The Ideal Loft In Little Italy

Located on College Street just west of Bathurst in hip Little Italy, this lofty condominium is in proximity to all the amenities for a dynamic urban life. It’s totally transit friendly, being a short stroll to the Bathurst Street subway station and right on the 506 streetcar line serving College Street. Some of the city’s very best restaurants dot Harbord Street to the north of the property, funky Kensington Market is located to the east, groovin’ Dundas Street West with its cool hangs is at the bottom of the block south, and hip College Street is on your doorstep. For those who celebrate an urban walking life, this centre-of-it-all location boasts access to all the cultural amenities Toronto has to offer. And for Nesters who love to cultivate a domestic life, College Street has a 24 hour Metro grocer, a selection of butchers, bakers, and delis, plus it’s an easy stroll to the fresh produce of Kensington Market.

Is ‘Summer’ your season? College Street, once regaled as one of the country’s Top 5 hippest neighbourhoods, has numerous sidewalk cafes including Kalendar Cafe, Cafe Diplomatico, Bar Italia, Caplansky’s and Sicilian Ice Cream. It’s only steps from Woodlot with its charming patio, and at Clinton Street are Giancarlo’s, Bar Italia and Sotto Voce, all stellar restaurants with patios. If you’re a movie buff, on the north side of College Street just west of Clinton is the Royal repertory cinema, which has an upgraded projection system used for movie editing purposes during the day and as a repertory cinema in the evenings. And if you’re an 8ball sharp shooter like I am, fun Andy Pool Hall is directly across the street! How fantastic is that?

301 Markham Street, named Ideal Lofts after the site’s predecessor – The Ideal Restaurant Supply Store – was developed by Context Developments and completed in 2001. Designed by the award-winning architectural firm Architects Alliance, this nine storey tall building contains ground level retail, three levels of underground parking and 68 soft lofts ranging from around 550 square feet one-level suites to luxurious two storey penthouse!. Thoughtfully designed in a contemporary style using concrete, red brick, and expansive floor-to-ceiling fenestration, this minimal modern condominium offers open airy living and, for a lucky few, expansive ‘how lucky am I!” terraces with breathtaking views.

Loft 410 is a stylish well-proportioned cube offering over 864 square feet of indoor/outdoor living space. From the well-designed front foyer with double closet and stacking laundry, the unit unfolds into an open concept L-shaped entertainment space. The well-proportioned kitchen features a modern chef’s island perfect for gathering friends round. The entertainment space spans the breadth of the suite in front of two massive floor-to-ceiling sliding doors. This clean lined entertainment space walks out onto a rare-to-find 8×18 foot private terrace perched over the neighbourhood’s collection of vintage houses. Unlike other aspects in the building, this premium south-facing exposure has an expansive Sky-City-Lake vista. For lovers of light, you’ll be thrilled with the abundance of natural light, plus it’s astonishing to realize how private this suite is when seated in the living room.