predesign, conceptual, planning, architecture,
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Write ups and Articles

2001

The Toronto Sun: "Mundy's Harbour condo towns offer luxury by the water"

You don't have to belong to the boating crowd to own a condominium townhome at Mundy's harbour, a short distance east of Midland's town dock. It's an ideal location, however, if you are one of the those who appreciate sailing the pristine waters of Georgian Bay, cruising through the nearby 30'000 islands or eve voyaging to worldwide destinations via the Trent-Severn Waterway System. Best of all, when your boat is not out on the bay, it will be safely moored out front at your own private dock, which will be enclosed in an offshore break wall of thick steel and large boulders. Homeowners at Mundy's Harbour will not only own their own private dock, but also the land under the water beneath their dock. Boats 30 feet in length or longer can be safely moored inside the breakwater even when the waters of Georgian Bay are roiling and broiling with white caps. Architect Joseph Colonna of St.Catharines was given the assignment to design this 30-unit townhome development beside Midland's Harbourside Park. "I wanted to create the waterfront community and lifestyle which would optimize waterfront access and create spectacular views," Colonna says. He came up with a concept for 30 two-story townhomes to be built in five blocks of six units each with the front of the homes at the waterside. A resident entering by car off Bayshore Drive at the rear will first cross over Midland Trails, which links to hundreds of Kilometers of groomed snowmobile trails; then over a service road with adjacent visitor parking; and finally to a detached garage.

2006

Life & Fashion: "Muskoka Fractional Ownership"

Architect Joseph Colonna of Port Dalhousie, an award –winning designer of buildings that fit the environment, says he designed the centre of the site, which includes the welcome centre, on the village square concept. Rather that anchoring the space around one large building, he dissected the structures and distributed the functions among three buildings "that form the nucleus core inside the whole development, consisting of all the residential units, is distributed throughout the space straddling the lakefront and waterfront. He says the structures are connected by paths and is very much designed for walking and strolling. Colonna describes the whole concept as "romantic, quaint." No building is monstrous and all remain consistent with the overall scale. The buildings themselves follow the Arts and Craft style, "quite reminiscent of Muskoka architecture," says Colonna. There is a common thematic language that goes throughout the development, and is seen in the rooflines, dormers, cupolas, eaves and the tapered columns.

2010

Today Magazine: "Art in Architecture"

For over 25 years, Joseph G.A. Colonna has been all ears to his clients, applying his creativity to their dreams resulting in beautiful homes. Over time his company has evolved into a reputation for designing prestigious innovative residential work. He has won numbers industry awards and attained National, and International, project recognition for works such as "On The Henley" and "Maid of the Mist Plaza Complex". Mr. Colonna has distinguished his firm as a leader in providing unmatched designs while servicing his clients needs.

Recently, a subsidiary company was created name Gateway Home Builders (Niagara) ltd. Gateway Homes knows that things you don't see should receive just as much attention as the more glamorous finished work. Mr. Colonna says that Gateways ability to design and apply its architectural vision every step of the way is what homeowners really appreciate. In its first year in business Gateway Homes was awarded the honor of being runner-up for Best Overall New Home Design over 1800 sq.ft. in the annual Awards of Excellence Awards with the Niagara Home Builders Association design competition. "when hiring Gateway," say Mr. Colonna. "You hire a builder and architect that is with you from start to finish." Gateway is a company built on the pillars of family and Mr. Colonna says that without the owner, Barbara Colonna, things wouldn't run as smoothly. He also credits Gabriele Colonna for getting the Job done. "I depend on him". Says Mr. Colonna.

Mr. Colonna is a "true" architect and has garnered respect for the fact that he understands that architecture is very simply, and art. But an art that combines requirement with client's wishes and results in designs that work properly and add a certain something to the landscape they sit on.

Some of Mr. Colonna's Projects in clued waterfront resort residences on Fairy lake in Muskoka, South Hampton style waterfront homes overlooking the Henley regatta in Port Dalhousie, private harbors residences on Georgian Bay in Midland, English Victorian manors in Niagara-On-the-Lake and numerous private residences ranging from 2'000 Square feet to 7'000 square feet.

Architect Joseph colonna has designed five Cape Cod style buildings to house six townhomes each. The two storey homes will have clear, unobstructed views out over the waters of Midland Bay in one direction and across Tiffin Bay in the other direction. Both are inlets off Georgian Bay.

© Joseph G A Colonna Architect Inc.