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MATT GOULART
Buzzer
reply 22
 

What hard loft do you think is the best in Toronto?

I am a huge fan of hard lofts and being relatively close to Toronto (I live in Mississauga). I am interested in knowing which hard lofts everyone likes. I find hard lofts have character, plenty of wooden beams and brick walls.

I also stole the 'Best hard lofts' idea from another thread. :)
40
Toronto / General Chit-Chat
 
 
 
DENNIS
NewBee
reply 2 vote 1
 
 
1 BEST REPLY
someone mentioned awkward pillars in wrigleys loft ...
this was my solution
Dennis Buildall Homes Inc
 
 
 
ROY BHANDARI
Senior Buzzer
reply 512 vote 60
 
 
Hey Matt! Nice to finally see you here!
Some of our favourites are:
Tip Top Lofts (637 Lake Shore)
Candy Factory Lofts (993 Queen W)
Massey Harris (915 King W) - awesome project by Canderel
Merchandise Lofts (155 Dalhousie - former Simpsons Department Store)
There are tons more...would like to hear some other suggestions!
 
 
MATTHEW SLUTSKY
Senior Buzzer
reply 2299 vote 171
 
 
1
The Toy Factory Lofts look pretty cool. In fact, Sterling Home Studios just did a killer staging of a unit there.. Check out the before and after photos...
Before: http://bit.ly/hfi0hz
After: http://bit.ly/ewL4C0
I really dig the Candy Factory Lofts as well... iZone in Leslieville are much more raw, but interesting.... The upper floors of The Garment Factory have the best views over Toronto.
 
 
JOAN STIRLING
NewBee
reply 6
 
 
We have staged in all of these buildings with the exception of Massey Harris.
I have mentioned before that I really like the Brewery Lofts. Amazing wide corridors, high ceilings, Chicago style balconies on some of the units. The last unit we staged there had great views as well. Corktown is a great neighbourhood to live in and is only going to get better. http://gallery.me.com/stirlingjoan#102464
 
 
MATTHEW SLUTSKY
Senior Buzzer
reply 2299 vote 171
 
 
^^What are "Chicago style balconies"??
 
 
EUGENE MEZINI
Buzzer
reply 157 vote 7
 
 
TipTop is probably my favourite and wow that staging looks amazing!!
 
 
JOAN STIRLING
NewBee
reply 6
 
 
If you like Tip Top here is one of the stagings we did in that building.
http://gallery.me.com/stirlingjoan#102280
 
 
MATT GOULART
Buzzer
reply 22
 
 
Ya that stager did an amazing job!
Wrigley Lofts and the Argyle Lofts aren't that bad either...Wrigley is really raw and they have some awkward pillars I hate but love lol.
 
 
JOAN STIRLING
NewBee
reply 6
 
 
Oops I just unsubscribed in error!
Why am I showing up as a newbie by the way?
Anyway back to the topic at hand. Chicago style balconies are the metal ones that are suspended and hang off the building. They are not part of the structure and can be added later.
 
 
MATT GOULART
Buzzer
reply 22
 
 
Roy said:
Hey Matt! Nice to finally see you here!
Some of our favourites are:
Tip Top Lofts (637 Lake Shore)
Candy Factory Lofts (993 Queen W)
Massey Harris (915 King W) - awesome project by Canderel
Merchandise Lofts (155 Dalhousie - former Simpsons Department Store)
There are tons more...would like to hear some other suggestions!

You spoke so highly about this website. I had to see how good it was. You are definetly right though, this is one of the best sites for Canadians.
 
 
ROY BHANDARI
Senior Buzzer
reply 512 vote 60
 
 
Matt said:
You spoke so highly about this website. I had to see how good it was. You are definetly right though, this is one of the best sites for Canadians.

BuzzBuzz rules!
 
 
BUZZBUZZHOME
Buzzer
reply 55 vote 2
 
 
Hey Matt and Roy. Thanks! We love the compliments, but let's stay on topic for this conversation!
 
 
MATTHEW SLUTSKY
Senior Buzzer
reply 2299 vote 171
 
 
Joan said:
Chicago style balconies are the metal ones that are suspended and hang off the building. They are not part of the structure and can be added later.

So cool. Would the balconies at The Broadview Lofts be considered Chicago style?
 
 
PAUL INDRIGO
NewBee
reply 4
 
 
My top 5 fav hard lofts are the Broadview Lofts, Candy Factory, Brewery Lofts, Wrigley Lofts, Brock Lofts.
So many amazing others like 517 Kingston Road, one columbus, Gilette lofts to discover on my 10LoftsInADay tours.
 
 
MATTHEW SLUTSKY
Senior Buzzer
reply 2299 vote 171
 
 
Paul said:
My top 5 fav hard lofts are the Broadview Lofts, Candy Factory, Brewery Lofts, Wrigley Lofts, Brock Lofts.
So many amazing others like 517 Kingston Road, one columbus, Gilette lofts to discover on my 10LoftsInADay tours.

