DEVELOPER: Streetcar Developments founder Les Mallins bought his first property in 2001, when he was 28 years old. The building was an aging warehouse on Queen East, now called the Academy Lane Lofts. Most of the 14 units sold over the first weekend. His portfolio of buildings is now worth about $175 million, and the company has come to rule the narrow east-end triangle where King and Queen meet, as well as large swaths of Leslieville.

TRACK RECORD: All of Streetcar’s buildings display the hand of accomplished designers, including, most recently, Les Klein and his colleagues at Quadrangle Architects. Most have low profiles (typically about six storeys) with façades that feature clean lines etched in glass, brick and stone. The overall effect enhances the city’s pre-Confederation neighbourhoods instead of obliterating them. current project: Comprising four buildings and seven townhouses, the Quadrangle-designed Corktown District (where King, Queen and Sumach collide) promises green amenities such as private rooftop gardens and shared-auto services.

CURRENT PROJECT: Comprising four buildings and seven townhouses, the Quadrangle-designed Corktown District (where King, Queen and Sumach collide) promises green amenities such as private rooftop gardens and shared-auto services.

More condo features

• Core Strength: Diamante Development’s two elegant downtown skyscrapers
• All in the Family: A clan of architects has brought sleek towers to North York’s drab skyline
• Trail Blazer: The granddaddy of design-savvy developers continually raises the bar
• Block Party: Peter Freed is elevating the downtown skyline with well-designed buildings
• Small Miracles: Three cleverly designed space-savers make room for guests

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