Nick H.'s Profile

It may be the numerous people who worked or lived there, the families it fed or the hope it gave to new immigrants.  It may be the feeling that something real and true existed in the space long before you did. Whatever the feeling is, it's palpable, and it's ingrained within the pillars of any truly great home.

Perhaps the feeling is in the character of the building; if so, the Wrigley Lofts have it.

However, the Wrigley Lofts don't stand out only because they have character: they standout because of the beauty of their concept. Originally, the units were sold as raw space with only roughed-in utilities, leaving each individual unit as the title holders palette: A true loft-lovers dream.

Finished in 1998 before the real estate boom, the concept of selling raw space on this large of a scale is unlikely in today's downtown real estate market. Land is significantly more expensive and developers have deeper pockets that are able to finance projects from shovel to paint. Today, selling a fabricated lifestyle and up-selling finishes from a manicured on-site sales office is now Development 101.

But this old chewing gum factory is anything but fabricated, with rough stainless steel accents in the hallways, plumbers pipes as handrails in the stairwells, functional freight elevators, and original warehouse windows. All that is missing is the smell of spearmint.

Located on Carlaw Avenue, south of Dundas Street, the Wrigley lofts are part of what is quickly becoming Leslieville's loft district. The Garment Factory lofts are just next door, the I-Zone lofts are across the street, and the Printing Factory Lofts are just north of Queen Street. As well, there is commercial loft space readily available. What effect the escalating land prices of the development of Carlaw Street will have on Leslieville remains to be seen, but the owners and tenants in Wrigley appear to fit the east end mould just fine.

Outside their comfort zone: The Massey Harris Lofts stand alone on King West

At one time, the Massey Harris building would not have seemed out of place. Today, it is a nostalgic reminder of what 'new' King West and Liberty Village could and should have been. While 'new' King West is almost out of land, the gentrification of Liberty Village is far from over; any character is slowly being eroded by the cookie-cutter condo projects and uninspired faux lofts, the expanding retail strip anchored by a major grocery store, and the centerpiece heritage building used to sell condos.

915 King Street West is a reprieve from the area's ethos and its limitless potential. Thanks to reconstruction efforts which were completed in 2007, the Massey Harris lofts are one of the more elegant loft conversions in the city. With the exception of the addition of a rear stairwell and the expansion for penthouses, much of the aesthetically pleasing original facade has been retained. The most prominent curbside feature are the first-floor bay windows, which are a unique treasure for the owners of the rarely offered units.

The units have the 'loft obligatory' high ceilings and exposed brick, although wood post and beam construction appears not to have been used or not exposed in some units. Lacking floor space, some residents have created sleeping 'coves' accessible by floating stairs or collapsible ladders. There is no concierge or designated lobby, just an elevator and formally appointed staircase for second floor residents. The developer, Conderal Stoneridge, receives a tip of the hat for their application of the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) method, even though I suspect it may have been implemented for the wrong reasons.

Although he is better known for larger, ground-up developments (DNA, Aura, College Park), the cozy features in these units indicates that Conderal Stoneridge was short on space: in addition to minimal floor space, there are also below-ground level units with exposed stone foundation that may be described as 'dungeon-like'. Moreover, a rooftop patio for residents was forfeited in favour of expansive penthouse units instead. Although loft conversions rarely have  terraces or balconies, the building usually has a rooftop patio or common area for the owners to barbecue and entertain. The finishes on the building are provided by Cecconi Simone, a company known for completing larger projects.

Currently, value can be found in The Massey Harris Lofts, but the building would be better suited for the King St., East of Bathurst neighbourhood, rather than its current location, West of Stachan Avenue. Although the building itself is beautiful and has rich curb appeal, unfortunately the erosion of Liberty Village has soiled King West.

Dundas is not a beautiful Street. Neither East nor West can be considered aesthetically pleasing; it is merely a throughway in the Toronto core and more of a dividing line between neighbourhoods than it is part of any single neighbourhood. It is homely and abused. It is Hans Christian Anderson's ugly ducking.

But like the little bird trapped in the ice, Dundas Street has a secret, many in fact. One of those secrets is the Century Lofts located at 365 Dundas Street East.  Originally built as the Imperial Optical Lens factory in 1940, the loft fronts on the South side spanning the block between Seaton Street and Ontario Street. In 2000, the factory was converted into a beautiful New York style loft,  in what may have been one of Toronto's most successful conversions.

The Century Loft building may be easily dismissed or underestimated because it blends seamlessly into the streetscape, neither giving or robbing Dundas Street East of character. From Young to Sherbourne, Dundas Street is unforgiving, and even unwilling. But East of Sherbourne the mood lightens: on the fringe of  Cabbagetown is where you will find this old factory, now home to artists, musicians and free spirits who enjoy living unnoticed.

