Three Sweet Suites For Rent On O’hara Avenue In Historic Parkdale

When you’re searching for a new rental to call Home, sometimes it’s difficult to match your wishes, wants, and needs for a convenient central location – and – a fresh modern living space.

And sometimes it’s not.

For those whose quality of life is enriched by having access to everything – village shopping, public transit, and recreational & relaxing green spaces – and who recognize the value of self-care living in a legal fully retrofitted substantially renovated 1895’s Victorian residence, these three sweet suites in Toronto’s historic Parkdale neighbourhood are ready for immediate occupancy.

Welcome to 84 O’Hara Avenue!

Neighbourhoods – like the dwellings and the people that populate them – are infinitely interesting, especially when the location has a storied history shaped by social, economic, and political forces spanning over 175 years.

This is most definitely the case in Parkdale – a central downtown west neighbourhood – geographically situated north and south of the arteries of King Street West and Queen Street West, just west of Dufferin Avenue. Here, a tapestry of housing stock has been shaped by the push and pull of progress, car culture, and adaptation, resulting in the eclectically diverse dwelling typologies that populate the neighbourhood today. From merchant-class mansions to rooming houses, and Edwardian walk-ups to 1960s efficiency apartments, the shelters of yesteryear lend a unique visual texture to the mature leafy, tree-lined streetscapes of Parkdale, and are one of the cool by-products of a location that has always been evolving. Here’s our blog that tells the story in –> Eclectic, Elegant and Cool: The Housing Stock of Parkdale.

Welcome To The Neighbourhood

Welcome to 84 O’hara Avenue in Parkdale! This residence is so superbly situated it has a Walk Score of 89, a Transit Score of 90, and a Bike Score of 94! How fantastic is that?

Located just a 5-minute stroll north of Queen Street West, this dynamic location offers loads of local choices for wining, dining, and shopping. In the mood to sample some libations? The Shameful Tiki Room is just down the street and around the corner from your front door, while The Parkdale Drink is one block east if you’re up for a cocktail crawl.

Feeling a little tipsy? Prone to getting hangry after a long day putting out fires? Our top picks for take out a short stroll away (8 minutes or less!) are Alexandria Falafel for Middle Eastern yumminess, Poke Sushi for Japanese scrumptiousness, and Momo House for Tibetan tastiness!

Got a sweet tooth? Pop into Craig’s Cookies and indulge our favourites like Strawberry & Cream, Maple Bacon, or Rice Krispie Cookies!

Love Sunday brunch as much as we do? Our pick has to be Skyline! It’s got great classic diner/greasy spoon vibes! And our favourite addition to the neighbourhood is Simpl Things – an all-day cocktail and snack bar; what a great ‘grab a break & refuel spot’ from the ravages of everyday living! And did we mention these are all just eight or fewer minutes by foot from O’Hara Avenue? What’s priceless? An array of life-enhancing amenities you don’t have to drive or transit to! Incidentally, did you know Zoomo E-Bikes Rental Service is super nearby at 1354 Queen West and Zygg E-Bikes Rental Service is at 345 Sorauren Avenue? Here’s how a Zoomo e-bike subscription in Toronto compares to the rest.

Do you value a walking life as much as we do? Roncesvalles Village, High Park and the Village of Swansea are just to the west, High Park North and The Junction are to the northwest, Brockton Village, Bloorcourt Village, Dufferin Grove, College Street and Little Portugal are to the north and northeast, while the tapestry that is our urban fabric continues east into the central downtown core with West Queen West,  Trinity Bellwoods, Kensington Market and The Fashion District unfolding to the east. Each of them is a destination of discovery and surprise, which is what makes Toronto so unique and engaging.

For daily errands and outings, Roncesvalles Village has an organic butcher (Meat Department!), a hot baker (Hot Oven!), and a casually elegant florist (Willem & Jools!). Catch a flick at the Revue Cinema, which offers both mainstream blockbusters and ‘I’ve-never-heard-of-that’ indies. And we’re fans of Boomerang Pilates and Wellness Studio which Urbaneer’s Steve Fudge has beloved for years!

Ready for a Friday night out? West Queen West has plenty to offer. Try hitting up one of the city’s most notable art hotels! The Drake is located a 14-minute walk away and is a great spot for cute cocktails. Or maybe you’ll prefer The Gladstone which offers great eats, a decadent atmosphere, and plenty of ‘on fleek’ events throughout the year! Also very notable is the Ossington strip; it’s positively humming with young professionals and creative types, lending to that overall creation of ‘cool’. It’s one of the best ‘wander’ destinations in the city, with unique retailers and many options for foodies to rejoice – Union, Bang Bang Ice Cream, and La Cubana are a few of our faves!

No urban lifestyle is truly complete without quality available green space in your ‘hood. 84 O’Hara is less than a 10-minute walk from Sorauren Park, where there is endless leisure and outdoor opportunity. There is the Farmer’s Market, fieldhouse, playground and ice rink for outdoor exercise in the winter.

Just west is expansive High Park, opened to the public in 1876 and having nearly 400 acres of space, of which one-third remains in a natural state, with a rare oak savannah ecology. You can walk there from O’Hara in under 30 minutes – or transit there in 10! It features the bucolic Grenadier Pond, numerous picnic areas, hiking trails, an off-leash park, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, and soccer fields plus the Jamie Bell Adventure Playground, which is a large, unique play area designed in part by children. This is the destination of choice for Spring Cherry Blossoms, Shakespeare In The Park, or tobogganing in winter with the kids!

Also about a 10-minute walk away is the Parkdale Branch of the Toronto Library, where there is in addition to an impressive book and media collection, lots of programs for the whole family.

