Salvation At The Church Lofts In Dufferin Grove

ave you been looking for a special space for so long you’re almost ready to buy cookie-cutter?

This first-time-offered loft in a converted church just steps from Bloor and Dovercourt may answer all your real estate prayers!

Welcome to 701 Dovercourt Road, Loft #104!

Dufferin Grove has become a testament to the richness of spirit Toronto’s urban fabric is celebrated for: a charming community of merchant and working-class century homes minutes from the downtown core, a diverse multi-cultural community, from street to street, corner to corner, this neighbourhood is full of all walks of life. Bound by Bloor, College, Ossington and Dufferin Streets, ‘The Grove’ literally ‘has it all!’

A short walk away, Dufferin Mall and Bloor Street are able to satiate any type of shopper, but for those on a mission, the Ossington Subway Station (a 5 min walk away) can zip you anywhere you need to go! Flying somewhere exotic for vacation? It’s only minutes on the subway to Dundas West station where you can catch the new UP Express train to Pearson Airport, or the 192 Airport Rocket bus at Kipling to the same destination. To the south, College Street has the most colourful mix of commercial storefronts including a fromagerie, Starbucks, and several top-notch restaurants and cafés. In fact, one of our favourite taco places is right in the ‘hood! A few blocks away is the Gladstone Library, an incredible example of civic pride with its spectacular recent $119 million renovation. Sun-drenched in light and style, this marvellous amenity offers CD and DVD rental, free Wi-Fi and even encourages lounging with snacks for ultimate comfort.

For lovers of green space, Dufferin Grove Park, the largest green space in the neighbourhood, is virtually at the end of the street. This family-fun community destination includes playgrounds, picnic areas and the smashing rink for ice skating or inline hockey. There’s a weekly organic market, a community pizza oven, and even internet ‘Wi-Fi’! A community support group, the ‘Friends of Dufferin Grove Park’ organizes most events and activities in the park, unlike most parks in the City, where events are organized by the City of Toronto Parks and Recreation Department. There’s even the celebrated ‘Clay and Paper Theatre’, who “create, develop and perform multi-disciplinary, community-driven theatrical works using narrative theatre and large-scale puppetry for large and diverse audiences”. How special would it be would it be to stroll to their magical puppet show each summer with your friends and family? And the YMCA at the corner of College and Dovercourt will come in handy for those who like to remain active during the winter.

With stained-glass windows, original brick and steel trusses, cornices and vaulted ceilings, The Church Lofts at Dovercourt south of Bloor is a fine example of a classic, neo-gothic conversion of a century-old church into 28 loft units. Completed in 2010 by developer Dovenco, this Heritage designated building is four-storeys; instead of cramming in as many units as possible, the architects devised fewer, bigger units with exceptionally high ceilings. Circa 1906, this structure has undergone indulgent restorations including masonry, limestone, wood doors, and period-inspired lighting fixtures.

Loft 104 is a much-coveted one bedroom plus den unit. Thanks to a generous floorplan, this space has the scale – and a layout – that will always appeal to those who are looking for a one-of-a-kind living space. After all, there is NO unit like this in the building, with these high-end custom upgrades!

As you enter this 975+ square foot loft, the ample foyer greets you with a roomy double closet, that also hides ensuite laundry behind handsome wood doors. Crossing the threshhold into the entertainment space, you’re sure to be impressed with the open and airy feel – this is the perfect space to host gatherings and parties! Moreover, we guarantee the Gothic stained glass windows, flooding the space with beautiful light, will take your breath away; they enbody a peace and serenity carried over from this building’s previous life. Their illumination beautifully highlights the rich colour of the exposed brick and engineered hardwood floors.

On your left, a complete custom Nima kitchen sparkles with upgrades beyond the original builder’s upgrades. Professionally installed custom cabinetry, a custom counter & backsplash, beautiful hardware, and stainless steel apliances proclaim this a kitchen made for cooking! On your right is a well-proportioned den with two sliding glass doors that close at right angles to form the fourth corner of the room. This bonus space is also perfect for a home office or second bedroom.

As you move into the centre of the main living space, boasting plenty of room for all the comforts of home, the windows will draw your attention up to the stunning eleven foot high ceilings. In the corner, a small stair leads to a lovely French-doored balcony for those occasions when you simply must have some outdoor time! Sitting just below that outdoor oasis is the dining room – the perfect spot for family and friends to share stories, meals, and wine well into the night!

Up a small set of stairs is the four-piece bathroom, upgraded with Restoration Hardware shelving and lighting, as well as a custom sink and completely custom flooring. As you continue through the hall into master bedroom, you’ll be struck by yet another brilliant window: an amazing half-moon of fine stained glass and beautifully curved wood framing. Not only does it add character to the room, but it adds welcome serenity to this master retreat. The closet on your left, as well as a convenient hidden ‘open’ closet on the opposite side of the room, has been fitted with custom California built-in organizers and custom lighting, so every clothing choice is ordered and illuminated. There is no shortage of accessible storage in this room!

The parking in this building is special; it gives you the feel of pulling into a large house’s luxury garage. Right off the lane, the door goes up, and you and one neighbour park – that’s it. No going through a maze of underground parking – it’s on ground level! It’s large enough to park a large SUV or truck. Additionally, right outside the parking space is your private storage locker for even deeper storage. With so much additional space, nothing will clutter up your loft!

If you have a pet or are considering one, you’ll be happy to find that the Church Lofts’ restrictions are generous. (Check out our blog series, Monika’s Animal House, inlcuding a piece entitled, 8 Simple Rules to Moving With Dogs.)

If you’re unfamiliar with Toronto, consider checking out our Neighbourhood Pages – we love this city’s diversity!

Want to know more? Contact carl@urbaneer.com for more information about this must-have property!