A Brilliant Live Work Loft in Brockton Village
offered at $737,000Being an active agent of change is an exciting prospect; it means sitting ahead of the curve and having a bird’s eye view of what’s coming next. When you translate that to real estate, it means identifying and determining trends before and as they happen. This is what it’s like in Brockton Village, which is in the throes of gentrification; it’s kind of a cool perspective to witness that evolution of gentrification from the inside out. This authentic loft at 20 Brockton Avenue is an extension of that vibe – where the aesthetic meets the pragmatic through conversion.
Welcome to 20 Brockton Avenue, Loft 2.
Change has always been a present force in this neighbourhood. Brockton Village and neighbouring Bloor Lansdowne & Wallace Emerson was first characterized as a working class enclave for Portuguese and Italian immigrants through the 1950s and 1960s. It took a bit of a step backwards through the 1990s and 2000s, as the neighbourhood cycle chugged along. And now the circle comes around, with this neighbourhood in full-on revitalization mode- with the energy to match. Today, the residents are simultaneously diverse and inclusive- with representation across all of the subcultures. This vibrant enclave is progressive and festive, and hosts a number of events, like the Chalk the Block Festival in May and the Toronto Queer Arts Festival every August.
South of Bloor is Brockton Village proper, bordered by Dufferin and Lansdowne. It’s the perfect spot for the curious who love to wander- not necessarily seeking a destination – but an experience, like that to be had at one of this neighbourhood’s many quirky cafes, restaurants and shops. Some of our favourite spots? We like the sweet and savoury treats from OMG Baked Goodness Ltd. and the Brazil Bakery and Pastry. Pick up cool custom-designed cards and paper goods home studio shop at Made in Brockton Village. Meet for a craft beer with friends at your neighbourhood haunt – which in this case is the Emerson at Bloor and Lansdowne or 3 Speed – which also has a great patio.
Every awesome neighbourhood has its share of green space, and Brockton Village delivers, with MacGregor Park with its field house, baseball diamonds, playground and wading pool. Also nearby is 1.5 hectare McCormick Park, with ample green space, ball diamond, two basketball courts, a wading pool and a children’s playground. There is also a recreation centre with an arena and indoor pool.
Public transport is only a short jaunt away, just steps through the lane to the Dundas Streetcar line.
This warehouse conversion was originally one L-shaped building when it was carved into two back in the mid 1980s by developer David Jackson with artist Betty Kaser. Designed specifically as spaces for artists, the 18 units – divided vertically into 2 and 3 level townhouse configurations – allowed the original Buyers the opportunity to custom design their own units as it suited their needs. A number of the original Buyers were painters, sculptors, and photographers – some of whom still occupy their lofts today – who celebrated the functionality of their lofts as much as the aesthetic.
Given this location was considered ‘marginal’ back in 1985, the 18 units – which range from 1100 to over 2200 square feet (one was even split into two units) – were converted using basic finishes to keep the spaces affordable. Retaining the original warehouse details of wood plank ceilings, and maple or concrete floors, most of these spaces were elevated into contemporary domiciles by puncturing two-storey lightwells and skylights, creating modern open fluid zones serving any number of uses. Now, twenty years later – just as the neighbourhood has gentrified into a hip destination for the cultural intelligentsia – many of these generous lofts have also been transformed into high-style settings serving today’s mise-en-scene.
Generously sized with 1355 square feet of well proportioned living space, Loft 2 is actually one of the smaller units in the complex. From the entry level, one steps into a generous main level den/study or office area, ideal for home office or for welcoming clients. Behind, one finds a superbly functional work room and laundry area and newly renovated luxe three piece bath with shower which is conveniently situated to the large master bedroom with ample closet storage. Continuing up the stairs to the second level is a tidy, sunny (it has its own skylight!) and efficient kitchen with convenient breakfast bar, and an open concept entertainment zone featuring a dining area and large sun-dappled living space. Also on the second level is a full four-piece washroom and a second bedroom complete with sleeping loft. In fact, given how rare it is to find these kinds of volume of space, we could see a prospective new owner using any one of these areas as a studio incubator for their own creative or artistic endeavours. We adore the hardwood floors, the charming private courtyard patio (barbecues are allowed!), the dramatic ceiling heights which vault to an airy 12 feet and the oodles of vintage industrial charm. An added plus? Adding a roof-top terrace is a possibility – how fabulous is that?!
Offered for sale at $737,000, with one car surface parking, this exceptional residence is ideally suited to those in the creative sphere of the arts, design and media.
Contact James@urbaneer.com for more info!
Want to learn more about Brockton Village? Here’s our Brockton Village Neighbourhood Page featuring our flavour video, city census data on the area plus past amenity blogs! And for more, here are our other Neighbourhood Pages in the City of Toronto! We adore Toronto real estate!