Another must-have amenity? Access to public transit is all around you when you live on this street; in fact, the Queen Street West 501 streetcar stops right at O’Hara Avenue! How convenient is that? The King Street 504 streetcar located one block south also moves well, becoming a Priority Transit Corridor east of Bathurst. Moreover, directly to the east and west, you’re bracketed by the Dufferin bus and the Lansdowne bus – both connecting you to streetcar arteries or subway stations. There’s no trudging through snow and rain to reach an ill-serviced bus stop; transit in this neighbourhood is plentiful and frequent!

Attention jet setters! Whether you’re taking off for a business meeting, or enjoying a week on a secluded beach, this residence makes getting out of the City easy peasy! It’s a short 15-minute Uber ride right to the Billy Bishop Terminal, or if you’re flying out of Pearson, just 9 minutes to the Bloor Street GO Station where you can catch the UP Express to Pearson ($12 one-way!).

A Victorian Exterior & A Classic Contemporary Interior

84 O’hara Avenue is a detached 3-storey solid-brick Victorian residence originally constructed in 1895, located on the west side of O’hara Avenue just north of Queen Street West. In 2016, with city approvals and permits, the property underwent a substantial transformation, including expanding the existing dwelling with a 3-storey rear addition plus a comprehensive rebuild into a legal 4-unit dwelling plus lower level studio. As of 2017, beyond portions of the existing foundation, brickwork, and structural components, the building can effectively be considered newly constructed.

Standing proud and regal, this impeccably maintained Victorian dwelling is ensconced on the west side of O’Hara Avenue. A lush and landscaped yard greets you as you step onto the property, with a hedgerow of greenery lining the front walk; the evergreens offer a rare bit of privacy and serve to guide you onward toward the charming front porch. Immediately, you’ll notice the modern oversized front door, the first of many clues that this property has been substantially renovated while still honouring its original architecture.

Throughout the last decade of homeownership, this property has transformed from a single-family dwelling to a completely renovated and reimagined, legal multiplex. I love the discerning design of these spaces. Each unit has been meticulously executed to optimize space and light and outfitted with high-end fixtures and finishes.

Lower Level Suite (One Bedroom + Den) – AVAILABLE For Lease At $2,500/Month Inclusive of Utilities

The lower unit is also a one-bedroom, one-washroom apartment, with a flex space that can be tailored to suit! You enter through a breezeway that is flanked by new full-capacity exclusive-use ensuite laundry and a luxe four-piece washroom on either side. Just beyond, the suite unfolds into a large – and completely upgraded living area. The blonde flooring, white walls, copious recessed lighting, and several windows create an airy, weightless atmosphere that is rare among lower-level abodes. Even the ceiling height is aspirational!

The newly installed galley kitchen sparkles with upgraded quality fixtures and never-been-used stainless steel appliances! If you love a thoughtful culinary workspace, this is where beauty meets utility. Time for bed? The ample bedroom is tucked off of the kitchen area, as is an additional room that we imagine could be used as a flexible home office, workout space, or even guest bedroom.

Suite #3 (One-Bedroom) – NOW LEASED At $2,800/Month + Utilities

Walking to the side entrance of the property, and then up a wide and well-lit stairwell, you’ll find the entrance to  the third floor suite – home sweet home!

Welcome to Unit 3, a lofty one-bedroom, one-washroom abode. Similar to Suite #2, it boasts similar upgraded flooring and a delicious amount of light and modular space. We think this treetop perch is a gem, particularly with a lovely balcony off the newly upgraded kitchen and living area accessed through French doors; I can imagine them thrown wide on a warm Spring evening, allowing a gentle breeze to circulate the space. Love!

The bright bedroom is a unique volume of space all its own, and features a generous closet! Rounding out this elevated urban pad is a clean and crisp four-piece washroom and ensuite laundry; when you live at 84 O’hara, convenience is paramount!

Suite #2 (Two-Bedroom)  – NOW LEASED at $3,500/Month + Utilities

Welcome to Unit 2! This two-bedroom, two-washroom apartment features a range of fantastic flooring choices in modern grey tones.

The inspired and practical flooring includes broadloom for the stairs, tiling along the hallways and washrooms, and wide-plank laminate in all of the living spaces. The kitchen is equipped with upgraded stainless-steel appliances and ample counter space to better prep that next delicious meal.  The butcher-block island is a thoughtful addition that increases function and utility and provides additional storage. 

We love that the kitchen leads to a cozy patio, equipped with a practical electrical bistro barbecue for outdoor cooking adventures. Can you imagine enjoying the quiet of the early morning quiet with a warm cup of tea, or unwinding with a glass of wine as the sun sets over the neighbourhood? Dreamy!

The living space just off the kitchen is filled with large windows bringing in a generous amount of light throughout. Off the kitchen is the primary bedroom, equipped with a double closet and built-in wardrobe, just begging for a fashionista to make this their personal space. The four-piece ensuite washroom is clean and modern, boasting ample light and storage. 

The second bedroom and the second four-piece washroom are located on the other side of the living space, allowing for separation and privacy. This bedroom room houses a deep single closet and a lovely bay window that draws in afternoon sunshine.  Another fantastic feature to this unit is the private ensuite laundry! 

The property’s 29 by 133 foot lot is fenced, landscaped & hardscaped for the exclusive use of the Garden Suite.

For the Garden, Second or Third Floor Units, street parking permits are available through the City (approximate $144 from June to November). We ask the prospective tenant to complete their own due diligence.

Well-renovated, well-maintained, and welcoming, this domicile of domestic bliss – with several suites to choose from – is worthy of your consideration!

Curious? Questions? Interested in a private tour?

Please contact Cynthia – cynthia@urbaneer.com!