Bazis International is developing Toronto�s 1 Bloor, an 80-story mixed-use building that features unique, high-end amenities.

Premier Business Partners:

Gradient Microclimate Engineering Jablonsky, Ast & Partners The Atlas Corporation

After only four years in business, Bazis International ’s Canadian division is already developing Canada’s tallest – and arguably most luxurious – residential building to date: Toronto’s 1 Bloor. The 80-story building features standard amenities that go above and beyond the typical, President Michael Gold says. Some of the amenities include an infinity pool, saunas, relaxation areas and a number of outdoor spaces, such as a Zen Meditation Lounge, forested garden with a reflecting pool and The Beach.

Residents will also enjoy hotel services: housekeeping, room service, dry cleaning, etc. Suite interiors offer top-of-the-line, innovative finishes.

In addition, each unit features a lanai – a partially enclosed outdoor space that can be used in cool or windy weather. Miele appliances and Scavolini kitchens come standard in every suite, as well.

According to Gold, high-end finishes and amenities are to be expected in Bazis International developments.

“We like to think of ourselves as the Gucci or Cartier of condominiums,” Gold says. “This is important, because buying a home is the single largest purchase a person will make in their lifetime. This type of purchase should feature unique, high-end amenities.”

Emphasizing Teamwork
The project, slated to be complete in 2012, is being constructed by EllisDon, one of the firm’s long-time partners in construction.

“I cannot stress enough how important it is to operate as a team – between the contractor, developer and consultants,” Gold explains.

“The better the team is, the faster the project will be completed, which provides for a less expensive project. EllisDon has worked with us over the years, and know exactly what we’re looking for.”

The company holds weekly team meetings with the developer, contractor and consultants. “Every possible issue is brought up in these meetings,” Gold explains. “If there is a true problem, it gets resolved immediately. We believe that we want to hear the bad news yesterday, and the good news tomorrow.”

Strategic Locations
“Location, location, location” may be the mantra of many real estate developers, but Bazis In­ternational has very specific requirements for property acquisition, Gold asserts.         

Each building, according to Gold, must be located near public transportation, while remaining accessible to entertainment and dining options, as well. “We strive to offer the best locations we can,” he explains. “We have three buildings in development in Toronto, and each are different from anything else in the city.”

Bazis International is also completing Toronto’s Crystal Blu condominium project, which features 35 floors atop a six-story podium structure.

With contemporary-classic design, residents enjoy 10-foot ceilings in each unit, expansive windows and access to a comprehensive fitness center, featuring a swimming pool and entertainment center, Bazis International says.

In addition, all suites are designed “to capture the exquisite details of a privileged lifestyle,” the company explains. “[This includes] chef-inspired kitchens with details like top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances and signature designer cabinetry featuring chrome and glass uppers.

“The exceptional design of these beautiful residences doesn’t stop there,” Bazis International continues. “[The] luxurious ensuite designer bathrooms and marvelous principal rooms with soaring 10-foot ceiling heights create an ambience of true sophistication and elegance. Everything about the suites at Blu reflect impeccable taste.”

In addition, residents can choose from seven different floor plans, starting at 536 square feet with one bedroom, to 3,900 square feet with three bedrooms.

Bazis International adds that Crystal Blu’s location is in the heart of Toronto’s entertainment district, close to retail, theater and restaurant destinations. “Crystal Blu is an address of distinction for people who adore the pace of the city,” the company explains. “Adjacent to Toronto’s labyrinth of underground shopping concourses via the PATH system, the downtown core is immediately accessible,” Bazis International continues.

The neighborhood is also home to couture shopping destinations such as Holt Renfrew, William Ashley, Chanel, Hermes, Escada, Louis Vuitton, Prada and Tiffany’s.

“This is where the international jet setters shop, dine and play – in the hundreds of glamorous restaurants and cafes, clubs and bars, hotels, art galleries, museums and theaters lining the streets surrounding Crystal?Blu,” Bazis International explains.

Urban Jungle
Completing projects in urban areas is not without its challenges. In fact, material deliveries and scheduling issues are even more challenging in metropolitan areas, Gold maintains.

“The biggest challenge is to cause the least amount of disruption that we can,” he says. “If we have to close streets, we try to stage it during slow times.

“The biggest difficulty is just trying to have materials and people come to work in the middle of busy intersections and construct a great building.”

The company schedules material de­liveries either late at night or early in the morning, to avoid any major disruptions to the city. “We also try to accelerate the schedule by working half days on Sat­urdays,” Gold explains.

“By working an extra half-day, we tend to pick up several months over the course of a couple years, which is very important,” he continues.

A Team Effort
During the design phase of each project, Bazis International tends to seek the input of its contractors. “They are the ones building the structure, so it’s important to bring them in early in the design process,” Gold explains.

“They can show us if our design is going to work because, at the end of the day, they are the ones building it. We app­reciate the advice they give us. In Toronto, we have the best trades in North America, in my opinion.

“We are lucky, because the closer relationships you have with your contractor, the faster the job will be finished,” he adds. “We consider them an important part of our team.”

Building Relationships
Bazis International relies on its industry relationships to keep its services on the cutting-edge. The firm often invites subcontractors and vendors to lead seminars and training sessions for its employees, to introduce any new techniques, pieces of equipment or emerging trends. “This is especially important when it comes to sustainable building,” Gold maintains. “Our projects are LEED certified, so we’re always looking for something new to offer to push us ahead of our competition.

“There are many great developers, but we try to stay ahead of the competition by in­troducing new elements in our projects, and the only way to do this is to look at new products and equipment on the market.”

The 1 Bloor project is anticipated to attain LEED Silver certification, Gold adds. Sustainable elements in the project include Low-E glass, and Energy saving appliances.