A Vintage Loft Near Queen And Broadview
offered at $579,900If your property search is focused on finding a unique urban space in a dynamic neighbourhood that features all manner of desirable amenities and conveniences within an easy walk, quick access to downtown and area highways and proximity to the trails of the Don Valley and the shores of Lake Ontario, then you should definitely consider the Broadview Lofts.
The neighbourhood known as South Riverdale (once predominantly home to much of the city’s industrial fabric east of the Harbourfront along Eastern Avenue) for a period of time was considered an undesirable location. For the backstory on why that was, here’s one of our most popular posts called Why Toronto’s East Side Real Estate Has Historically Been Cheaper which offers a comprehensive overview.
But how things have changed! This once working class neighbourhood which housed the employees for these area factories and the rail yards which supplied them has evolved considerably since the 1980s when the area began attracting white collar professionals who valued the proximity to the financial core. In some of the former industrial areas large film studios have opened, including Cinevillage and Showline Studios. And just to the south, in the Port Lands area, the massive new Pinewood Toronto Studios have also been established. Along with industrial rejuvenation, the relative scarcity of freehold housing in Toronto has encouraged the adaptive reuse conversion of former factories in this area, as well as the intensification of former commercial and industrial lands into new condominium housing. Such is the case with both Broadview Avenue, where this listing is located, and Carlaw Avenue which has seen a dramatic transition from industrial life into hip cool lofts. Today the neighbourhood is unquestionably considered a desirable destination for young families just starting out, and busy professionals seeking great neighbourhood amenities with easy access to the downtown core.
And it makes sense, for the neighbourhoods of Riverside, South Riverdale and Leslieville – which share the commercial vibrancy of Queen Street East – with its burgeoning restaurants, shopping and café scene – are now catering to a new and growing populace. We’re in love with the likes of Te Aro Coffee Roasters, Bobbette and Belle Bakery, Guff Furniture, and Delica Kitchen, to name only a few!
So, please allow me to welcome you to 68 Broadview Avenue, Loft 413.
68 Broadview Avenue was originally constructed in 1914 for the United Drug Company, which was owned by its founder, the American drugstore magnate Louis K. Liggett. In 1902, he persuaded 40 independent drug stores to invest $4,000 in a retailers’ cooperative called United Drug Stores, which sold products under the Rexall name. After World War I, the cooperative established a franchise arrangement, whereby independently owned retail outlets adopted the Rexall trade name and sold Rexall products. The company was based in Boston, but the Rexall name continues to be well recognized in communities large and small all across Canada, including Toronto. From 1920 through to 1943, L.K. Liggett Druggists ran a pharmacy and soda fountain on the ground floor of 68 Broadview. In 2006, the Sorbara Group added two floors in the process of converting the nearly century old building to residential lofts. Today, the Broadview Lofts offers its residents true authentic loft living, and the enjoyment of historic red brick, polished concrete floors, industrial-scale ceiling heights, and original post and beam style construction evident within each loft’s generous and open space plan.
Loft 413 offers very nearly 1000 spacious square feet of well-planned loft living. Four large vintage style arched factory windows grace this sun-drenched space, with light reflecting off polished concrete floors and accentuating the warm authenticity of the exposed brick and historic wooden post and beam construction. With 10.5 foot high original wooden grooved factory ceilings, the open concept entertainment zone is an ideal spot for gathering with all those you hold dear or just enjoying your own quiet solitude. The newly renovated luxe bathroom will delight, as will the beautiful gourmet chef’s kitchen with stone countertops, breakfast bar & undermount sink. The ideally situated private bedroom features rarely found generous storage, and this loft comes complete with its own storage locker and – get this! – one highly desirable above ground covered parking space! How fantastic is that?
Are you seeking loft living with a discernable sense of Toronto history in a dynamite location that’s an easy walk to all your needs? Offered for $579,900.00, this terrific space will become “home” for one very fortunate buyer!
Is Queen Street East your dream destination? Check out our Neighbourhood Page on Leslieville / Riverside / South Riverdale including a great flavour video, the city census profiles, plus several of our blogs on local amenities! Or check out our other Neighbourhood Pages and see why we embrace Toronto’s diversity!
Would you like to know more? Contact james@urbaneer.com for more info!