Create Where You Belong
6
Evola
Evola Builders brings their signature craftsmanship to Windsor’s Synergy Park
16 12 18
Home Office Tips
David Burman shares expert tips to create a versatile, beautiful workspace
Hosting Made Easy
Oh So Mona dishes out six simple tips to plan stress-free gatherings your guests will love
Unique Decor Pieces
Three local artisans turn unique décor into stunning statements that bring style to your home
A NOTE
from our Managing Editor
Welcome to our Home & Lifestyle edition. This season, we’re spotlighting the people who make Windsor-Essex feel like home— interior experts, local makers, and homeowners whose spaces tell powerful stories.
These pages celebrate personal style, clever solutions, and the small joys of everyday living. Whether you’re decorating or simply daydreaming, we hope you find ideas that resonate and uplift. At The Drive, we believe lifestyle is local. That great taste lives next door. That a well-loved space can spark new connections. And that home is more than a destination, it’s where your life unfolds.
So grab a coffee, get cozy, and enjoy this visual love letter to home.
Cheers,
Breanne McGinty
Breanne McGinty Managing Editor
CONTRIBUTORS
PAUL ST-PIERRE
BREANNE MCGINTY Managing Editor, Director of Sales
GREG EDWARDS ................................................. Graphic Designer
SABINE MAIN Creative Director
MARNIE ROBILLARD ................................................... Art Director
MEL MONCZAK Senior Account Manager
MACKENZIE COJOCAR ................................. Publication Assistant
GARY
Writer
DEVAN MIGHTON Writer
MONA ELKADRI ........................................................ Stylist/writer
TREVOR BOOTH Photographer
ANTHONY SHEARDOWN ........................................... Photographer
SYX LANGEMANN Photographer
ANNA STANLEY .......................................................... Copy Editor
SYNERGY
PARK
A brand-new concept from a trusted old friend
By Gary May
Photo by Trevor Booth
Evola Builders has already established their sterling reputation in the realm of custom housing. Now with the launch of Synergy Park, they’re set to deliver the same demanding standards to the commercial and flex-space sector.
Synergy Park will be defined by its customized spaces and flexible ownership options. Planned for the heart of Windsor on Edinborough Street near Howard Ave., the enthusiastic reception that the four-building complex has already received demonstrates it has hit the mark in a local market starved for innovation.
Synergy Park offers lease-to-own and purchase options to appeal to those clients searching for alternatives to the traditional lease arrangements. Leasing is also available.
The Synergy Park story began to unfold in January, right after Evola Builders’ vice-president Matt Evola and sales representative Andrew J. Smith braved a minus-20degree wind chill to make their Instagram announcement. By the following Monday, Andrew called Matt to say that despite the weather, his phone and email had been red-hot with interest all weekend. Within the first 48 hours there had been 20 serious inquiries and since the launch, Evola’s 3D virtual tours have been viewed more than 700 times.
Synergy Park will sit on just over three acres and feature two office buildings and two other buildings offering flexible options that invite clients to join in on the planning process.
The four-building project will consist of two office structures of 10,000 square feet (953 square metres) and two flex-space structures of 16,100 square feet (1,495 square metres) each.
The flex-space buildings are ideal for the addition of a mezzanine level. Outside space will allow parking for 155 vehicles and 10 bikes. There will be four loading spaces.
Each building will be 20 feet high, allowing the option of a second floor in the office units that would double the square footage.
Up to 31 units in the complex will vary in size from 1,500 to 1,800 square feet.
Flex spaces at Synergy Park will be created in collaboration with the client, says Matt Evola. He says they’ve received queries for the flex-space buildings from clients who want to create yoga studios and gymnasiums, and even some who are looking for the ideal area to store their boats and those special cars in a secure display environment. “Bring your ideas,” says Matt, “and we’ll work with you to deliver your dream space.”
Smith says the flex-space buildings offer unlimited options. He’s heard from, “people who live in homes they don’t want to leave, but they’ve got limited space and they’ve got five or six cars. They want a secure place that’s air conditioned and heated, maybe to just hang out with their buddies or have a club.”
Matt says the offices will appeal to business professionals, doctors and medical supply companies, digital marketing and web development companies, and financial institutions.
He has designed the two buildings in front, geared to office use, with an abundance of windows and natural light. The two back buildings are geared to supply companies, trades and so on, with large bay doors and four on-site loading areas.
Thinking about building a cool, super-modern gymnasium or cutting-edge office space?
Or maybe you’re searching for a safe place to protect and show off your classic cars or other valuable ‘toys’ in a private club-like environment. Synergy Park has you covered, with 3D immersive renderings offering suggestions to get those creative juices flowing. The sky’s the limit. “We can customize pretty much everything,” says Matt Evola.
DESIGN
Synergy Park offers a new concept in custom-designed office and flex commercial space, bringing together the award-winning architectural and design excellence of Evola Builders. “We’re blending our residential expertise into something commercial,” explains Matt Evola. “Everything’s upscale - the finishes, the build, right from the products to the people working on it.”
OPTIONS?
The units offer flexible arrangements, with purchase, lease or lease-to-own options.
WHERE?
