Allied REIT
Allied went public in 2003 for the express purpose of consolidating Class I workspace that was centrally located, distinctive and cost-effective. After 5 years passed, Allied was in the business of intensifying under-utilized land within their portfolio. A year later, Allied’s business included owning and operating the largest Internet exchange point in Canada and the 5th largest in North America. Their development was continuous and Allied eventually evolved into a leading owner, manager and developer of (i) urban workspace in Canada’s major cities and (ii) network-dense urban data centres in Toronto.
The most important element of their business environment is urban intensification. They recognize that Canadians are living, working, learning and playing downtown in greater numbers than ever before. Not only does this anchor Allied’s investment and operating focus, it provides the context within which it captures and creates value for its unit holders.
Urban intensification and operating experience has had a three-fold impact on Allied. First, it has increased Allied’s sensitivity to design. Second, it has expanded Allied’s investment and operating focus from purely Class I properties to urban mixed-use properties. Finally, it has motivated Allied to enter into collaborative relationships with best-in-class real estate organizations having complementary expertise, especially in the context of urban mixed-use developments.
