Starlight Investments is looking to expand its Greater Toronto Area multi-family real estate portfolio through its infill-development strategy after topping off its 21-storey multi-family rental project in the Etobicoke district.

Starlight currently has two active GTA multi-family project construction sites and aims to use many other potential development sites in its regional pipeline to offset Canada’s rental-housing shortage, said Howard Paskowitz, the firm’s vice-president of development and public affairs in an interview with Connect.

The company aims to use its profitable infill development strategy, which it deploys on almost all of its projects, to deliver thousands of new rental-apartment units in Canada over the next decade.

The topped off development is located at 557 The West Mall and will comprise 249 suites. That portion of the property was formerly a surface parking lot.

“This project exemplifies our infill development strategy, where we reimagine existing apartment communities and how we can improve them and, at the same time address from those the urgent need for rental housing,” said Paskowitz.

He called the project a “standout example” of the infill strategy. The tower stands beside the community’s existing 14-storey building.

“One of our key focuses when we build and we do these important projects is to really enhance the quality of life for our residents, and a lot of that focuses on the amenity space,” said Paskowitz. “The topping off is very important because it not only celebrates the dedication of skilled trades and teams making this vision reality, but it also highlights our broader commitment to building safe, thriving communities with improved amenities, better connectivity and proximity to local services and transit.”

The topping off marks a major construction milestone for Starlight and its partners as the project moves closer to completion, he added.

Paskowitz said Starlight chose the location because it can quickly and efficiently deliver new homes and leverage existing infrastructure without expanding the city’s footprint. As a result, the company avoided urban sprawl. And 557 The West Mall allows future residents to take advantage of existing amenities and infrastructure. The site was also an ideal candidate as an infill project because of its unique potential for strategic densification and its prime location in Etobicoke, a growing community with high rental-housing demand.

“We’re significantly expanding the housing options while maintaining the character of the the community, not just building in the neighborhood or building the neighborhood up,” said Paskowitz

Once complete, the building will contain one-, two- and three-bedroom suites, along with a fitness centre, games rooms, co-working spaces, a mini-soccer pitch, a rooftop terrace and dog run.

“One of the cool features at this building that we haven’t done before is what we call an on-air room, which takes advantage of the fact that, today, a lot of people like to do podcasts and broadcasting and short videos,” he said. “We’ve created a space where our residents can use that space to do what it is that they do.

“We’ve created these amenity spaces, these common areas, where people can come together and create a sense of community.”

Residents will also benefit from improved landscaping, new pedestrian connections, bicycle parking and secure underground parking. The site is surrounded by schools, parks, community facilities and direct TTC access.

“We’re adjacent to [Highway 427], so it’s got excellent vehicular access as well as very regular public transportation,” said Paskowitz. “It’s just a perfect fit for Starlight. It’s creating safe, welcoming communities that residents can live in for the long term.”

Starlight is committed to addressing Canada’s housing needs from coast to coast, he said.

Pictured: Starlight multi-family project under construction in Toronto’s Etobicoke district.

Photo: Courtesy of Starlight