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The following are recommended loft buildings that are conversions of original vintage factories or warehouses: THE GOTHAM - 781 King St. W. - west of Bathurst - 47 units built in 1996 This former harness factory from 1917 is one of the best quality conversions in town, with historic details combining with modern kitchens and bathrooms. The lobby alone is worth the visit - all green marble and brass, very New York. This is proper mill-style loft living with lots of exposed yellow brick and original wood columns, beams and ceilings which average about 12 feet high. Some are two stories and some have balconies.
O.K., let's get the location out of the way first - yes, it is right across the street from the Clarke Institute, whose inhabitants can occasionally be seen shuffling around in their robes and slippers, and yes, the neighbourhood is improving with various trendy cafes and galleries opening up, and Trinity-Bellwoods park is nearby. This is one of the largest conversions, with approx. 120 units in a beautiful yellow brick building with the desired wood columns, beams and ceilings of over 12 feet. Floors are new, solid hardwood planking - not that fake laminate stuff. Not a lot of outdoor space except for the penthouse terraces, but there are some extra amenities, which is unusual for a loft building - exercise room, 24 hour concierge and resident superintendent. THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION - 670/676 Richmond W., west of Bathurst - approx. 30 units in total converted in 1996/1997 Originally National Knitting Mills and Decca Records warehouse, this is one of Architect/Builder Bob Mitchell's best projects, and his work is always interesting. Here we have two, and three level units with ceilings up to 16 feet high. Each layout is unique; some penthouses have dramatic catwalks, skylights and most units have fireplaces, large terraces or patios. Mr. Mitchell's next plan is to convert an old church in Riverdale. HEPBOURNE HALL - 110 Hepbourne St. (Bloor and Dovercourt) - 20 units converted in 1992 Bob Mitchell again, this time an old church hall, with a wide range of multi-level spaces, 12 foot high ceilings. Beautiful exterior details with some of the old ached church windows and upper units have skylights and terraces.
This Imperial Optical warehouse and office building offered one of the best deals around price-wise, and although not luxurious by any stretch of the imagination, features great original wood and exposed brick. However, new condo buildings going up on three sides are robbing many units of their views. The only good thing about that, is the outdoor parking will eventually be replaced with some underground spaces. THE MERCHANDISE BUILDING - 155 Dalhousie St., Dundas and Church - converted 1998/99 This is definitely the biggest, sort of like a little city unto itself, with around 500 units and its own supermarket on the ground floor. The former Sears Catalogue warehouse was one of the first to embrace all concrete construction with concrete floors and columns stretching 12 feet high. Units are single level, and because the building is so large, in most cases you get one of those "bowling alleys"- long, narrow spaces with a window at one end, and no balconies. Many loft buyers will prefer a smaller, more intimate building, but the upside here is the incredible facilities including 24 hour concierge, outdoor pool, lap pool, basketball court, climbing wall, exercise rooms etc. THE WORX - 436 Wellington St. W., west of Spadina - 34 units converted in 1997 This is a great location, in between Victoria Memorial Park (and TWENTY Niagara) and the park at Clarence Square. The city has plans to make this part of Wellington a showpiece of urban development with new landscaping and old-fashioned lamp posts. There is a row of stunningly renovated warehouses here, mostly commercial spaces, but watch out for some of the largest and most luxurious lofts in town down the street at #468. The Worx is your basic mill construction with exposed brick, wood posts and beams. Layouts are a range of one and two levels, with the ground floor featuring two storey townhouse-style homes with private entrances. Ceilings could be higher, at 11 feet. Outdoor parking only. THE KNITTING MILL - 426 Queen St. E., east of Parliament - 28 units converted in 1997 Not the best neighbourhood in the city, but all the authentic loft details are here with plenty of exposed brick walls, wood beams, and beautifully scarred original hardwood floors. Kitchens and bathrooms are fairly basic, although some owners have added good quality upgrades. Unfortunately, there weren't enough of the outdoor parking spaces to go around.
The actually Brewery is the commercial Dominion Square next door; this building was a CBC studios and props warehouse. Concrete construction features fluted columns, 14' high ceilings and beautiful greenish/gray concrete floors - I call them "poor man's marble". Very open concept one level layouts (some have raised bedrooms) with large bathrooms and kitchens with islands. Units tend to be larger than usual; some have balconies and the penthouses have spiral staircases to huge private rooftop terraces. Prices here are very reasonable - one of the best deals in town. THE CREED BUILDING - 295 Davenport Rd. at Bedford - 19 units converted in 1998 Very chi-chi location (and higher price of course) for the former Creed's Fur Storage building, these are upscale lofts with mostly multi-level units with skylights or windows onto an atrium light well. Most have patios or terraces, hardwood and gas fireplaces. The top level was added on as new construction. SOHO NORTH - 188 Eglinton Ave. E., east of Yonge - approx. 90 units converted in 1999 Lofts go "Uptown" at this converted office building with exposed concrete floors and ceilings - 11 feet high. Location is the big factor here, and although there are no balconies and parking is rental only ($125/mo.), these borderline lofts do have a certain slickness and flair. Large windows and good exposures help. |
