development strategy

"When we open in 2010, visitors and residences alike will experience a unique, five-star property that will be unlike anything else in Canada and among the most magnificent luxury developments in the world," Trump said in his remarks to those assembled at the 325 Bay St. site where the building will rise as Canada's tallest residential structure. Also on hand joining Toronto government officials and project team members were Talon CEO Val Levitan and the firm's chairman, Alex Shnaider, who called the event "a proud day" for their company.

"Our vision is on its way to becoming reality and our dream of a one-of-a-kind development for Toronto will soon be realized," offered Shnaider. Levitan pledged that "everything about this property will redefine luxury." A sushi and martini bar is slated for the first floor, whereas other dining options will include private rooms and a 30th floor restaurant delivering gourmet food and wine with views of Lake Ontario and the CN Tower. Additional upscale elements will include a two-level spa, high-tech business center and 24-hour access to a pair of chauffeur-driven Mercedes and similarly appointed vehicles. "No detail will be overlooked," said Levitan, whose group retained Toronto-based Zeidler Partnership Architects to design the complex.

Assembled last Wednesday at the inaugural Trump International Hotel & Tower in New York's Columbus Circle, the billionaire developer joined son Donald Jr., daughter Ivanka and COO Jim Petrus in officially launching the Hotel Collection. As detailed by GlobeSt.com, luxury will be the watchword of the strategy, which aims to create at least 12 ground-up developments by the end of 2010. The 5,400 rooms to be produced via the Hotel Collection brand will target the top 3% of the richest travelers bearing household incomes of at least $400,000.