Top 5 Toronto Lofts

By admin | Top 5 Lists , Toronto Lofts

There is no question that loft buildings are a popular purchasing choice and Toronto has some of the finest. What is it that people love about lofts? Is it their high ceilings? Original Character? Open-concept spaciousness? Uniqueness? Probably all of these and many more attributes that make lofts in Toronto so popular.

I have compiled a list of 5 of our favourite real lofts in Toronto. This is by no means an exhaustive list but it is important to differentiate between real, true hard-lofts and soft, loft-style condos. For the purpose of this list, true hard lofts are former factory conversions that have been retrofitted into residential or live/work spaces.

The following are 5 of our favourite real Toronto loft buildings:

1 – Candy Factory Lofts     993 Queen St W

The Candy Factory Lofts at 993 Queen St W was completed in 2000 and really did contribute to the downtown Toronto loft craze. This former Ce De Candy Co. (think “Rockets” candy) factory and warehouse is located in the heart of Queen West Village. One and two storey Toronto lofts with large windows are part of this large 121 unit conversion project that encompasses almost an entire city block. Interiors have hardwood floors, exposed brick, huge beams and columns. It’s steps to Trinity-Bellwoods Park and Trendy Queen West shops, restaurants and cafes. Additional features include an open concept design, upgraded finishes with granite countertops, floating iron and wood staircases to the mezzanine level. Upper level suites have a walkout to a private rooftop terrace, with breathtaking views of the city.  With it’s low-turnover and sustained popularity, the Candy Factory has maintained it’s title of one of Toronto’s most in-demand lofts

2 – Massey Harris Lofts     915 King St W

The Massey Harris Lofts at 915 King St W is “office-chic” living at its best.  Built in 1883, this red-brick former-office building was the home of the Massey Harris Farm Equipment headquarters.  Today, this structure houses 46 units that have truly embraced all the charming features this building has to offer.  Exposed brick walls and wooden posts and beams are only the beginning…some of the lofts’ bathrooms were created out of the office’s payroll vaults, complete with vaulted metal ceilings.  Though the base of this structure is over a century old, the newly constructed two storey penthouses with large terraces sits atop the original building, offering panoramic views of your neighbourhood, and all Toronto has to offer.  A true pioneer in the field, the amazing success of this conversion kicked off a number of loft conversions and projects in the area, paving the way for Toronto lofts in this ideal location. In close proximity to West Queen West, King West and Liberty Village, you will enjoy all the city has to offer.  Browse through art galleries in West Queen West, Toronto’s art and design district, or mingle over after-work drinks at the historic Gladstone or Drake hotel, also in this area.  King West promises high end restaurants to impress, wine and dine the most discerning client, while Liberty Village’s accessibility makes this popular Toronto neighbourhood attractive for those seeking a variety of cafes, stores and restaurants.

3 –  Worx (Monarch) Lofts     436 Wellington St W

The Worx Lofts, also known as the Monarch Building at 436 Wellington St W, offers a prime location without compromising any of the attributes of classic authentic Toronto lofts.  Generously averaging at 1200 square feet, these one and two storey lofts range in size from 980 to 1880 square feet, showcasing beautiful exposed brick walls and wood columns.  Large windows let in plenty of light, and ceilings soar up to 11 feet, creating an airy and spacious feeling; a quality not easily found in the heart of King West.  The rear, north-facing units offer balconies seldom seen in loft conversions, all with gas bbq hook-ups. The immediate neighbourhood offers a number of culinary marvels; including Buca, Lee Lounge, Jacobs & Co., Brassaii and Rodney’s Oyster House. The location is ideal; with fine dining, high fashion, and the beauty of nature all at your fingertips, not to mention the exquisite loft conversion features of your home, you certainly can’t go wrong at Worx Lofts!

4 – Toy Factory Lofts     43 Hanna Ave

One of our Liberty Village favourites and dating back to 1912, Toy Factory Lofts at 43 Hanna Ave boasts the history of a century-old building with the trendiest location in Toronto. Originally built as a paper factory, this Liberty Village building was sold to Irwin Toys in 1940. Most recently, however, this structure has been given new life as 215 units with 14 foot ceilings, exposed original brick and ductwork. Lofts range from one bedroom units at 689 square feet to two bedroom units as large as 2120 square feet. Two bedroom + den floor plans range in size between 1300 square feet to 2324 square feet. Considering the units in this building are live/work lofts, it’s not surprising that amenities include a business meeting room, but the Balzac’s Coffee Shop located on the main floor is a nice touch. Other amenities include a gym and a 24-hour concierge and visitor parking.  Known as the hub of creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, Liberty Village is becoming a new home for Toronto’s fashion and design industries, and a bustling media, film and television industries scene. You’ll also find plenty of IT companies in the area. If you don’t work from your own home, chances are, your place of employment is within walking distance from the Toy Factory! 24-hour bus service and close proximity to the King Streetcar puts all of Toronto in reach, but as Liberty Village becomes the work and playground for the young and hip, why would you want to leave? 

5 – Brewery Lofts     90 Sumach St

Converted from a CBC props warehouse in 1999 by Sorbara Group, the Brewery Lofts at 90 Sumach St may be the ultimate Toronto lofts conversion project in the city. As soon as you step off the elevator you know you are in a magnificent loft building – oversized doors, soaring ceilings with space for mezzanine levels. This loft has a full size loading dock and freight elevator large enough to haul sizeable items into your unit, including large works of art, motorcycles and other large collectible items up to your suite. Ideally located in a rapidly developing area on the east part of downtown, it is on the streetcar line to the financial core. It is within walking access to a multitude of amenities and restaurants and shops and is within easy distance to St Lawrence market and Riverdale Park. The Don Valley Parkway and Gardiner Expressway are easily accessed. This loft conversion has 100 lofts with soaring 14 ft ceiling with Mezzanine bed room floors in some lofts, fluted columns, Hardwood floors, floor to ceiling windows and balconies facing the lake on some rooms. The suites range from 750 sq. ft. for a single bed room to 3000+ sq. ft. for two bedroom. The loft is also pre-wired for telephone, cable and Rogers High speed Internet access; a must see if you are into serious loft space.

 

 

For a more extensive list of Toronto loft buildings please visit Authentic Toronto Lofts.