LSTAR is excited to announce that nominations are now open for the 2025 Don Smith Commercial Building Awards, celebrating excellence in commercial real estate and construction.
This event seeks to recognize and honour exceptional achievements in the realm of commercial real estate, celebrating top-notch commercial, industrial, multi-family, and community buildings across the LSTAR region. Named after the late Don Smith, co-founder of the renowned construction company EllisDon, the awards have been a cornerstone of architectural inspiration since their establishment in 2009.
With four distinct categories, comprising Commercial (retail and office spaces), Industrial, Multi-family, and Institutional (community) buildings, the awards provide a platform to showcase the finest works of construction artistry.
Nominations are now open, and individuals and organizations are encouraged to put forward deserving projects for consideration. The nomination process involves downloading the Nomination Package, completing the Nomination Form, and submitting it by email to Claire [at] LSTAR.ca (Claire[at]LSTAR[dot]ca). The deadline for all submissions is September 30th, 2025, at 4:30 pm EST.
In addition, we are offering a variety of sponsorship opportunities for the 2025 Awards, including our premier DIAMOND SPONSORSHIP. Details on the available sponsorship levels are available here. Reach out to Claire Dawson to discuss your options via Claire [at] LSTAR.ca (Claire[at]LSTAR[dot]ca).
Winners of the 2023 Don Smith Commercial Building Awards Announced
The London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR) is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2023 Don Smith Commercial Building Awards. Recipients were honoured on February 22, 2024, at the Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn and Conference Centre.
The biannual reception and awards ceremony recognizes the top commercial, industrial, multi-family and community buildings across the LSTAR region. The program was named after the late Don Smith, legendary co-founder of EllisDon, a world-renowned construction company with deep roots in London, Ontario.
“These awards illustrate the incredible innovation and design by the talented developer, construction and architecture community right here in our region,” said Kathy Amess, 2024 LSTAR Chair. “These leaders play an integral role to the business, economic and social development of our cities and neighbouring communities.”
Main categories include Commercial, Industrial, Multi-family and Institutional. A judging panel evaluates the projects, with the following criteria:
- Building, development or renovation located within LSTAR’s jurisdiction
- Design and innovation
- Addresses a specific developmental need within the community
- Sensitive to the environment
- Completed between August 1, 2021 and July 31, 2023
The 2023 winners were:
- Commercial: EMCO Building Historic Renovation, “The Empire” Building
- Industrial: Aspire Food Group, New Production Facility
- Multi-Family Community: HDC, 122 Baseline Road West
- Multi-Family High Rise: Sofia Yorkville
- Multi-Family Low Rise: Zerin Place on Clarke Road
- Institutional Renovation: Thames Hall Redevelopment
- Institutional Education: Summerside Public School and Childcare Centre
- Institutional Community Use: East Lions Community Centre
- Green: Port Stanley Net Zero Fire Station
Check out these amazing photos from the Ceremony:
Of course, we couldn't put on such a great event without the generous support of all of our Sponsors!
