There’s not just one factor underpinning the wave of Toronto adaptive reuse projects this century. There is at least a dozen. The obvious one is that considerable work from home has supplanted office work. But there’s also the city’s serious housing shortage, its focus on sustainability and its offer of tax credits that make adaptive reuse viable. As well, many older buildings whose smaller floorplates make them prime candidates are situated in areas of Toronto that are popular destinations for heritage tourism. These factors are just a few of the catalysts helping elevate Toronto to a place among the world…

The art of architecture is simple. Yes, there’s science in it too, but it’s beyond the operationally functional where the meaningful exists. The art is to help those who enter a created space experience a mix of comfort and interest, resolution and surprise. One new example sits on the Dalmatian island of Čiovo. Where is Dalmatia? From the Tuscan jewelbox of Florence, take to the air directly east across the Adriatic Sea. The Dalmatian coast sparkles before you. From Split airport, the bridged island of Čiovo is a 10-minute drive. Ten minutes later, in the fishing village of Slatine, looking…

I spend way too many hours – and probably too many dollars – at Lowe’s and Target, shopping for affordable home improvement and decorative items to update my residence. I’ve long noticed that many of the items for sale in both of these big box chains are made in China. That means new tariffs on this top three international trading partner can have a massive impact on home improvement projects to add functionality, convenience, style and wellness potential to our homes this season. It’s likely too that 10% tariffs on goods from every other trading country – whether we’re talking…

A recent report released by the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals sheds light on the state of Hispanic homeownership in America in 2024. Drawing from both publicly available data and insights from real estate practitioners within the NAHREP network, the report aims to tell the evolving story of Hispanic homeownership. It highlights key trends in homeownership growth, including barriers, opportunities, and cultural nuances influencing Hispanic consumers. These insights help shape NAHREP’s policy priorities for legislative and administrative actions, while guiding industry efforts to reduce barriers and expand homeownership opportunities. Despite rising home prices and high interest rates, the…

Seems like just yesterday the American shopping mall was as essential a part of the consumer culture as eight-track tapes, polyester and Astroturf. But much like those 1970s artifacts, the notion every other suburb needed a colossal shopping mall as its chief drawing card has gone the way of bell-bottoms and the corner Fotomat. Over the past two decades, more than 1,200 malls nationwide have closed their doors. Emergence of ecommerce and a growing preference for walkable open-air “lifestyle centers” have contributed to the realization malls need a complete rethink to regain their relevance. Many entities – from urban planners…

Tycoon Ong Beng Seng—who is embroiled in a court case related to the corruption scandal of a former Singapore minister—is stepping down as managing director of Hotel Properties. Ong, 79, is scheduled to plead guilty next week to charges related to the offences of former transport minister S. Iswaran, who was convicted in October of breaking the law for receiving gifts from the businessman. Hotel Properties said early Monday that Ong “wishes to devote more time to manage his medical conditions.” He will not be seeking re-election as board director at the upcoming shareholders’ meeting on April 29, according to…

Whether you’re new to investing or looking to sharpen your skills, understanding how to identify opportunities can give you the Insider’s Edge. Successful real estate investing involves finding properties that may be undermarketed or present ways to add value. The best investors develop a keen ability to spot trends, recognize value, and act decisively. Consider these guidelines to spot a real estate investment opportunity and be ready to act on it. Understanding Market Trends One of the biggest factors that sets successful investors apart is their ability to anticipate where the market is heading. Staying informed is key to spotting…

Miami’s real estate market is sizzling—on both the residential and commercial fronts. And now, it’s welcoming one of the world’s most iconic shoe brands: Manolo Blahnik is opening its 20th boutique in the city’s ever-evolving Design District. Far more than just a retail space, it’s home to an exclusive capsule collection of thirteen styles across six silhouettes—making this store a must-visit for anyone in the market for chic luxury shoes. Designed by the brand’s longtime creative partner, Nick Leith-Smith Architecture + Design, the store stuns with a bold geometric façade marked by a signature circular motif. This visual theme continues…

While the month of May means spring flowers for much of the country, its arrival in California brings the ominous start of wildfire season, and this year’s forecast calls for record-breaking fires and a greater need for wildfire resiliency. Looking at the forecast can help the state align proper resources and perhaps put other measures in place, but the built environment is what it is. However, future construction offers more possibility for wildfire resiliency. Understanding Wildfire Threat A white paper titled “BuildLA — Challenges: Solutions, Wildfire Recovery, and Rebuild 2025-2029” shares insights on how to develop fire resilient housing by…

The subliminal. Does it have a place in architecture? While literature traffics in metaphor and art in symbol, can a structure also carry something quieter—an emotional undercurrent felt more than seen? Developer Hemal Patel thinks so. “I’m a big believer in details that are felt before they’re seen,” he says. “Things people might not consciously register at first, but somehow, they sense.” That philosophy begins at the threshold of 879 Linda Flora Drive, a reimagined estate astride the western hills of Bel-Air. Designed in collaboration with architectural firm AADS, the property sits at the end of a 250-foot driveway, slowly…