A Terrace Penthouse In Robert Watson Lofts, Roncevalles Village
offered at $699,999Some times a spectacular dwell isn’t about size as much as proportion. This intelligently-designed stylishly-upgraded picture-perfect 960 square foot concrete, glass and steel cube has a spectacular south-east sun-drenched terrace. Located at The Robert Watson Lofts in hip Roncesvalles Village, this loft is a celebration of style and design savvy.
Situated in Roncesvalles Village, this amenity-laden neighbourhood was originally developed in the late 1880’s for the Scottish and Irish merchant class, though by the 1940s the neighbourhood had transitioned into the cultural centre for the Polish community. By the 1990’s, its aging population resulted in the decline of commercial activity catering to this particular community, which in turn created the opportunity for a new cycle of revitalization in the neighbourhood. As the long-time residents sold their homes, a younger creative community moved in. Attracted to the well-constructed, well-proportioned, affordable housing stock; a downtown location that wasn’t ‘too urban’; and proximity to the lake and green space, the rapid influx of new homeowners fueled gentrification. Such synergy created the impetus for a residential rebirth, including the conversion of the warehouses and factories that line Sorauren Avenue (including my own involvement in the first loft conversion at One Columbus Avenue), the transition of the brownfield site that would become Sorauren Park and an entrepreneurial spirit that revived the commercial strip.
Today, Roncesvalles Village has blossomed into a liberal progressive family-friendly neighbourhood. It’s evolution is a testament to how neighbourhoods can retain their roots while enjoying a renewed celebration for urban life.
Sorauren Park was created after the local community objected to City of Toronto plans to convert a former bus garage into a facility for storing City vehicles. The park, which opened in 1995, now hosts several sporting fields, a farmer’s market on Mondays, and contains a fieldhouse for community gatherings. There are two mini-soccer fields for youth soccer, two tennis courts and one baseball diamond. Open space is set aside for a dogs ‘off-leash’ area. After Halloween the park becomes a festival of lit pumpkins and in the wintertime ice rinks are set up on the field. How remarkable is that?
Welcome to Penthouse 7, 363 Sorauren Avenue.
Centrally located, 363 Sorauren Avenue is a short drive to the QEW highway and only a block south of the Dundas West streetcar that connects to the Bloor subway line or travels east directly into the central core. It’s a short stroll to magnificent High Park and only a few doors up from Sorauren Park. Across the street at the end of Grenadier you’ll find all your daily needs on vibrant Roncesvalles Avenue with its charming mix of grocers, butchers and bakers, cafes, gift shops, and the celebrated revue cinema. While the immediate surroundings convey its industrial heritage, what’s especially delightful is how this modern loft offers all the amenities of village life.
The Robert Watson Lofts is a former confectioners manufacturing plant dating from the 1900’s that was converted to hard lofts in 2007, with a second newly constructed concrete and glass loft mid rise constructed behind the original factory. Totaling 153 units, the complex is a mix of authentic lofts in its 5-storey original portion which feature exposed brick and soaring wood ceilings, and the modern 6-storey annex constructed of poured concrete with a curtain wall of glass. The buildings share a lush landscaped courtyard, green roof garden, parking, storage lockers and a stylish amenity space.
Penthouse 7 is part of the newer top-floor addition on the original warehouse. Featuring ten-foot ceilings, walls of floor-to-ceiling glass, steel ceilings, and concrete floors, this beautifully proportioned cube boasts a sun-drenched 275 square foot terrace with enchanting views! Featuring a punchy kitchen with red ruby cabinets, flexible zones for living (this is easily a two bedroom space, if required, and the right balance of loft edge and domestic bliss, this dreamy boutique loft is amazing value.
This offering, which includes deeded parking and locker, has reasonable common fees, and everything you might want in a loft. Having a flexible closing, this rare-to-find offering is a great opportunity for one fortunate buyer!
Is Roncesvalles Village the neighbourhood for you? Check out our Neighbouhood Page on Roncesvalles Village including a great flavour video, the city census profiles, plus several of our blogs on local amenities! Or check out our other Neighbourhood Pages!
Want to learn more? Contact steve@urbaneer.com for more info!