Amexon Development Corporation's elofts project has been named High-Rise Building of the Year at the Ontario Home Builders' Association (OHBA) Awards of Distinction Gala, a recognition that underscores the growing importance of adaptive reuse in urban hospitality and residential development. The award, announced at the 2026 gala, highlights the project's architectural innovation and sustainable transformation, positioning it as a model for transit-oriented communities in major cities.
Located at the intersection of Eglinton Avenue East and Don Mills Road in Toronto, elofts repurposes a 15-storey office building into a vibrant residential property, a strategy that resonates with travel industry trends toward sustainable urban regeneration. The development, designed in collaboration with CORE Architects and II BY IV DESIGN, offers loft-style suites featuring 12-foot floor-to-ceiling windows, polished concrete floors, and exposed spiral ductwork, creating an industrial-chic aesthetic that appeals to modern urban dwellers and business travelers alike.
Transit-oriented design and amenities
elofts is a true transit-oriented community, providing direct access to major transit lines, including the new Eglinton Crosstown LRT and the future Ontario Line underground. This connectivity is a key selling point for both residents and corporate clients, as it enhances accessibility to Toronto's business districts and entertainment hubs. The property's amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness centre, expansive coworking spaces, pet daycare, and a 14,000 sq ft rooftop patio offering panoramic views of the Toronto skyline and Lake Ontario—features that align with the preferences of today's discerning travelers and remote workers.
Ashling Evans, Vice President of Amexon Development Corporation, expressed pride in the achievement, stating, "We are honoured to have won this prestigious OHBA award. It reflects the vision behind elofts and the collaboration of our talented project team." This sentiment echoes the broader industry shift toward projects that prioritize both design excellence and environmental responsibility, a trend also seen in recent award-winning hospitality innovations.
Deni Poletti, Founding Partner at CORE Architects, highlighted the project's sustainable approach, saying, "Our design introduces bold authentic loft character and effectively blends contemporary style with environmental responsibility." This focus on sustainability is increasingly critical in the travel and real estate sectors, as developers and hoteliers seek to reduce carbon footprints while enhancing guest experiences.
Amexon, a leader in Toronto's real estate sector for over 50 years, continues to shape urban living with projects like The Residences at Central Park, further cementing its commitment to design innovation and sustainability. The company's portfolio demonstrates how adaptive reuse can revitalize underutilized office spaces, a strategy that is gaining traction in cities worldwide as remote work reduces office demand.
For travel professionals, elofts serves as a case study in how residential conversions can integrate with transit networks to create self-contained communities that appeal to both long-term residents and short-term visitors. The project's success may inspire similar developments in other urban centers, particularly those with aging office inventories and robust public transit systems. As the industry watches Toronto's evolution, elofts stands as a testament to the potential of thoughtful design and strategic location.
The OHBA award also highlights the importance of collaboration between developers, architects, and interior designers in delivering projects that meet modern expectations. With its blend of industrial aesthetics and contemporary amenities, elofts sets a new benchmark for high-rise living, one that could influence future hospitality and residential projects globally.
