchen countertops, with gas barbecue connections making balcony cooking possible for each suite.
Amenities will be located on the top floor, image courtesy of Diam Developments
Khudal explained how the building is a reflection of the philosophy of the company: "Our mindset is not cookie cutter, we don’t do that. We were never in the business for that. Lesser price doesn’t mean it has to be cheap and cheesy. So the workmanship is done right and the attention to detail is taken care of. The outcome of the project is always great. It could be a $500,000 property or a $5 million property. In a $5 million property you get more expensive stuff, but it doesn’t mean the $500,000 house can’t have great workmanship. We don’t treat our buyers like another number. When in meetings, my questions are usually about the quality. Because that’s what we do. A home is a home, whether it’s $500,000 or $5 million. The money doesn’t change the meaning and emotions behind the word."
On The Danforth's mix of black brick and glazing, image courtesy of Diam Developments
Khudal frequently visits construction sites to ensure a consistent quality product. "The Shyamora motto is 'Built with Integrity'. When I go to the site, if I see something that is not right, even if nobody is going to notice it, I’ll still make them change it. That’s what we provide to our buyers, the quality. All these small elements are really important."
"The people on the site sometimes are amazed by how many times I visit," said Khudal, pointing out that so many things change from week to week, making frequent visits a necessity. "If I want to make sure it’s done right, it’s not that hard. My goal when I go there is not to find mistakes to make the workers feel bad, they’re part of my team. We cannot afford to not look at those things. Our ultimate goal is to provide the finished product to the client. If you are one of my tradespersons that should be your goal also, I cannot provide the finished product without the trades."
The 6,500 square foot 'Indian Grove' in Mississauga, image courtesy of Shyamora Luxury Homes Inc.
"I understand that money is the byproduct of your business. I came to this country fourteen years ago, I delivered pizzas when I came here. The only thing I always kept in mind was to do business right with full honesty and integrity. Do it right, if you’re not making money that’s okay. You’ll find a way to make money by doing it right."
For more information about On The Danforth, visit the dataBase file linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum thread or leave a comment in the field provided.
Related Companies: | Egis, Onespace Unlimited |