Maroc - STOREYS.COM - A La Une - 16/Sep 16:11

‘We Approach Things Differently’: This Investment Firm Is Redefining Urban Development

Toronto-based Elysium Investments is rewriting the rules of urban development, offering a forward-thinking approach that sets it apart from other players in Toronto’s real estate market. While many firms rely on standard templates and strategies, Elysium is committed to “reframing the question” — and finding fresh solutions to today’s city-building challenges.Reframing the QuestionCompany CEO Sayf Hassan says that, fundamentally, real estate development is about problem-solving. “We approach city-building from first principles,” says Hassan. “Instead of forcing an existing template onto a site, we challenge ourselves to locate the intersection of economic viability, design excellence, space planning, and the public realm.”This mindset, combined with the company's collaborative work with landowners, investors, and municipalities, allows Elysium to create meaningful opportunities for all parties, even in uncertain market conditions. The firm structures its investments through Limited Partnerships, and provides both financial backing and active management oversight. This ensures each project is carefully guided, from concept through completion. Elysium Investments C-SuiteA Dynamic Team with a Proven Track Record Elysium’s foundation is defined by the experiences of — and connections between — its founders: Harley Mintz, former Vice Chair at Deloitte and authority on accounting in real estate, taxes, and estate planning with over 50 years of experience, and Jamie Torpey, a veteran developer with over 35 years of experience across North America and Europe, having brought over 2 billion square feet of commercial, mixed-use, and residential real estate to life.Together with Hassan, whose real estate experience spans multiple sectors, Mintz and Torpey lead a firm that thrives on a forward-thinking philosophy.Innovative Deal-Making, Elevated ReturnsElysium isn’t only differentiated by its philosophy, but also in the way the company executes deals. With a defined focus on transit-oriented development and urban intensification, the firm strategically structures partnerships that leverage their expertise, in order to maximize returns. Elysium’s current pipeline includes five projects across Toronto, representing 4,000 residential units — not to mention a development value close to $3.5B.Their recent project at Isabella and Sherbourne, which carefully blends heritage preservation with modern development, is just one example from the company’s ever-expanding portfolio. Isabella & Sherbourne (Elysium Investments)Contrarian Moves, Collaborative MindsetWhile many developers are sitting tight amid today’s market volatility, Elysium is taking the opposite approach. Their contrarian strategy focuses on acquiring prime land at good prices, even as others hold off. "We realized that this market cycle has created a small window of opportunity for firms with ready capital to deploy," Hassan says. By focusing on areas within 500 meters of major transit hubs, Elysium aligns its developments with the city’s push for housing intensification.What's more, in contrast to the industry’s often-adversarial nature, wherein buyers and sellers jockey for advantage, Elysium fosters collaboration between all parties involved.“The traditional model is adversarial — buyers push for the lowest price, developers aim to maximize returns, and cities and ratepayers push back at perceived profit motives. The perfect recipe for a housing supply crisis,” Hassan explains. "We approach things differently. We don't play zero-sum games. Our developments are aimed at alignment of outcome for everyone within the landowner/developer/city/ratepayer ecosystem."Looking AheadToday, Elysium’s growth shows no signs of slowing. With over 30 sites under consideration, and several landmark projects — including one poised in the coveted High Park neighbourhood, mere steps from the lush homonymous park and bookended by High Park and Keele TTC stations, which will add over 2,200 units to Toronto’s supply — the firm is poised to play a pivotal role in addressing the city’s ever-growing housing demand.What’s more, Elysium is setting its sights on another asset class that has been, to date, under-supplied and largely overlooked. This new platform is set to launch imminently (so watch this space). By challenging convention and prioritizing collaboration, Elysium is carving out a truly unique space in Canada’s real estate landscape — one that is innovative, agile, and already turning heads. To learn more, visit elysiuminvestments.ca.______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________This article was produced in partnership with STOREYS Custom Studio.