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Mid-Rise Manual – A guide to making better cities for the future

Mid-Rise Manual - A guide to making better cities for the future (#35)

Robert Eisenberg

Together with his partner in York Heritage Properties, Robert Eisenberg has been breathing new life into old buildings for over 40 years. Formerly, Eisenberg was a principal in Intraurban Projects, a developer of infill, medium-density residential projects. 

 

In 2021, Eisenberg was appointed to the Order of Canada for his commitment to the revitalization of Toronto’s architectural heritage and for his community service benefiting the environment and youth.

Robert Eisenberg - Mid-rise manual
Kelly Graham - Mid-rise manual

Kelly Graham

Kelly is an urban planner and SvN Associate with intense knowledge and experience working with public and private sector clients on projects ranging from individual site development approvals to master planning and secondary plan studies. She brings an action-oriented and collaborative approach to developing solutions for various land use planning matters.

Conrad Speckert

Conrad is a housing designer and building code researcher. He was awarded the 2024 Canada Council Prix de Rome in Architecture and the 2025 RAIC Medal for Research & Innovation on behalf of LGA Architectural Partners.

Conrad Speckert - Mid-rise manual
Join us as we dive deep into urban development with a special focus on mid-rise housing. Our host welcomes a panel of experts, including Bobby Eisenberg, a partner at York Heritage Properties, Kelly from SVN Architects and Planners, and Conrad, an intern architect at LGA Architectural Partners. The discussion revolves around the importance of mid-rise housing, the hurdles in policy, approvals, and the impact on city infrastructure. Learn about the Environmental Defence Fund’s efforts, the benefits of mid-rise buildings, and the critical need for systemic change to address urban sprawl, planning constraints, and the need for a more sustainable, livable cityscape. Don’t miss this insightful episode packed with expert opinions, real-world challenges, and potential solutions for better urban living.
 
  • The Case for Mid-Rise Development
  • Challenges and Opportunities in Mid-Rise Development
  • Regulatory and Economic Considerations
  • Potential and Future of Mid-Rise Projects
  • Single Staircase in Building Design
  • Development Charges and Financial Implications
  • Challenges in Infrastructure and Development
  • Government Roles and Housing Policy
  • Approval Processes and Urban Planning
Environmental Defence has initiated a task force and steering committee to study “the missing middle” as part of a wider exploration of residential intensification as an antidote to urban sprawl. This report is intended to identify and address key issues and opportunities associated with mid-rise development for advocacy and communication with a range of potential stakeholders, including provincial and federal politicians, Toronto city councillors, planning department staff, and like-minded city builders, and the general public. We would like to extend a special thank you to the industry experts who participated in the engagement phase of this process and shared their knowledge and experience with the challenges of mid-rise development. 

The Mid-Rise Manual

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Payam Noursalehi
Payam Noursalehi

President of Dena Project Management, Payam is A Real Estate & Construction Professional with a passion for Mid-Rise projects. His experience comes from his exposure to multiple aspects of the industry, such as Engineering, Construction Management, Development Management, and Private Equity Investment.

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