A Vintage Hard Loft, Steps To St. Lawrence Market

The St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood

I love the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood! I adore its charming streetscapes and vintage buildings, the colourful mix of retail and cafes, its lickety-split accessibility to other parts of the city, and its village-like community ambience. I find it amazing that you can have a comfortable, engaging walking life right next to the ‘Bright Lights, Big City’ vibe of the Financial District, while being only steps from Union Station and the subway line, just north of Harbourfront and Lake Ontario, and just east of the Distillery District and Corktown – two of the city’s most dynamic emerging locations!

Back in the late 1800s, the Town of York, of which the St. Lawrence Market was part of, was home to people that worked in the area, traded, sold, socialized, attended church and, on occasion, formed secret alliances and planned rebellions and uprisings. Fast-forward to the 21st century, and you have a versatile neighbourhood where old and new coexist. Torontonians and tourists alike are drawn to the character and patina of the century-old three and four-storey brick buildings that make up Toronto’s famed St Lawrence Market neighbourhood. The area has the benefit of not being over-developed with high-density towers that loom ominously over the streetscape, rendering dark shadows and wind tunnels. In fact, we’re always struck by the abundant natural light and expanses of sky and sun that kiss this thoughtfully-scaled neighbourhood. It’s one of the intangible reasons that make this location so magnetic.

Another reason is all of the inspiring, interesting and delicious places to explore, including the diverse and dynamic St. Lawrence Market, with its purveyors of fresh produce and specialty foods! We also love all the cafes and restaurants that dot the area including Fusaro’s East and Cafe 260 on nearby Richmond Street, the George Street Diner, and the BeerBistro located on King Street East. Line up for brunch at waffle-specialists, Le Petit Dejeuner, or settle in for an after-work cocktail and nosh at the Carbon Bar.

And for those with a love of design, you’re smack dab in the centre of oodles of design retailers and art galleries! Take a walk through the Sunday Antique Market to find some keepsakes and objets-d’arts, browse some modern furniture pieces at EQ3, or spend an afternoon wandering spaces like Gallery260 or The Market Gallery.

Picture a warm Sunday morning in May. Music wafts in through your window from the buskers performing outside the market, a leisurely stream of foot traffic pads the broad brick-paved sidewalks, the aroma of fresh produce, baked goods, and roasting coffee permeates the air, and the abundant parks with mature trees and urban wildlife thread through the neighbourhood all the way to Lake Ontario, creating ample opportunity to relax and congregate. Wouldn’t it be amazing to live amongst all of that beauty and energy?

St. Lawrence Market Lofts

Situated in a collection of the oldest heritage buildings in Toronto, these vintage warehouses date from 1860 – before Canada was even a country! Although now located far from the lakefront, at the time of their construction these buildings served as the warehouses at the foot of the lakeside shipping wharves. Occupied by wholesale grocers and commercial operations serving this British colonial outpost, these three architecturally resplendent Pre-Confederation character buildings reflect the Northern Italian Renaissance and Georgian Classical design elements that were popular in commercial architecture at the time. Converted by the Georgian Group in 2002, this intimate complex contains just 54 brick and beam lofts ranging from around 600 to almost 1300 square feet. Depending on the level and location within the complex, ceiling heights range from nine to sixteen feet with one and two-level units. Featuring rustic brick walls, vintage wood beams and hardwood flooring, this character-rich complex is as charming inside as it is out.

How would you love to wake up every morning in your own crunchy n’ cool hard loft oasis – right it one of the city’s most highly coveted pedestrian neighbourhoods? What if it was also in a Heritage Building with 1058 square feet of living space spread over two levels?! Resounding ‘Heck yeah!”? Us too!

This vintage loft is ‘industrial chic’ at its best; who doesn’t crave a unique urban space with exposed 150-year-old brick walls?! Thoughtfully designed, you’ll appreciate the convenience of a 4-piece washroom and ensuite laundry on the main floor. Following the gleaming honey-coloured floors into the entertainment space, you’ll discover it’s been cleverly separated into zones for cooking, eating and lounging! The open kitchen features stainless steel appliances and granite counters. The adjacent living/dining space is generously proportioned, sun-filled, and boasts character-rich red brick walls and exposed wood beams. On this level you’ll find the second bedroom, which also makes a perfect den or work-from-home office office! Climbing the stairs to the second level, you’ll discover the master bedroom which also features the romantic exposed brick, in addition to double closet, and a full ensuite bath.

A truly dreamy setting for domestic bliss!

Want to learn more about this space or other unique urban spaces? Contact james@urbaneer.com for further information or to book a private viewing!