“To take a building that is derelict and create new life and energy not only for that building but for the surrounding neighbourhood – is really a gift”
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As one of the developers behind Waterworks, Eve Lewis, CEO & President at Woodcliffe Landmark Properties, has been active in the Toronto real estate industry for three decades. Since its inception, Woodcliffe Landmark Properties has developed and managed an boutique commercial portfolio in Ontario and Quebec which includes iconic landmark buildings such as the North Toronto Station, Gooderham flat iron building, Market Street, King James Place and the Shops of Summerhill – many of which have been honoured with almost every architectural award in Canada, including Heritage Canada’s only awarding of its prestigious Corporate Award. Eve Lewis is the Founder, Principal and President of MarketVision Real Estate Corporation, a leading residential condominium marketing firm operating in Toronto and Urbanation – the authoritative source for information on Toronto’s condominium market from the most active developers, lenders, and professional service suppliers.
Eve’s expert insights, passion for her craft, tireless dedication, and in-depth industry knowledge are complimented by her involvement in local organizations and by her unwavering commitment to her family, friends, and community at large.
The Tap sat down with Eve Lewis at her office in Summerhill to get the inside scoop on Waterworks and to gain insight into her vision of Waterworks.
The Tap: What was your first reaction upon seeing the Waterworks space
Eve Lewis: I was surprised. I have driven past that building a thousand times, and saw this building sitting on the park. Once you walk inside you see a beautiful architecturally interior space with a glass skylight now only four stories in high and windows along the sides. It was such a surprise, and just such a thrill to be involved in something so special.
The Tap: What excites you most about Waterworks?
Eve Lewis: It’s really a dream for someone like Woodcliffe to have the opportunity to restore and repurpose an abandoned historic building to the community that could act as the heart and soul of the neighborhood. In addition to that, there will be a 55,000 sq. foot YMCA, and nearly 300 condominiums that are integrated into this really lively building that we envision as a European Food Hall and courtyard.
The Tap: What is your vision for the Great Hall? How do you see it impacting the neighbourhood?
Eve Lewis: We want the Great Hall to be a destination, not only for the neighbourhood, but for the city. We will create a great opportunity to enjoy different foods, whether prepared or take out. You will be able to enjoy a meal with friends, where one person can have sushi, while another person enjoys an incredible organic salad, and someone else has grilled fish – everyone has a choice. The Great Hall will spill out to the park and into the courtyard. It is so accessible to downtown and right in the middle of the King West neighbourhood. Over 20 years ago there was just 900 people in this neighbourhood, and now there’s 30,000 people. It’s going to be a great place for the community to go.
The Tap: Why are MOD Developments and Woodcliffe Landmark Properties perfect partners for this project?
Eve Lewis: Gary Switzer and Noorez Lalani are the great minds behind MOD. I have known Gary for 25 years. I’ve admired the work he has contributed to the city in terms of buildings and public spaces. We were approached specifically because of our background in repurposing and restoring historic buildings. It is the perfect fit. MOD has also been my client for one of my companies, MarketVision at their Massey Tower project, where we had a really successful collaboration and outcome on that project.
The Tap: What draws you to the heritage properties and why are they so important to restore?
Eve Lewis: Woodcliffe and my late husband Paul Oberman, have always had an interest in restoring heritage properties because you can really create something special. To take a building that is derelict, or hasn’t been utilized to its potential, and to repurpose it and create new life and energy not only for that building but for that neighbourhood – is really a gift. It’s an opportunity. Although, because it’s really detailed work and very very expensive to retrofit, there aren’t many developers that love heritage buildings like we do. I think an example is the North Toronto station at Summerhill. Once that was really renovated, and Paul had restored it, it became the focus for the community and a destination for the neighbourhood. It really became Rosedale and Summerhill’s heart and soul, and that’s what we’d like to do for Waterworks.
The Tap: Favourite King-West neighbourhood haunt?
Eve Lewis: I have a few go-to spots to eat in the neighbourhood. I have 6 children, all in their twenties, and they foodies. So we are a family that loves to go out to different destinations. But, I have to admit that the Singaporean Style Slaw at Lee’s is a favourite. Gusto 101 has done a spectacular job at renovating their space, and of course Buca is interesting as well. I think it’s a combination of food and also the environment that is important to us.
The Tap: What do you find unique about the real estate industry in Toronto?
Eve Lewis: It used to be that everything came out of one book in terms of what people were going to live in. I find that now, it’s an ever-changing, and ever-evolving. Living spaces have become more and more interesting with time. Design really matters to people like it never did in the past. Developers are now providing greater offerings than when I started in this business 30 years ago. The property or the location was the only variable then. Now, there’s so much choice. There’s the opportunity to live in a condo that is more than a box and you can earmark as your home and create a special living environment for yourself.
The Tap: Where do you find inspiration for a new project?
Eve Lewis: Inspiration comes from a number of different sources. The team that you work with is a continual inspiration, because the architect, interior designer, advertising team, and landscape architect, creates a team that has the ability to contribute to making a project better than a developer’s original vision. It becomes something that can evolve and grow, and become very special. Especially, if you have a very close team that share in creating something unique and special. But, for me personally, I’ve always travelled. The first opportunity I ever got, I went and lived in Africa for a year. I was 22! I have travelled all over the world, and by visiting and experiencing other cities, other places, other buildings, and other people, you become inspired.
Eve Lewis is the CEO & President at Woodcliffe Landmark Properties. Woodcliffe Landmark Properties is co-developing the Waterworks building located at 505 Richmond Street West in Toronto.