Luxury real estate in Toronto continues to prove resilient, with million-dollar properties seeing a modest rise in sales despite broader market fluctuations. Sam Mizrahi and his company, Mizrahi Developments, have been instrumental in setting the standard for responsible, high-quality development in this space, focusing on timeless design, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for the communities in which they build.
Mizrahi’s Legacy: Building Timelessness, Not Trends
Sam Mizrahi’s journey in luxury real estate began long before his landmark developments like The One and 128 Hazelton. He started his first business importing and selling blank cassettes while still in high school in Toronto, growing the company to $18 million in revenue before selling it four years later. His family immigrated from Tehran in the late 70s when Mizrahi was six, and his entrepreneurial spirit was fueled by the zeal to create opportunities for himself.
By his early twenties, he had built a strong foundation in business, setting the stage for his future in real estate. Influenced by his studies of Haussmann-style architecture in France, Mizrahi sought to create buildings that are timeless in form and function, unswayed by fleeting trends. His vision is anchored in the belief that luxury developments should offer enduring value, combining artistry and practical functionality.
This approach first came to life in custom home developments across Toronto neighborhoods like Forest Hill and Lytton Park. He then directed his company, Mizrahi Developments, to bring the same luxury and attention to detail that buyers expected in the tony suburbs to condominiums in the heart of the city. He developed 133 Hazelton in 2015 and 128 Hazelton across the street a year later. These homes, some commanding prices up to $11.5 million, represent Mizrahi’s ethos: luxury is defined by quality, not just price. They reflect his meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to using only the finest materials and architectural styles.
One of Mizrahi’s keys to success has been his collaboration with partners who share his values and passion for excellence. Whether artisans craft the interiors or architects shape the skyline, every individual involved in a Mizrahi project is aligned with his vision. These partnerships helped bring his buildings to life with painstaking detail, ensuring that every element—from the grand lobby to the smallest finish—reflects the artistry and soul Mizrahi envisions for each development.
His luxury condos demonstrate how these partnerships and shared values translate into tangible market success. For Mizrahi, it’s not just about erecting buildings; it’s about creating experiential spaces that enrich and even enlighten both those who create them and those who call them home.
Mizrahi’s commitment to responsible real estate also extends to environmental stewardship. Taking on challenging sites with significant environmental concerns, such as brownfield redevelopments, is a hallmark of his work. His flagship project, The One—a 91-story architectural marvel at 1 Bloor West—is a prime example of how he reverses the conventional development process. Mizrahi starts by considering the needs of the neighborhood and the community before reverse-engineering the building’s design to meet those needs, ensuring it serves the residents and contributes meaningfully to Toronto’s cityscape.
As the Toronto luxury condo market continues to fluctuate, Mizrahi Developments has managed to stay ahead of the curve by focusing on precision, sustainability, and quality. These principles have ensured that his developments remain profitable and culturally and environmentally significant.
Published by: Holy Minoza
