(04-05-2021, 09:22 PM)Lebronj23 Wrote:(04-05-2021, 08:35 PM)Lens Wrote: It continues to amaze me that almost no developers from the GTA or elsewhere seem to be setting up shop here. Maybe they're all too busy?Agreed, @Ac3r can you comment on this?
In terms of residential projects, most of the projects in this region are still too small to entice developers from outside the region to work here. Another important factor is that local developers know the region and its needs a lot better so they are more cognizant of what the region needs and wants. We do attract some outside effort, though. Some examples include Kirkor Architects designing Station Park and Turner Fleischer designing 144 Park/155 Caroline, though the actual developers are local. Offices/institutional work does attract more outside attention. We've got some work by Hariri Pontarini, KPMB, Teeple and a few more - all very prestigious groups.
I'd say within 5-10 years you'll see a lot more developers and architecture firms focusing on the region. One thing to keep an eye on is the SmartCentres redevelopment in Cambridge. I haven't heard much about it yet, but SmartCentres tends to work with massive firms like Diamond Schmitt Architects, Claude Cormier and Associés etc. so whoever designs that will make some really good looking buildings, even though the development is in probably the worst location you could imagine.