Synergy Park will be located on just over three acres in the heart of Windsor on Edinborough Street, just off Howard Avenue.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
• Outdoor maintenance is included
• Offices will be fitted with all ductwork and H-VAC systems
• Flex spaces will be roughed in for H-VAC
Visit synergy-park.ca for more information.
For new opportunities, contact Andrew J. Smith at Deerbrook Realty 519-979-9995
According to Andrew, “Evola is bringing the quality and craftsmanship they’ve been known for, to the commercial sector.”
Evola’s custom housing expertise has served them well. “We’re taking the same mindset, a lot of the same trades and suppliers with us to Synergy Park,” says Matt. “We’re using some of the same people who do our multimillion-dollar homes to work on this project.”
After Evola Builders started out in 1987 under the leadership of Matt’s father, John, they quickly established themselves as one of Windsor and Essex County’s premier residential builders. Matt first entered the family business around the age of nine, when he started sweeping floors. As a teenager he graduated to cleaning up building sites and got to know the tradespeople. Then sometime in his twenties, a light went on: Matt realized building was in his blood.
Today he manages company operations while John continues as company president.
Changing market conditions brought change to Evola Builders too, with diversification from custom homes into apartments, condos, and now commercial and flex-space.
While Windsor has no shortage of existing commercial space, Synergy Park off ers something distinctly diff erent. It’s not just about fresh construction. It’s about intentionally designing a destination where like-minded individuals and businesses can thrive together. More than just workspace, it’s a collaborative environment and a place people are proud to be part of.
Synergy Park is Evola Builders’ bold, confident response to these uncertain economic times. When the economy changes, says Matt, “You roll with the punches. You diversify.”
Synergy Park comes on the heels of Evola’s recently completed Charleston Manor, the company’s first mixed commercial/residential project, in the Essex town centre. The builder also has plans for a mixed commercial/residential project near Sandpoint Beach in East Windsor.
When times change, Evola changes with them. It’s all part of the grand journey. W.E.
BALANCING STYLE FUNCTION IN YOUR HOME OFFICE
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Assess Your Space Needs
Determine additional functions you require from the area, such as a guest room, den, or other multipurpose spaces.
Accessory Lighting
Accessory lighting like sconces or a beautiful chandelier can elevate your mood and comfort, while doubling as a decorative piece.
Photos & tips provided by David Burman from MISTER STYLE
Photos by Joe Steiner
Enhance With Wallpaper
Wallpaper is a great and inexpensive way to transform your space and create a custom look for virtual meetings.
Define Zones And Use
Multifunctional
Furniture: Distinguish between specific areas and use multifunctional pieces to bring the space together.
Invest In Quality Furniture
Invest in a high-quality desk and a comfortable, yet aesthetically pleasing office chair to enhance both functionality and style.
Incorporate Built-In Features
Consider built ins for decorative and storage purposes.
Add Rugs For Comfort And Protection
Rugs protect your floors from the office chair and add warmth and texture into the space.
MADE EASY
Hosting an event can be both fun and overwhelming, but with a little planning, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are six tips to make your next gathering a success
Mona Elkadri is a lifestyle blogger with a fondness for everyday living and entertaining, from sweet recipes to home décor and DIY, and everything in between. @ohsomona.com
PLAN AHEAD
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Start by finalizing your guest list, theme, and menu. Keep in mind dietary preferences, kitchen space, and how much time you’ll have to prep. When planning your menu choose dishes that can be made in advance, like salads, slow-rise doughs, or pre-made pasta and desserts, and be mindful about available freezer or fridge space.
Expert Tips
Salads can be prepared with dressings made on the side.
Doughs for breads like dinner rolls and focaccia can be made the day before and placed in the fridge for a slow rise.
Pasta can be cooked the day before, then brought back to life with just a quick dip into hot water. Pasta can also be made in advance, then heated on the stove when needed. Be sure to refrain from mixing pasta and sauce until you are ready to serve.
Apple crisp can be made in advance, placed in the fridge, then put in the oven to bake when needed.
DELEGATE TASKS
MAKE A TIMELINE
Plan out a timeline for the days leading up to the event. Your timeline should include your shopping list and a home to-do list and should break down when you will prepare each dish.
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ENJOY THE MOMENT
Relax and have fun: Remember to relax and enjoy the experience. Connect with your guests—hosting is about making memories and enjoying the company.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to host a stress-free and memorable gathering for you and your guests. W.E.
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Don’t do it all yourself. Ask friends or family to help or consider a potluck. This lightens your load, adds variety, and can spark great conversations.
2
CREATE A WELCOMING ATMOSPHERE
Set the mood with simple decor, music, and dim lighting. A soft playlist for a relaxed ambiance or try something more upbeat for lively gatherings.
Expert Tip
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A personal favourite is searching for a jazz dinner playlist on Spotify.
FOCUS ON FLAVOUR
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Test your recipes beforehand to ensure balance, as a recipe developer I’ve learned the importance of this. Consider the flavour profiles of your dishes. Avoid having a large majority of one category. To help use the list below as a point of reference. While you don’t need to hit every flavour profile, ensure there’s a mix between dishes. Flavours; Sweet, Sour, Salty, Bitter, Umami, Spicy, Fruity, Earthy, Floral, Nutty.
