1962
Founded in 1962 by Martin Bergen, the Marlborough Development Corporation Ltd. began development on several apartment properties in Winnipeg.
Born and raised in Ukraine, Martin Bergen arrived in Canada in 1953 at the age of twenty-six however, this was not the beginning of his story.
In 1939, when he was only 12 years old, WWII broke out. Having already lost his father at a young age, the war years brought additional hardships to his family. Having been taken to a refugee camp and then as a P.O.W. for three years, Martin persevered and reached Montreal, then travelled by way of train to Winnipeg and his parent’s home on Thanksgiving Day, 1953.
Martin worked his way up with hard work and determination, from contracting drywall and painting, to constructing apartment properties that represent, to this day, the cornerstone of Winnipeg’s apartment landscape.
As current President of Edison Properties, Frank Koch-Schulte, carries on the legacy of the late Miriam and Martin Bergen of property management and development.
Founded in 1962 by Martin Bergen, the Marlborough Development Corporation Ltd. began development on several apartment properties in Winnipeg.
In 1964, the 100 suite General Grant building was the first large venture project undertaken by Martin Bergen. In the years that followed, the company achieved a number of firsts; Marlborough Developments was first in Winnipeg to construct an all-electric building; first in Canada to utilize pre-cast/hollow-core floor construction (L&B Towers), and first to construct a building entirely of pre-cast units, craned into position as was done at Oakland Gardens (circa 1978).
By 1970, Marlborough Developments Corporation was the largest developer of multi-family housing in Manitoba. The Edison Rental Agency was subsequently created to manage the increasing number of suites.
To date, the largest project undertaken by Marlborough Developments is Fort Garry Place, one of Winnipeg’s most iconic properties in the heart of Winnipeg’s downtown. The mixed-use development includes; 924 residential suites, professional offices, cafés, grocery parkade, Fort Garry Place Furnished Suites and Winnipeg's only revolving restaurant.
In 2015, the company embarked on a new project, the construction of Ruth Gardens at 1167 Rothesay, a large mixed-use residential and commercial complex in North Kildonan. At this time, the organization underwent a renewal of its own with the exciting launch of the companies’ name- Edison Properties- to reflect both the development and management aspects of the brand.
Marlborough Developments was the first in Winnipeg to construct an all-electric building, first in Canada to utilize pre-cast/hollow-core floor construction for L&B Towers, and first to construct a building entirely of pre-cast units, craned into position as was done at Oakland Gardens in 1978. By 1970, Marlborough Developments Corporation was the largest developer of multi-family housing in Manitoba. The Edison Rental Agency was subsequently created to manage the increasing number of suites.
This is made evident by our President Frank Koch-Schulte’s leadership and Edison’s strong belief in giving back to the country and community, which have provided much opportunity for our founder. Our values were built on a foundation of integrity, trust and relationships which remain at the core of Edison Properties today.
Our Purpose and Values Statement reflects the core principals instilled by Mr. Bergen in our company and in the many valued employees who carry on his legacy and share it with our next generation of employees to this day.
This is made evident by our President Frank Koch-Schulte’s leadership and Edison’s strong belief in giving back to the country and community, which have provided much opportunity for our founder. Our values were built on a foundation of integrity, trust and relationships which remain at the core of Edison Properties today.
Our Purpose and Values Statement reflects the core principals instilled by Mr. Bergen in our company and in the many valued employees who carry on his legacy and share it with our next generation of employees to this day.
At Edison Properties, our purpose is to provide worry-free living and working experiences, because life is complex enough. Welcome home!
The core values that drive us to achieve our purpose:
We are approachable to our employees and customers, building relationships based on trust and openness.
We care and have a deep respect for people and the communities in which they live and work.
We act with integrity and courage and do the right thing even when no one is looking.
We proactively look for opportunities to improve ourselves and our services. We make things happen.