A History Of Investing In Our Community

Founder Simon Spatz

Southwest Properties was founded by Simon Spatz, who emigrated to Canada in February 1950. Upon settling in Halifax, Simon worked in local grocery stores to learn English and later formed a store partnership with his brother-in-law.  In 1952, Simon bought the Southend Market and worked to build his business into a thriving market.

While still managing his grocery store, Simon launched his real estate business, Spatz Rentals and Real Estate. He started with a few houses, bought his first apartment building on Tobin Street, and later built a brand new building just a few doors down.

Motivated by his success and his newfound passion for apartment building management, he purchased the Westminster Apartments on Morris Street in 1965. In the late 60s, Simon sold his grocery store, changed the name of his company to Southwest Apartments, and went into real estate full time.

Simon learned enough about the construction business to be his own general contractor. He bought buildings in good locations and, when he renovated or built, it was always with the best materials. His apartments were noticeably nicer than those owned by other landlords—and he kept them that way, year after year.

Jim Spatz – Chairman & CEO

Simon respected his residents, trusted them, got to know them, and liked them. The result was that his apartments were always in demand, and the company has always achieved high occupancy levels and customer retention rates.

Since joining Southwest Properties in 1988, Simon’s son Jim has spearheaded Southwest’s transformation from a successful Halifax-based apartment business into a leading regional company operating in the retail, office, warehouse and hospitality sectors of the property industry.