Since 2003, SDC Group has been building its reputation across Canada’s province of Ontario, and today offers a broad range of Construction Management services for low and mid-rise residential construction projects in addition to land development services focusing on retirement and age-in-place communities. But before SDC Group had its sleek name and diversified portfolio, it was Succession Development Corporation, leading the way as a Toronto-based company focused solely on third party construction management.
Founded and led by industry veterans with over 60 years of combined experience in the field, Succession Development Corporation made a name for itself as a reliable partner, consistently delivering high-quality service, on time and on budget. The company was born about by the deep expertise in accessibility, design, and construction that co-founder, Jeffrey Baum had amassed after years spent providing comprehensive healthcare solutions for both private homes and workplaces. Steven Cohen, a qualified professional Quantity Surveyor, brought with him a wealth of knowledge in the condominium development and construction world having worked at Toronto-based companies Altus Group Cost Consulting (formerly Helyar & Associates) and the Daniels Corporation. Together the two created a powerful leadership team built on decades of experience, combined knowledge and a desire to transform the way residential and senior assisted living projects were executed and managed. And after seven years of success, the two thought strategically about how to take the company to the next level, ultimately deciding to invest more equity into projects by acquiring land and entering joint venture partnerships with retirement operators.
That enabled Succession Development Corporation to go from a company focused solely on construction services, to a company with its hands in development, handover and operations. This helped the team maintain its commitment to quality, overseeing all project aspects to ensure client needs were met efficiently and effectively through every phase of a new build. To-date, Succession Development Corporation, or SDC Group, as it has recently re-branded to, boasts a portfolio of over 45 completed projects and many more in the pipeline, volume that the senior leadership team attributes to the company’s commitment to transparency, collaboration, and trust among all its clients and partners.
Since its inception, it’s clear SDC Group has proved itself a dynamic player in the Toronto real estate market and this growth only continues as the team looks toward new ventures to continue diversifying and growing the portfolio.
Spearheaded by Vice President Sean Donovan, who joined the team in the spring of 2024, SDC Group is expanding its expertise to include third-party construction management services for mid-rise condominiums and purpose-built rental products, a strategic diversification as Toronto and the surrounding GTA grapple with a housing crisis. In tandem with this new chapter for SDC Group comes a re-brand to the new name, complete with new logos and a new website that mirrors the company’s innovation and growth.
“For the past 20 years, we’ve been focused on delivering exceptional value, quality, and care to seniors, which has allowed us to build lasting relationships with partners like Amica Senior Lifestyles,” explains Vice President Sean Donovan. He hopes to continue this legacy of success as the company acquires projects spanning both construction management and land development for residences beyond seniors living, including mixed-use residential, purpose-built rental, affordable housing and more.
This expansion leverages the same core principles that have driven SDC Group’s success in the retirement sector—attention to detail, long-term value, and a commitment to creating vibrant, sustainable communities. “We’re positioning ourselves to meet the growing demand for diverse housing options, from young professionals to retirees.”
While SDC Group’s journey has been marked by significant successes, it hasn’t been without its challenges. One of the most pressing issues facing the industry today is the skilled labor shortage. To overcome this, SDC Group is investing in workforce development and implementing innovative recruitment strategies. Additionally, rising construction costs and material shortages are tackled through early procurement planning and diversifying suppliers.
Another challenge is navigating regulatory and permitting delays, particularly in a competitive market like Toronto’s. The team takes a proactive approach with municipalities and regulatory bodies to keep projects on track.
While these challenges aren’t necessarily unique to SDC Group, it’s the skilled and tightknit team behind the organization that makes navigating these industry-specific obstacles possible. What sets SDC Group apart from its competitors, Mr. Donovan believes, is its commitment to a family-like culture that fosters collaboration, open communication, and inclusivity. “Our leadership style is hands-on, and we encourage all employees to contribute their ideas.” This culture, which champions diversity and honesty, has helped the company build a strong, supportive team that is invested in delivering high-quality results.
From leadership to field employees to the clients SDC Group chooses to work with, honesty, integrity and collaboration lead the way. SDC Group’s largest client, Amica Senior Lifestyles, Canada’s leading provider of premium, private-pay retirement residences for seniors, is one such example of a partner that echoes SDC Group’s values. This longstanding relationship and repeat business speak to the strength of SDC Group’s client-focused approach and its commitment to never compromise on its corporate mission, vision and values.
Some project highlights for Amica include:
Etobicoke Retirement Residence
Having a GFA of 226,470 sq. ft., this retirement home will range from 4 to 10 stories tall and hold 204 suites when completed. It will contain a multipurpose room/theatre, a billiards/games room, a greenhouse, and a fully landscaped second floor terrace area. A heritage building with a history as a community hub will be incorporated into the new facility as a bar bistro. The ground floor will also contain a restaurant, a café, a salon and other retail space.
Aurora Retirement Residence
A re-development for the Aurora United Church, which will be rebuilt on the southeast portion of the project. The retirement home will be an L-shaped building constructed around and separate from the church. The project is located just south of Wellington Street on Yonge Street in Downtown Aurora.
The retirement home will be six stories, with 150 Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care Suites. The building will contain grade and underground parking for both structures and will have walking paths between the retirement home development, the adjacent Church, and Yonge Street.
Oakville Retirement Residence
Located in the prestigious area of Bronte Village and having a GFA of 149,582 sq. ft., this mixed-use seniors residence will be 6 stories in height with 159 Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care Suites, and includes 1 level of below grade parking.
Amenities included within this facility include a restaurant and bistro, a fitness room, a spa room, a serenity room, an indoor green house and more.
As Toronto continues to experience population growth and urbanization, SDC Group is optimistic about the future. Mr. Donovan foresees growing demand for affordable housing, especially in transit-accessible areas, where mid-rise developments are becoming increasingly viable. “We are on track to meet the demand for more affordable rental housing in the Greater Toronto Area, particularly through mid-rise projects that offer a balance between density and community impact,” he says.
The company is also well-positioned to capitalize on the city’s focus on transit-oriented development (TOD), with major infrastructure projects like the Ontario Line and Eglinton Crosstown LRT opening new opportunities for mid-rise developments.
With its strong track record, diversified portfolio, and forward-looking strategy, SDC Group is set to continue its success in the construction and development sector. As Mr. Donovan puts it, “Collaboration, leadership, and a culture of excellence will continue to drive our success as we look ahead to the next chapter in the company’s evolution.”
Want to connect with SDC Group for your next project? Visit their newly launched website and fill out the online contact form.