There is no concierge, just a sign reminding residents not to allow non-residents inside. The lobby is what you may expect, with decorative art pieces hanging from the ceiling, and a quaint sitting area. A small and befitting neighbourhood photography exhibit accents the space. Simple, but elegant.  

Talking briefly with residents, I gleaned an immediate sense of pride of ownership. This friendly environment and minimalist approach has helped to keep maintenance fees low. Residents involve themselves in the upkeep of a common kitchen and lounge area, meaning less frequent visits from a janitorial company. The rooftop patio has many potted plants, tended and cared for by the willing.  

Outside the building, the community is changing and amenities are increasing: the first phase of the One Cole development is finished and is expected to include a Sobeys, Rogers Video, Tim Hortons and RBC. This improvement adds corporate value and increases awareness of the area, revealing the vastly underestimated ugly duckling-turned-swan of 365 Dundas Street East for the first time.

Review: Imperial Lofts, 90 Sherbourne St.

The signature piece of any true loft conversion is an original elevator.

Before the exposed brick, original plank hardwood, post-beam construction and high ceilings, friends are sure to comment on a unique elevator first.  Unfortunately, the original lift servicing the Imperial Lofts makes for interesting conversation, but little else.

Instead of pressing a button and having the elevator doors slide open vertically, one has to first pull open a freight door and slide a classic elevator gate a side. While unique, this can be a difficult task and also leaves the smell of grease on your hands.

As for moving furniture, coming home with groceries or just tired bones after a hard days work, don't count on the elevator to aid you. The obvious solution in this 6-story loft is to take the stairs, which are conveniently wide set and carpeted. Noting the wear of the carpet, it's safe to say others also agree.

Built in 1905, the Imperial Lofts originate from the old Imperial Optical Warehouse and Office Building. A three story art-deco style building from the 1930's is also part of the conversion, forming a 65 unit condominium complex.

As with most conversion projects, it would appear the original facade is still intact and Sherbourne streetscape thus unaffected. A rooftop patio is nicely appointed and the building shines with character, but their are many other great hard-lofts in Toronto that bring more to the table.

Pros: Great exposed brick in the hallways, upcoming neighbourhood. TTC access: Sherbourne bus, streetcars.

Cons:Expensive for what they are. Cheap finishes in units. Elevator. View.

What's Interesting: Signs on each elevator door that reads "For Single Use Only. No Trucks Allowed"

Review: The Europa (College and Palmerston)


Young urbanites looking for responsibility-free living in Little Italy are hard pressed to find a place to call their own. College St. west of Bathurst St. is dominated by restaurants, retail and residential homes. More then likely it will stay this way.

For these reasons The Europa, located on the south-west corner of College St. and Palmerston Ave, has an air of exclusivity to it, even it not particularly earned. Toronto Star's Condo Critic Christopher Hume, has crowed about the  buildings demur facade and the developers smart play excluding balconies. Astute observations, but it's the view from the inside that you pay for.

Unfortunately, the view is predictable.

One and two bedroom layouts seem inefficient and uninspired. The one bedroom units in particular are constantly being over-priced and are on the market surprisingly often. As Mr. Hume pointed out, a juliet balcony is all you will get. Expected in a hard-loft, but not a mid-rise condominium. Terraces are available, but only with the purchase of a penthouse.

Of course it isn't all bad.

The finishes are decent and the lobby is welcoming. The building design stays inline with the "Europa" moniker by appealing to the neighbourhoods ethnic background. The concierge are pleasant and one does sense a pride of ownership when talking to the residents.

As an entry into a residential neighbourhood, the Europa has appeal, if only because there is little else.

Pros: Location, pride of ownerhsip, two-level penthouses highly sough after and start around 600k, reasonable maintenance fees.

Cons: poor floorplans, no wow factor, higher turnover then expected for location. no balconies.

What's interesting: Completed in 2007, the south facing penthouses have a spectacular tree-top view in summer-fall.

Needing no introduction, the prestigious Tip Top Lofts are arguably the most iconic true loft conversion project in downtown Toronto.

Located at 637 Lake Shore Blvd., just west of Bathurst, some may say Tip Top is locationally challenged, but it has never pretended not to be. Instead relying on the allure of it's authenticity to draw young affluent Torontonians.

Unfortunately the allure is slowly diminishing with every high-rise condo being built at the foot of Bathurst St, incidentally one of today's hotbeds for developers. Directly infringing on Tip Top's art deco facade are Plaza Corp and Monach Group who are building to the north and more importantly to the south of the converted warehouse.

The latter being Monarch Group, who is building its Quay West at Tip Top project directly south obstructing much of the lake view Tip Top's south facing units enjoy. Compound that with the Plaza Corp construction across the street and you can imagine what noise levels residents have been waking up too recently. While high-rise condo development on the lake shore shares its probability quotient with death and taxes, it still leaves a sour taste.        

Inside it's hit or miss.