Say what!! 10LoftsInADayTour!! Tell me more!!! I am not buying, but I would love to do the tour!
Where can I sign up???
 
 
MOO STASH
BabbleBee
reply 301 vote 21
 
 
Nothing beats the location of the Trinity Park Lofts. Directly across from Trinity Bellwood Park. Insane!
I have only been to one unit in the building, and it was pretty blah, but had a sick (as in great) terrace.
 
 
MATT GOULART
Buzzer
reply 22
 
 
Looks like I am not the only hard loft fan...
Moo is right, Trinity Park Lofts looks a bit blah. I don't think it is a hard loft though.
 
 
MATTHEW SLUTSKY
Senior Buzzer
reply 2299 vote 171
 
 
Not too sure if this would be considered a "HARD" loft, but I am a huge fan of The Worx Lofts (436 Wellington St W). Also has a great location, and interesting interiors.
Streetview: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=436+Wellington+St+W,+toronto&sll=37.19996,-97.53608&sspn=0.01193,0.023646&g=436+Wellington+St+W&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=436+Wellington+St+W,+Toronto,+Toronto+Division,+Ontario+M5V+1E7,+Canada&ll=43.643533,-79.396809&spn=0.00271,0.005912&t=h&z=18&layer=c&cbll=43.643558,-79.396679&panoid=1x91BBDG_wZDPYVxCadrQQ&cbp=12,335.95,,0,-16.64
I have been in a few units for sale, and they felt a bit "used"... but, with some TLC I am sure these could be awesome.
 
 
ROY BHANDARI
Senior Buzzer
reply 512 vote 60
 
 
Are we all on the same page for how we define "Hard Loft"?
The word loft alone has taken on a few different meanings - some refer to lofts as 2 storey condos, while others refer to them as converted industrial buildings.
For Hard Lofts - are we talking industrial buildings converted into apartments, thus taking advantage of the existing concrete/ducts etc.
Soft Lofts I always use to describe developments that develop the "loft style" but is built from scratch (as opposed to re-working an older building)
All agreed...or are there differing points of view here?
 
 
MATTHEW SLUTSKY
Senior Buzzer
reply 2299 vote 171
 
 
^^Agreed, mainly.. but, I think a true HARD loft is a loft that you get and all you have is a concrete floor and ceiling and a toilet and a sink. You do the rest.
iZone lofts is the best example that I can think of that was sold this way.
I wrote an eStory on it, here: http://blog.buzzbuzzhome.com/2010/02/lofts-lofts-lofts-lofts-what-heck-is.html
But, what was sold as a HARD loft years ago could now be a gorgeous finished product.
 
 
PAUL INDRIGO
NewBee
reply 4
 
 
Matthew said:
Paul said:
My top 5 fav hard lofts are the Broadview Lofts, Candy Factory, Brewery Lofts, Wrigley Lofts, Brock Lofts.

So many amazing others like 517 Kingston Road, one columbus, Gilette lofts to discover on my 10LoftsInADay tours.


Say what!! 10LoftsInADayTour!! Tell me more!!! I am not buying, but I would love to do the tour!

Where can I sign up???


Your welcome to join any of the dozens of tours I organize each month for my clients. Just drop me a note on twitter at @loftsellers and we go from there!
 
 
PAUL INDRIGO
NewBee
reply 4
 
 
Matthew said:
Not too sure if this would be considered a "HARD" loft, but I am a huge fan of The Worx Lofts (436 Wellington St W). Also has a great location, and interesting interiors.

Streetview: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=436+Wellington+St+W,+toronto&sll=37.19996,-97.53608&sspn=0.01193,0.023646&g=436+Wellington+St+W&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=436+Wellington+St+W,+Toronto,+Toronto+Division,+Ontario+M5V+1E7,+Canada&ll=43.643533,-79.396809&spn=0.00271,0.005912&t=h&z=18&layer=c&cbll=43.643558,-79.396679&panoid=1x91BBDG_wZDPYVxCadrQQ&cbp=12,335.95,,0,-16.64

I have been in a few units for sale, and they felt a bit "used"... but, with some TLC I am sure these could be awesome.


436 Wellington St West (the Worx/Monarch Building) IS a hard loft and has had its share of Canadian icons living there. Even more amazing is 468 Wellington St West. Only 12 units (2 per floor) approx 5000 sqft each. Truly the epitome of luxury loft living. Also a bit of a celebrity haunt.
 
 
MATTHEW SLUTSKY
Senior Buzzer
reply 2299 vote 171
 
 
Paul said:
436 Wellington St West (the Worx/Monarch Building) IS a hard loft and has had its share of Canadian icons living there. Even more amazing is 468 Wellington St West. Only 12 units (2 per floor) approx 5000 sqft each. Truly the epitome of luxury loft living. Also a bit of a celebrity haunt.

Oh la la.. Tell us more!! What icons live there???
 
