Montreal developer Dario Favretto takes personal pride in building one project at a time

Dario Favretto is the driving force behind Domaine Developments, a company he founded in 1995 as an offshoot of his father’s construction form business. Armed with a an MBA from McGill University and drawing on years of hands-on building experience; his first four residential condominium projects were built in Toronto, one of Canada’s most competitive and demanding condo markets. I recently visited with Dario at the downtown sales office for Le Triomphe, his new project located in the Golden Square Mile. He’s a guy who understands value for a dollar, his responsibility to his customers; and he takes personal pride in each of the company’s projects.

The company’s first Toronto projects were; One Balmoral; Two Roxborough, a high-end luxury condominium project in tony Rosedale; The Royalton on Bay Street and Domus Yorkville. Each location in a highly desirable upscale urban neighbourhood. For three consecutive years in ’97, ‘98, and ’99; the company won Project of the Year, awarded by the Toronto Home Builders Association. It was an auspicious start for Domaine Developments. “Part of our success has been to implement a team concept, with the architects, designers and engineers working together right from the start. We’re able to take advantage of the combined imagination of these interrelated disciplines to create luxurious design concepts that are ahead of other builders, who call in the designers after the architects have finished.”

Domaine projects in Montreal have included the Lofts St. James, the Square des Gouverneurs near and loft-style condominiums of Le Concorde on President Kennedy. Once again Domaine Developments has won awards for their Montreal projects, including Best Restoration of an Old Building for Le Lofts St. James. A builder’s credentials are an important consideration for purchasers, who will rely on the builder’s expertise for the quality and finishing of their condominium.

Located downtown on Stanley St. just south of Sherbrooke Street, Le Triomphe has an outstanding location for purchasers and investors. Just steps from Montreal landmarks such as The Ritz-Carleton Hotel and Residences, The Acadia, Le Chateau and Sir Robert Peel; “Le Triomphe is one more beautiful project in the finest residential area of downtown Montreal,” notes Dario with understandable pride.

Le Triomphe, will have 122 residences on 20 floors, with one, two and three bedroom configurations; and all units have balconies. The two and three bedroom models are spacious and the one-bedroom is an ideal pied-a-terre in the city. There will be a fitness centre, and roof-top terrace with a spa to enjoy on a sunny afternoon or warm summer night.
“We have in interesting mix of youngish professionals and empty nesters who want to downsize – but without sacrificing their comfortable lifestyle. And that includes bringing the family pet.” The Pet Friendly policy has already proven to be a smart marking idea – given the positive reaction from visitors to the sales office.

Dario and his team understand the high-end marketplace and purchasers’ expectations. “I learned right from the start that affluent purchasers don’t appreciate having ‘luxury items’ added to the price. They should be part of the package. For example, all of our appliances are Miehle and our kitchen cabinetry is Poggenpohl. Most developers will make these high end brands available – but they are standard equipment here at Le Triomphe. It’s what purchasers expect from a developer with knowledge and experience in luxury projects. I believe that we have a responsibility to give better quality.”

The architects and designers have worked together to create a unique European-style elegance, even to the colours selected for tiles and complementary tones of white paint for the walls. Frosted glass pocket doors don’t take up space and allow natural light into living spaces. Kitchens are both highly functional and designed to be part of the living space. A built-in media centre provides useful space and a shelf perfect for a lap-top computer station, eliminating the need for a computer desk/work station. Multiple electrical outlets and cable access are discreetly located. Space-saving and highly functional.

Le Triomphe has all the right ingredients for Montrealers who enjoy our diverse cultural activities and the cachet of calling The Golden Square Mile home. The sales office is a replica of a one bedroom unit, and you can examine first-hand how the architects and designers have maximized the living space. Prices range from $274,000 to $980,000 – excellent value given living space, location and the builder’s solid reputation. 1143 de Maisonneuve West between Peel and Stanley, 514-281-1001. www.condosletriomphe.com

Related Posts