With 256 units and an astounding 50 unique floor plans, critiquing architect Roy Bishop's design and use of space would be a futile effort. Consisting of one and two story lofts with varying ceiling height, layouts can seem bland and unauthentic too stunning and original. A budget of $420,000 plus may assure you a unit with exposed brick and post and beam construction.  

Pros: Authentic and quality feel rarely available anywhere else.  Prestige of Tip Top Tailor namesake.

Cons: While a loft conversion, some units feel contrived and cheap. High-rise neighbourhood.

What's interesting: Was listed as a Toronto Heritage Property in !972.

---Nick Horton

The Loretto School House is a well executed loft conversion project that mixes well with it's residential Annex neighbourhood counterpart.

With any new build or conversion project in a residential neighbourhood the architect, or in this case Toronto design firm 3rd Uncle, must be very aware of its' street presence. As a real estate professional, defining future value is critical and one criteria I use to define value is curb intelligence. A property must not only be appealing singularly, but also in a broader sense. Simply put, is it intelligently designed to match the street scape of the surrounding neighbourhood today and in the future? By keeping much of the original school house facade, the Loretto is curb intelligent.

From talking to many of the residents during open houses, there is a pride of ownership in the building that has transferred from years of living and growing up in the Annex. Previously a private girls school, the building's rich history has been kept intact. This being said, on the inside I have yet to see a unit that could be considered a loft as marketed. Except for high ceilings I have not seen any attribute that shouts loft, just condo. And being in the Annex, it isn't cheap, nor is it good value with maintenance fees being very high and utilities not included. The gym really isn't one and the courtyard I found inadequate, although the town homes in the rear have definite appeal.

Building Features include ten foot ceilings, full height windows, design finishes including granite, "Silestone" or stainless steel counter tops, 7 1/4" baseboards and frameless shower doors, underground parking and locker, security.

Pros: Neighbourhood (Brunswick/Bloor), Contemporary design while preserving the past. Nice views, quality finishes, underground parking.

Cons: Better value to be found, may be best to splurge on an area home.

What's interesting: A unit I viewed had no exposed ventilation although heat was pumped in from the ceiling, great for fighting dust!

Sixty Lofts doesn't exactly hide in the shadows of King West.

Quite the opposite.

The 11 story multi-coloured glass mid-rise sits on the wrong side of Bathurst amongst its considerably shorter neighbours. Bringing light to its strength as well as weakness: Location.

King West is thriving. Access to the Gardiner Expressway is never easy but available and Bay St. means a quick streetcar ride. Additionally, Peter Freed has put his dynamic stamp on much of the area and arguably has made King West (even more) ascetically and financially attractive.

Queen West, King West's trendy kick-ass cousin to the north has survived the recession and wants nothing to do with King's attitude problem. So Sixty Lofts has the best of both worlds.

The only problem is, Sixty just doesn't fit it. It sticks out and is on a busy major street with streetcars.

Side note: I believe the perceived value loss of a noisy streetcar will soon become nil when the new Bombardier carts are implemented.

Fortunately, the problems, aesthetic and otherwise, stop there.

The entrance is located in the rear and accessible from Bathurst via covered passageway and contains many bike racks. The lobby is well appointed, neither impressive nor offensive. The elevator has a quality feel to it, although only one was in service during my visit. The hallways are wide and well lit with track lighting. This feeling of space transfers through the oversize doorways and into the spacial units. More impressive are the over-sized balconies and terraces. Always a welcome bonus as maintenance fees are predicated on interior living space, not outdoor!

In total there are 142 (soft) lofts, 10 foot exposed concrete ceilings, underground parking and a rooftop balcony.  Sixty Lofts derives its name from its address: 60 Bathurst St.

Pros: Location, nice city views, well thought-out grounds terraces are recessed, open concept units have great feel.

Cons: Location: Busy Bathurst, on streetcar route, while nicely designed, does stick out from streetscape, no concierge. lacking bedroom closets.

What's Interesting: Glass corridor on second floor overtop pedestrian passageway

The Liberty Lofts make a discerning choice for the first-time home buyer.

The St. Lawrence Market in close proximity, young urbanites with an appetite to entertain will enjoy the the authentic loft lifestyle. A true hard-loft conversion (previously a Gillette razor factory), the original four-story building and the recessed addition for the fifth floor penthouses blend nicely with Adelaide's industrial streetscape.

Walking inside the authenticity continues. A narrow courtyard seemingly dividing the structure in two, houses the sluggish elevator and more efficient and often used stairwells. A slim atrium effect is achieved by skylights spanning it's length, providing sunlight for some shrubbery.

Pros: Changing neighbourhood with great growth potential, authentic exposed brick and beam frame, character.

Cons: Low grade finishes, similar units throughout, parking only for PH's, sluggish elevator.

What's interesting: The Original 1900's Gillette Razor Factory, nice private terrace with some main floor units.

Info: 13 feet ceilings, multilevel PH with terrace, 80 Units, currently two 1br units available (2nd & 3rd floor)