By understanding fl avour profi les, you can create more complex and interesting dishes. Pairing a sweet dessert with a savoury appetizer or a bitter coff ee with a sweet treat can create a delightful contrast.
Presentation matters too, so put some thought into plating and garnishing.
AN AIR OF DISTINCTION AUTHENTICITY
Elevating your home's décor with one-of-a-kind splendour
Written by Devan Mighton
The perfect piece of décor can transition a room from bland to unique and make it a focal point of your home. The artisans of the Windsor-Essex region are known by their flair for distinctive, thoughtful, and gorgeous artwork that can augment and improve your living space. Whether it be a spectacular painting, painstakingly detailed furniture, or eye-catching textiles, the right choice of décor for your home will tell a story to all those who step inside rooted from the hearts and hands of the local makers who crafted them.
Here are three local companies that we know you should consider when upgrading your décor:
Todd Lindsay Designs
Todd Lindsay is a master woodworker, known for the creation of high-quality items such as kitchen and entry tables. His careful hands and keen eye for detail have created some of the finest furniture this region has to offer. His handcrafted furniture uses only the finest materials to create divine items that will stand the test of time.
“I use my style as an artist to design each piece of furniture I create, and my extensive background as a woodworker to build and finish the process,” explains Lindsay. “A lot of thought and time goes into creating each unique piece. I go all over the place to source the perfect material. It takes a tremendous amount of time, but I feel that it’s well worth the final product to use premium wood.”
With over 30 years experience, Lindsay has handcrafted custom pieces for the likes of famed actress, talk show host, and movie star Oprah Winfrey and National Hockey League legend Doug Gilmour. His work can be found in homes across Canada, the United States, and Europe.
"My main pieces are dining tables, and the way a lot of homes are designed today, those tables are centrepieces," says Lindsay. "My focus is on creating that perfect custom piece that families can use for generations to come."
Lindsay’s fine tables will breathe new life into any dining room, accentuating your home in a way that is unparalleled.
Todd Lindsay | 519-982-4310
ENJOY DENIAL
A world-renowned artist, Windsor’s own Daniel Bombardier, aka ENJOY DENIAL, is a master painter and stencil artist, known for his colourful and distinctive murals and portraits.
"Home is where the art is," quips Bombardier. "Windsor and Detroit are a big inspiration in my work, so these works are an homage to the area." Bombardier has crafted a series of remarkable pieces of home décor that could fit beautifully in your living room, dining room, or library. "Most of my artwork is done using spray paint and stencilling onto wood-framed canvases," he explains. "I usually draw the images first on my iPad from photos that I take."
With Bombardier's experience and success as a painter, his pieces are not only a great exhibition of local culture and history to discuss and admire, but also serve as great collector’s pieces. “I love seeing my collectors chose complementary colours when incorporating my art into their spaces,” states Bombardier. “I paint a lot of grand-scale artworks which can be really great statement pieces in a dedicated space in the home or office. The scale and bold colours I use can definitely help define a unique space. I also love to paint murals on interior walls, as well, which is my favourite way to incorporate my art into spaces.”
Daniel Bombardier | Info@enjoydenial.com
Dekko Concrete
Based in Kingsville, Dekko Concrete’s splendid idea to make a lightweight concrete product for homes originated with founder Scott Springer—a veteran of the fireplace industry.
Frequently helping customers design and finish fireplace surrounds, he developed a passion for modern design and innovation. Traditional concrete is heavy and cumbersome to deal with, so Springer developed a sleek and practical lightweight solution.
"The goal was to create a material that could seamlessly integrate into modern interior designs, especially around fireplaces," explains Dekko Concrete sales executive Jessica Springer. "This initial success led to further innovation, resulting in our expanded product lines— lightweight fire pits and wall cladding solutions—that maintain the same focus on design and usability. Today, our lightweight concrete is an integral part of cutting-edge architectural projects worldwide."
Easy to install, their products include exquisite fire pits, interior and exterior cladding, inset designs, and items for commercial applications—all made from a special blend of lightweight concrete, handmade by skilled artisans.
"Concrete is incredibly versatile, making it a fantastic material for homeowners looking to add a unique, modern touch to their space," explains Springer. "One of the greatest benefits of our products is their ability to blend effortlessly with other materials like wood, steel, or glass, giving homeowners endless possibilities when it comes to design. For instance, you can pair our lightweight concrete cladding with rich wood accents for a warm, natural contrast, or combine it with sleek metal elements for a more industrial, contemporary look. Alternatively, our concrete can also stand alone as a striking feature wall, adding texture and depth to any room."
“We make it easy for homeowners to customize their spaces. Our cladding comes in standard sizes that can be cut onsite to fit your specific dimensions. For those looking for something more tailored, we offer custom sizing to match your exact design vision. Whether you’re transforming a fireplace, creating an accent wall, or adding a statement piece outdoors, our lightweight concrete products provide an elegant and durable solution that enhances any home’s architecture.”
Jessica Springer | +1 855-422-0077 | sales@dekko.ca
