When it comes to laneway housing, one might think of functional, compact spaces built for convenience. In Marisa’s world, this laneway house is an investment, a lasting legacy. This project, a harmonious blend of old and new, is more than just an architectural interior design venture. It’s a story of values, determination, and the vision to turn challenges into a beautifully designed retreat.
Marisa Janigan is not your typical developer. She grew up surrounded by success and hard work, watching entrepreneurs build wealth and value in Midtown Toronto. Those early experiences set a high bar for her, and now, decades later, she’s translating that long-term mindset into her laneway housing project. Her goal? Create a unique, quality space that lasts, that someone will want to live in and care for, and that adds value to the city around her.
The Laneway House: Vision Meets Value
For Marisa, real estate has always been about the long game. As a Toronto Realtor and a successful landlord with over 20 years of experience managing a multiplex, she has honed her understanding of creating spaces that blend function and value. She didn’t just want to build another unit; she wanted a space that harmonizes timeless, century-old charm with modern design elements. Marisa’s vision included skylights and windows that bring in natural light while maintaining privacy; a balance that took time, iterations, and a deep understanding of design. From the sunken living room to the monolithic brick fireplace reminiscent of the homes of her childhood, Marisa wanted every corner to tell a story.
When asked why she invested so much in details others might overlook, Marisa explained, “This isn’t just a rental property. This is a place that should feel like home, even if it’s temporary.” That’s why every feature, from the high-quality materials to the cozy cottage-in-the-city vibe, is carefully chosen. Her laneway house isn’t just built to code; it’s built to last.
Building a Laneway House: The Realities and Rewards
There’s no question that the journey wasn’t easy. Laneway housing comes with its own unique set of challenges; costs, zoning requirements, and managing neighbors’ expectations throughout the process.
In Marisa’s case, the rising costs required increased investment due to the escalation of material and labor expenses after the pandemic. But instead of cutting corners, she doubled down on quality. “Yes, more investment was required,” she said frankly. “But this isn’t a project I plan to flip. It’s a long-term investment. The value will grow.”
Marisa’s approach to real estate and development is both transparent and inspiring. She encourages anyone considering a laneway house to do their research, understand the full costs, and see the investment as more than just bricks and mortar. It’s about the people who will live there, the care taken to create quality, and the long-term benefits of a home that’s truly loved.
The Builder’s Perspective: Managing Challenges with Teamwork and Precision
Zeke Kaplan from ZZ Contracting, the builder on Marisa’s project, recalls the complexities and rewards of working on the Concord laneway suite. “A unique aspect of the project involved fostering relationships with the neighbors. While many were supportive, some required additional communication to address their concerns.” Clear and consistent communication became essential to Zeke’s approach, especially when it came to navigating concerns and gaining permission to use adjacent property for parts of the construction. This ability to diplomatically handle the surrounding community, Zeke noted, is essential when building in Toronto’s densely populated areas.
Zeke also emphasized the importance of having a responsive and decisive client like Marisa. “When the selected powder room tile was out of stock, we got her alternate samples, and within 24 hours, we had a replacement tile on site. Marisa’s responsiveness kept the project moving efficiently.” Zeke shared that clients who work collaboratively with both designers and builders make a tremendous impact on the project timeline, as delays often arise when decisions aren’t made promptly. Marisa’s commitment to maintaining momentum, even when unexpected issues arose, kept everything on track.
Working with the Right Team: Trust and Transparency
Marisa credits much of her success to the team she assembled. As she put it, “When you hire the right people and trust them, the project takes on a life of its own.” Working with Syllable Design’s architectural interior design team and ZZ Contracting, Marisa didn’t have to worry about whether her ideas would be understood or respected. From the beginning, she approached the relationship as a partnership. And that trust allowed everyone to bring their best ideas to the table.
Zeke shared that building with confidence requires a solid foundation of planning, down to the smallest detail. “The importance of a responsive and engaged client is tremendous,” he noted. Extensive preliminary pricing based on Syllable’s detailed construction plans, accompanied by a clear schedule and scope, ensured smooth execution and minimized change orders. With every element accounted for from the beginning, Marisa’s laneway project could move forward with complete confidence.
Why Laneway Housing Matters: More than Just Extra Space
In Toronto’s high-density neighborhoods, laneway houses offer a unique opportunity. They’re a way to make use of existing land without the enormous cost of new property acquisition. Marisa’s laneway home adds a beautiful, functional living space that contributes to Toronto’s housing needs. And for her, this wasn’t about simply adding a rental unit; it was about contributing something meaningful to the community.
Marisa’s laneway house exemplifies the potential of architectural interior design in these spaces. It shows that a laneway home can be much more than a secondary suite—it can be a thoughtfully crafted retreat, a place of quality and intention, and a legacy for the future. Marisa’s vision stands as a testament to what can be achieved when you bring passion, persistence, and the right people together.
Lessons for Future Laneway Developers
Marisa’s advice to those considering a laneway house? Embrace the process, anticipate challenges, and prioritize quality. “There’s always a reason not to start,” she says. “But if you’re committed, get the best team, stay involved, and build it well.” Zeke echoed this, underscoring that while a new build is a significant commitment, the right team and thorough planning make it achievable.
The result isn’t just a place to live; it’s a space that elevates the lives of those who walk through its doors. Marisa’s laneway house has transformed an idea into a retreat, a rental into a home, and a vision into reality. And for her, that makes all the difference.
