021 - Gary Switzer - MOD Developments

Great design in architecture on a grand scale must be difficult to pull off!  Just imagine for a second planning a building that will house 600 units within an urban site that can barely take deliveries as well as connected to two designated historic properties.  This is the Massey Tower that was recently completed by Gary Switzer and his team at MOD Developments. Its Seamless, modern design that lights up an already cluttered condo skyline all within a zig zag footprint that was seen as too complicated to pull off.  Each one of his unique projects weaves together design, materials and a deep approach to improving a neighbourhood within community, all done with the arts in mind.  Whether its reviving an entire theatre block of Yonge Street or his current project nearing completion that is Waterworks, Gary Switzer understands the complexities of planning and excels at it.  And Often Developers get a bad rap and are seen as adverse to improving urban density. This may be true for the boxes of glass we are accustomed to seeing.  However, these condos are different in all departments and that’s why I wanted to have Gary on this podcast.  

I am almost positive there are other Gary Switzer’s out there in large cities across North America, but they are unfortunately an anomaly.  Gary started off as an Architect, learned as a City planner and eventually achieved his goal to design and build great architecture.  We need to celebrate those multifaceted artists and visionaries.  Thanks for coming on the show Gary!

https://moddevelopments.com/

Projects

55C Residences
55 Charles St. E., Toronto
Under Construction 

57 Spadina - The Taylor
57 Spadina Ave., Toronto
Under Construction 

The Massey Tower
197 Yonge St., Toronto
Completed

Five St. Joseph
5 St. Joseph St., Toronto
Completed

The Selby
592 Sherbourne St., Toronto
Completed

Waterworks
505 Richmond St. W., Toronto
Almost Complete