“Part of the reason I became an architect was my love of history and heritage.”
Completing the trio of developers on the Waterworks project is MOD’s senior management team headed by Gary Switzer and Noorez Lalani. With a background in architecture, Gary Switzer CEO at MOD Developments Inc., was a planner at the City of Toronto who went on to establish in 1987 the high-rise division at Great Gulf Homes, one of Canada’s largest home builders. During the next two decades, Gary and his team developed some of the most successful and award-winning projects in Toronto, including, The Saint James, The Morgan, The Hudson, X and 18 Yorkville. He founded MOD Developments in 2009, which has won acclaim for its first two projects: Five St. Joseph and Massey Tower, both recipients of BILD Project of the Year in 2011 and 2013.
The Tap sat down with Gary Switzer to talk about the MOD x Woodcliffe partnership, his newest project and how they will bring the vision to the neighbourhood.
The Tap: What was your first reaction upon seeing the Waterworks space?
Gary Switzer: I had the proverbial WOW moment. I was amazed that I had lived in Toronto my entire life and never knew that a space of this grandeur existed.
The Tap: How do you expect the Waterworks neighbourhood to change over the next five to ten years?
Gary Switzer: I feel that the area is getting better and better. I remember when dress manufacturers filled the warehouse buildings in the neighbourhood (it wasn’t so long ago), as well as the period in the 1980’s when so many of the buildings became empty and the streets deserted. The transformation since the 1990’s has been wonderful with the influx of new buildings, residents, restaurants and offices.
The Tap: What elements are you most excited about when it comes to Waterworks?
Gary Switzer: It’s combining heritage and modernism as well as developing a true mixed-use building that has residential properties, a state-of-the-art YMCA and Food Hall, all on one of the oldest parks in downtown Toronto.
Gary Switzer: It’s combining heritage and modernism as well as developing a true mixed-use building that has residential properties, a state-of-the-art YMCA and Food Hall, all on one of the oldest parks in downtown Toronto.
The Tap: Why was Woodcliffe the perfect partner for MOD Developments on this project?
Gary Switzer: I think that Woodcliffe has done some of the finest heritage developments in the city (such as the North Toronto Station at Summerhill). Plus, Eve Lewis’s attention to detail and quality makes her a wonderful partner.
The Tap: What interests you about historic buildings?
Gary Switzer: I’ve always loved the city and have been photographing old buildings for years. Part of the reason I became an architect was my love of history and heritage.
The Tap: Favourite neighbourhood haunt?
Gary Switzer: There are a few: Buca, Gusto, Brassai, Patria. Most of all I love the walkability and exploring the area. Victoria Square and its monument to the War of 1812 – I find particularly evocative of the city that existed 200 years ago.
Gary Switzer is the CEO at MOD Developments Inc. MOD is co-developing the Waterworks building located at 505 Richmond Street West in Toronto.