Renters seeking thoughtfully designed, well-managed apartments in Sault Ste. Marie are likely already familiar with The Perzia Group—a company with over five decades of experience in residential development and a longstanding commitment to the city’s growth and revitalization.
But the story behind The Perzia Group begins much earlier—with a simple set of house plans.
In the late 1950s, Steve Perzia was a student in an architectural drafting course when a friend of his uncle asked him to draw plans for a home addition. That job led to more requests, and within just a few years, he had built a thriving drafting firm employing more than 15 people. Though he never pursued a diploma, Perzia immersed himself in architecture, quantity surveying, and all aspects of construction—building both knowledge and momentum.
“I was always focused on learning everything I could related to building,” he recalls. “The technical side, the business side, the design side. That foundation shaped how I approached every project after.”
Over the next several decades, Perzia and his companies delivered numerous commercial and residential projects in Sault Ste. Marie, including work on Yolles Furniture, Cleto’s Restaurant, Casey’s Restaurant, and multiple apartment buildings on Cooper Street and in the James Street Mall area.
But his most ambitious contribution came in 1980, when Silvershade Properties—The Perzia Group’s predecessor—took on the $6.8 million redevelopment of the former City Hall site at Bay and Gouin Streets. The plan included two residential towers and up to 20,000 square feet of commercial space, despite construction setbacks, economic pressures, and intense public scrutiny.
Perzia was the only developer to respond to the city’s call for proposals and ultimately delivered a project that helped shape the city’s downtown for years to come.
“You invest your money in what you believe in,” Perzia said in an interview at the time. “People buy stocks or gold. I believe in real estate. I don’t like to gamble.”
A new chapter: One Ten Pim
The site on which One Ten Pim now stands carries a deep and meaningful history. Originally known as Tara Hall, the building was constructed in 1912 by the O’Boyle Construction Company to house workers arriving to help build dry docks. As the Sault’s first apartment house, Tara Hall stood out as a symbol of modern living in its time.
It featured rare amenities for the era—private bathrooms in every suite, kitchen sinks, washtubs, cabinets, and gas cooking ranges. A centralized telephone system connected the vestibule to each unit, and even a vacuum system was installed, showcasing an attention to comfort and innovation well ahead of its time.
After the First World War disrupted the original workforce plans, company owner John O’Boyle gave the building to his wife, Ellen, as a gift. Tara Hall remained a distinctive presence in the city for decades.
In 1987, a fire severely damaged the building. Though the structure remained standing, it was never restored. Another fire in 1998 ultimately destroyed what was left, and for years, only the foundation remained—earning the nickname ‘the Sault’s Stonehenge’ among locals.
The historical legacy of the site was something that Mr. Perzia embraced wholeheartedly. In redeveloping the property, he sought to honour Tara Hall’s original purpose—providing well-built homes for people contributing to the city’s future—while ushering the location into a new era of modern, urban living.
Today, that vision is taking shape in a modern, five-storey residential development offering 108 purpose-built rental units, developed through The Perzia Group’s affiliate, One Ten Pim Inc. The building reflects a blend of respect for heritage and forward-thinking design, with a focus on walkability, sustainability, and lifestyle-centered living.
Studio, 1-bed, and 2-bed apartments are available. Each residence features quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, durable vinyl plank flooring, and high-quality finishes throughout. The building is pet-friendly, with a condominium-style amenity package that includes a fitness centre and sauna, co-working lounge, private dining room, cozy fireplace gathering space, and an outdoor community patio.
Friendly, on-site management and maintenance teams ensure responsive, personal service—reflecting the company’s direct, owner-operated model.
“Our One Ten Pim development is not just about building apartments,” says Perzia. “It’s about preserving history, revitalizing the downtown core, and creating spaces where people want to stay long-term.”
Downtown living with purpose
One Ten Pim is ideally located near the city’s commercial core, with close access to major employers such as Algoma Steel, Tenaris, the Sault Area Hospital, and Algoma University. Residents are within walking distance of Clergue Park, the Sault Ste. Marie Museum, the Public Library, and popular attractions like Entomica and the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre. Nearby access to Great Northern Road and the Trans-Canada Highway ensures excellent regional connectivity.
In keeping with The Perzia Group’s commitment to inclusive community development, a number of units at One Ten Pim have been designated below market rate—expanding access to high-quality housing for individuals, couples, and those seeking to downsize or live closer to downtown amenities. These homes offer the same modern finishes, thoughtful layouts, and access to all building amenities as the rest of the development.
“We wanted this development to serve the city in a meaningful way,” says Perzia. “That means creating housing options that reflect the real needs of our community—without compromising on quality or experience.”
A legacy built to last
The Perzia Group is proud to own and directly manage the properties in its active portfolio—a model that ensures consistent quality, responsive service, and long-term investment in the communities it serves. This owner-operator approach has defined the company’s philosophy for more than five decades.
The portfolio today includes several well-known addresses throughout Sault Ste. Marie, such as 615 and 555 Albert St. W., 100 James St., and 544 Albert St. W., which was onboarded in 2017. The two prominent buildings at the heart of the Old City Hall site redevelopment—70 East St. and 700 Bay St.—were divested in 2019 and 2021, but remain an important part of The Perzia Group’s legacy.
“That was a defining project for us,” says Perzia. “It reshaped a key corner of downtown, introduced mixed-use development to the area, and proved what was possible when you plan with the future in mind.”
While no longer under the company’s ownership, both properties stand as a testament to the kind of work The Perzia Group is known for: visionary, city-building projects that balance community needs with lasting value.
Today, the company continues to build on that legacy through its actively owned and managed portfolio, delivering homes that are not just well-constructed, but well cared for. Many tenants remain with the company for years, often moving between buildings as their lives evolve—a reflection of the stability, service, and trust The Perzia Group has earned in the community.
“We manage what we build because we believe in accountability,” says Perzia. “We’re not just here to complete a project—we’re here for the people who live in it, year after year.”
From modest beginnings as a student drawing house plans to leading one of the city’s most iconic downtown redevelopments, Steve Perzia’s career has always been guided by purpose, perseverance, and a deep connection to Sault Ste. Marie.
One Ten Pim is now leasing
Downtown living, redefined—and now available.
With just 108 thoughtfully designed residences, One Ten Pim offers a rare opportunity to live in a building rooted in history and built for modern lifestyles. Availability is limited.
To explore floor plans, pricing, or to schedule a viewing, visit www.onetenpim.ca.
