The Best Of Urban Living In Toronto’s Historic Merchandise Building

In one of the most iconic and memorable 1960’s era songs, singer Petula Clark summed it up best when she sang: “Things will be great when you’re downtown. Everything is waiting for you, downtown.” In housing terms, what this means is that for some, being nearby the action isn’t enough – there are those of us who crave total immersion in the quintessential urban experience.

Welcome to the iconic Merch Lofts!

Located at the veritable beating heart of the city, steps from Sankofa Square, Toronto Metropolitan University, and the Eaton Centre, an industrial loft at the Merchandise Building is the perfect pad for the urbanite who seeks to combine a coveted location with an inspirational living space. Living here means embracing the quintessential urban experience, with a myriad of convenient amenities at your doorstep: shops and cafes, public transport, a host of eateries, and scores of entertainment choices!

The Merchandise Building At 155 Dalhousie Street

Originally a warehouse for retailers Simpsons and Sears, this circa 1910 building – characterized as a classic example of 20th Century Industrial Style which marries its traditional architectural façade with contemporary industrial interiors – was redeveloped in the 1990s as this landmark loft conversion. Developed by Cresford Developments, the project – which was converted in five phases, each being their own condominium corporation with shared amenity agreements – is one of the largest warehouse loft conversions in Toronto. Upon its completion in 2000, this notable building won a number of awards, including accolades from Heritage Toronto and the Greater Toronto Home Builders Association.

Rising to 13 storeys, The Merchandise Lofts house 526 units, each ranging between approximately 450 square feet up to 2600 square feet, and bost common features such as either concrete or hardwood flooring, open concept living spaces and kitchens, exposed ductwork and 12-foot ceilings. Even more special are the early 20th-century industrial elements, which include mushroom columns and 8-foot wide sliding barn doors. (The largest unit in the building is on the penthouse level, owned by EDM artist Deadmaus, who combined two of the 2-storey penthouse lofts to create a sprawling luxe abode! )

In addition to having a sweeping four storey interior lobby and indoor half-basketball court, there are a host of amenities that will quickly elevate the quality of life for the lucky buyer, including a fully equipped gym, a meeting room, games room, sauna and spa. The rooftop offers a swimming pool, a party room, an expansive patio with a BBQ area featuring a stunning ‘bright-lights big-city’ vista and even an area for you to walk your dog!

Is there anything easier or more brilliant than having a grocer as a neighbour? With Metro Grocer on the lower level of this building, you’ll likely never have to rush to the neighbours to borrow a cup of sugar, nor go out in the rain to grab bread! And there’s more! Within a 5-minute walk is the amazing Balzac’s Coffee Roasters, notable restos like Joey and Katsuya, as well as the Jazz Bistro – a long-time hot spot for Toronto’s finest live jazz.

In the mood for some comfort food? One of the city’s classic diners, the Senator Cafe, is also within a five-minute walk – you’ll find its outstanding menu and refined service and elegant sensibility the perfect destination for gathering with friends or professional colleagues. If you’re entertaining friends or colleagues and are finding yourselves in the mood for a smart and stylish evening cocktail, be sure to give Carbon Bar on Queen Street East a try – it’s one of Urbaneer’s go-to spots in the neighbourhood, and it’s only a few short steps from your door.

We love Strolling The Streets Of Historic Cabbagetown, just minutes to the northeast – it’s one of our favourite ‘hoods! Looking for a satisfying lunch or pick-me-up brunch the morning after taking clients out on the town? You’ll feel perfectly satiated at House On Parliament. Or try the Butter Chicken Factory for delicious Indian food, where spices and sauces reign supreme! Then, if you’re looking for a pastoral stroll as a break from Toronto’s hectic pace and bright lights – or as a way to walk off those extra calories! – you can always find serenity here: Country Charm At Riverdale Farm.

Featuring open spaces with soaring ceilings, and sweeping volumes with light and air flowing freely, this luxe loft could be the perfect pad for professional urbanites who love the verve and vibe of downtown living!

LOFT 543 – Offered For Lease At $2,200/Month

Welcome to your own slice of paradise in the heart of the city! This unfurnished, 1bed authentic loft of over 600 square feet perfectly blends the vibrant pulse of downtown with the feeling of a cozy oasis. This property is not just about ‘bricks and mortar’ –  it’s about embracing urban connectedness and the pedestrian lifestyle that can only be attained by living in the centre of it all! After all this property boasts an incredible set of neighbourhood scores: a Transit Score of 100, a Bike Score of 99, and a Walk Score of 98! You can’t beat that!

Showcasing 12-foot exposed concrete ceilings, fluted concrete posts, and inspiring volumes of space, this downtown private perch is worth a viewing! From the moment you step inside, the sense of history envelops you. Here, the building’s industrial past is fully embraced, with polished concrete floors running throughout. Crossing the threshold, you’re first greeted by two convenient entry closets, with tons of storage for coats, shoes, and all of your seasonal wear.

Walking the hall toward the entertainment space you’ll first come up on the ample bedroom with a closet and added storage solutions. We love the sliding door that can be closed for privacy or left open the feel connected to the rest of the space. The adjacent renovated 4-piece bathroom is semi-ensuite, adding an extra layer of convenience for both you and your guests.

As you travel further down the hall the loft opens into an airy entertainment space, with living/dining/kitchen combined but separated into zones. We love how arresting the contrast is between the light concrete and the dark cabinetry & stone countertops; it really gives the kitchen it’s own standout character. And if you had a dishwasher on your wish list, you’re in luck!

The large factory window in the entertainment space allows in a ton of natural light and frames city views that complement the urban grit of this hard loft. Do you prefer hibernating on a large comfy sectional or do you love throwing dinner parties where the dining area is the focus? This space is large enough that you can arrange your furniture to suit your needs.

Rounding out this industrial loft is ensuite laundry, a storage locker, and an underground parking space for one car. Rent is $2200/month with the tenant paying hydro & communications (cable, internet).

Don’t miss out on the chance to experience a ‘bright-lights, big-City’ lifestyle like no other. Schedule a viewing at the Merchandise Lofts today and get a peek at what your new life could look like!

Contact james@urbaneer.com for more info!