A High Park / Junction Loft In A Former Church
offered at $499,000For those with a budget in the half million dollar range, and who’d love to fuse a contemporary space with a funky locale, this fab lofty space in a converted church steps from The Junction and High Park is worth your consideration. Certainly this pocket of the city – where the past is melding into a stylish future and its rough edges are smoothing out into a ‘so cool it’s hot’ vibe, – The Junction neighbourhood is already home to an organic grocer and farmers market, several amazing coffee stops, mini breweries, arts supplies stores, and The Junction Flee Market. Yes Sir, gentrification is at work full speed, with older storefronts being replaced with boutiques and unique eateries, each celebrating and supporting their own individual stamp.
We personally love eateries like Cool Hand of a Girl who serve up wholesome, organic dishes perfect for the days when you just don’t have the time to make it yourself. On the weekend, stop in at the Sweet Potato to stock up on organic goods for the week, or visit the Farmer’s Market for locally grown produce in High Park. The neighbourhood is also turning into something of a furniture and design destination with great shops like Mjolk, Smash and Post + Beam. You don’t have to go far for great design, whether your taste is contemporary, traditional or urban chic.
Better still, can you envision yourself living in a converted church? Nestled in a landmark which has been part of the neighbourhood for over 120 years, this former ‘Victoria Presbyterian Church’ held its first service in 1885 and has been a part of west Toronto’s history ever since. Featuring the rich details of red clay brick, a limestone façade, a high copper-covered spire, gothic arches and curved columns, this church conversion is truly spectacular.
Welcome to 152 Annette Street, Suite 204.
Located in ‘Victoria Lofts’ on Annette Street at Medland Street amidst century-old homes and mature trees, this century-old church and Sunday school building conversion project built by Triumphal Developments Inc in 2011 consists of 34 suites over four floors with units ranging from 588 to over 2500 square feet. The architect, Paul Oberst – a Toronto loft conversion expert responsible for projects such as The Medland Lofts, The Bank Lofts, and Kensington Market Lofts – took enormous care in ensuring this stately church would remain a landmark for generations to come.
Here’s what the Heritage Toronto website says of this compelling property:
“The Victoria Lofts project is a residential conversion of the 1890 Victoria-Royce Presbyterian Church, designed by the architecture firm of Knox and Elliot. Character defining elements such as the “muscular” Romanesque Revival form and masonry exterior were preserved while adapting the interior for residential units. New glazing and mechanical openings were installed in recessed balcony areas placed within existing window openings. The masonry was restored with replacement bricks imported from England, while a mineral stain was used to eliminate patches from previous work throughout the exterior. Stained glass windows and the Casavant organ were donated to other churches, while oak pews were sold for reuse.”
The unique modern loft-styled suites offer all the comforts of contemporary living while preserving its original features such as the church spire, period light fixtures, soaring ceilings, historic capitals, hammer beam trusses and exposed interior masonry, which ensure Victoria Lofts offers outstanding character and colourful charm.
This bright one bedroom and den one-bath lofty unit of about 863 square feet boasts a dramatic open plan with soaring 12 foot ceilings. Featuring engineered wood laminate floors, granite counters and an efficient modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances and centre island, we especially love the west-facing exposure with garden vista balcony. Featuring a charming bedroom, spa washroom with heated floors and a den with custom built-ins that could alternatively serve as a terrific guest room, this contemporary lofty space breathes new life for those seeking a fresh beginning. Have a pet? This pet-friendly building allows 2 pets per unit with no weight or height limit!
Interested in learning more about the Junction neighbourhood? Visit our Junction / High Park Neighbourhood Page with flavour video, census data statistics and past blogs showcasing why we love this area. Or click our Neighbourhood Pages to see more of where we sell Toronto real estate!
Want to learn more? Contact steve@urbaneer.com for more info!