 
CAROL AUSTIN
Buzzer
reply 12 vote 1
 
 
I know this is an old thread, but came up in my google search. I just listed a unit at 468 Wellington St West. Really incredible loft priced at $2.5M. Check out the video we just did and let me know if there are any agents out there with potential clients! http://vimeopro.com/propertyfilm/468-wellington-suite-301
 
 
MATTHEW SLUTSKY
Senior Buzzer
reply 2299 vote 171
 
 
@Carol Austin Stunning. Love those images.
 
 
CAROL AUSTIN
Buzzer
reply 12 vote 1
 
 
thanks! the guys at @propertyfilmsca did an amazing job on the video. 
 
 
MICHELLE POWELL
NewBee
reply 9 vote 5
 
 
Don't know if you would call them hard lofts but I have a soft spot for Studio One Lofts on Gilbert and the converted warehouse at 99 Coleman. Both out of the way, more affordable. Love the creativity of Coleman and all the beautiful wood at Gilbert.
 
 
PAUL INDRIGO
NewBee
reply 4
 
 
Michelle: Good call with 99 Coleman. Not often mentioned but a great hidden away loft built by the same builders of 517 Kingston Road, 8 lofts in the Beach. Very famous Canuck rocker called Coleman home. 

Carol: It's been a while since 468 Wellington was in demand on my tours but I have a client requesting to see it & a few other amazing hard lofts. See you soon.
 
 
CAROL AUSTIN
Buzzer
reply 12 vote 1
 
 
That's great Paul! Let me know of any feedback or interest.
 
 
ALLEN
Buzzer
reply 192 vote 54
 
 

I like the Candy Factory Lofts, Gotham Lofts and Wellington Worx because of the original post & beam timber construction which is a rarity in Toronto. You alsocan't get any better in terms of its location.

Trinity Park Lofts is a soft loft as the units themselves are conventional (lower ceilings, everything covered in drywall, nothing industrial). The building is new construction, built in 2003.

With concrete construction lofts I do like the Brewery Lofts because of the enormous units they have there. The location is a little too east and out of the way for me. Another concrete construction is Mechandise Lofts which really popularized loft living in the late 90's, the development is a bit too massive for my taste but has some great amenities and a supermarket on the ground floor.

I also like the Tip Top Lofts and Toy Factory Lofts, though those are more of a hybrid hard/soft loft (a new construction addition on top of a converted old building). I would easily take the units on the lower original floors which has the higher ceilings, though it lacks in balcony space.

A soon to be converted loft building which I really like is West40 (near Dovercourt and Bloor), which is an old church that will be converted into 17 one-of-a-kind lofts. All of the original architectural details such as the timber and stone arches will be retained and incorporated into every suite. There is some really nice spacious floor plans and the level of finishes are beautiful. I saw the interior shell of the church and the space is breathtaking.
There is another converted church loft development currently being marketed near Dufferin and College, I believe.

 
 
DRAGI DODEVSKI
NewBee
reply 1
 
 
Speaking of Wellington Worx, or the Monarch Building... here is a newly listed loft for sale at $735k. You may see the video done by Propertyfilms.ca through my website at www.torontohaus.com or directly here http://vimeo.com/51894497.
 
 
MATTHEW SLUTSKY
Senior Buzzer
reply 2299 vote 171
 
 
@Dragi Dodevski Thanks for posting that video. I love Worx Lofts - probably one of my favourite buildings in Toronto. In fact, I almost purchased there a few years ago. Great to see what other units in the building look like.
 
 
ANONYMOUS
 
 
Still waiting for a New York or European style work-live business condo loft that's ideal for creative small companies. Creative companies that are paying over $30.00 a sq foot rent makes this concept a no brainer. Have a personal business plan/ project that is open for a private discussion with the right investor.
 
 
KEVIN KILLACKEY
Buzzer
reply 75 vote 10
 
 
Wish we could see those staging images but unfortunately they were sent/stored via icloud which does not seem to be compatable with all platforms. And of course not everyone likes apple products ;)

But on to the topic at hand: In the West: Love Massey Harris Lofts. In the East: some units at 68 Broadview Lofts incredible.
 
 
SYMMETRY DEVELOPMENTS
Buzzer
reply 83 vote 5
 
 
Massey Harris for location & integration of the interiors with the existing structure.
 
 
MATTHEW SLUTSKY
Senior Buzzer
reply 2299 vote 171
 
 
@Symmetry Developments ...the exposed brick is very nice in the suites. 

I have never been in any of the units. Any examples inside of how they kept the integrity of the church?
 
 
SYMMETRY DEVELOPMENTS
Buzzer
reply 83 vote 5
 
 
Massey Harris isn`t a church conversion, it`s a converted farm equipment head office.
The industrial character was kept intact and the Cecconi Simone interiors were very well curated.
 
 
MATTHEW SLUTSKY
Senior Buzzer
reply 2299 vote 171
 
 
@Symmetry Developments ...oy. That's what happens when multitasking on BuzzBuzzHome and Twitter!
 
 
DENNIS
NewBee
reply 2 vote 1
 
 
 
 
MICHELLE POWELL
NewBee
reply 9 vote 5
 
 
Love it. Now that's creative. How about a circular slide?
 
 
 
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