Woodcliffe Landmark Properties

About Woodcliffe Landmark Properties

Woodcliffe Landmark Properties

Woodcliffe Landmark Properties, a boutique development firm, is known for its meticulous restoration of heritage buildings in the upscale midtown area of Toronto. Founded by Paul Oberman in 1996, the firm has a unique niche in the Canadian development industry. Oberman’s vision was to restore iconic heritage properties throughout the city, preserving their history while offering functional spaces for contemporary office and retail use.

Oberman’s Legacy Lives On

The firm’s restoration of the historic North Toronto railway station, formerly a Canadian Pacific Railway stop, is a prime example of their meticulous restoration. The station now serves as a functional space for LCBO, a popular liquor store in Toronto, and a selection of pedestrian-friendly retail underneath the historic railway bridge. The project won numerous awards from Heritage Toronto and the Ontario Association of Architects.

The Shops of Summerhill, a collection of historic buildings overlooking the North Toronto Station and Scrivner Square, is another example of Woodcliffe’s meticulous restoration. The complex features a glorious, original brick façade with a touch of contemporary glass and limestone. The buildings now house a selection of boutique shops.

Eve Lewis, owner of Urbanation and Market Vision Real Estate, joined the firm and eventually married Paul Oberman. The two continued to develop and manage properties while raising their large blended family in an opulent Rosedale estate. In 2010, they purchased four buildings on the west side of Market Street, just across from the St. Lawrence Market. One of the buildings was the former Armory Hotel, built in 1858, which had sat vacant for decades. Despite zoning for an 11-story condominium, the firm chose instead to restore the historic structure. The site is now one of the most vibrant stretches in the neighborhood, featuring cheerful patio bars and a Balzac’s Coffee in the refurbished heritage structures.

Carrying on Paul Oberman’s Vision

Tragedy struck midway through the Armory Hotel project when Paul Oberman was killed in a plane crash while flying from Halifax to Toronto. His wife, Eve Lewis, took over the project and became determined to complete the vision her partner had so passionately worked towards.

Today, Lewis helms the firm and is continuing to pay homage to their original passion for transforming iconic properties while breaking new ground. Woodcliffe’s inaugural foray into the residential market is a partnership with MOD Developments. They secured land on Richmond Street West, the location of a former industrial building, and are planning to turn it into stylish urban condos, a food hall, and a brand-new YMCA. The project will blend historic industrial architecture with functional modernism, which is a hallmark of the firm.

Woodcliffe’s Unique Vision

The firm’s focus on restoring heritage properties and repurposing them for modern use is what sets them apart in the Canadian development industry. Their projects, like their restoration of the North Toronto railway station and Summerhill Shops, serve as prime examples of their attention to detail and commitment to preserving history while offering functional modern spaces.

Lewis continues to carry on Paul Oberman’s vision for the firm while breaking new ground with the firm’s inaugural residential project. Woodcliffe Landmark Properties is a unique developer in Toronto, and we eagerly await their next project.

Conclusion

Woodcliffe Landmark Properties is a boutique development firm renowned for its meticulous restoration of heritage buildings in the upscale midtown area of Toronto. The firm’s unique niche in the Canadian development industry is traced back to Paul Oberman’s vision of restoring iconic heritage properties throughout the city, preserving their history while offering functional spaces for modern use. Woodcliffe’s projects, like the North Toronto railway station and Summerhill Shops, are stunning architectural landmarks that showcase their rich history while offering functional spaces for contemporary use. Under the leadership of Eve Lewis, the firm continues to pay homage to their original passion while breaking new ground in the residential market. Woodcliffe Landmark Properties is a unique developer in Toronto, and we look forward to seeing their next project.