Over the last few years, Toronto’s dramatically renovated historical buildings – largely factories and warehouses – have earned a certain cachet in the city’s condominium market. Such loft conversions tap into a growing urban nostalgia, a yearning for authenticity and for “retro” charm. They speak to our heightened awareness that restoration of century-old buildings is vital to preserving the character of our city.
At a time when city dwellers treasure unique living spaces more than ever before, the conversion of one of Jarvis Street’s original mansions is truly significant. In terms of history, architectural merit and its central downtown location, the recently completed Mansions at Jarvis is one of the most exciting projects the city has to offer.
“This is a rare opportunity for people to own a home in one of Toronto’s oldest and most desirable neighbourhoods,” says Brad Lamb, broker for the Mansions at Jarvis. Aside from the building’s own merits, purchasers will benefit from the unusual circumstances of sale. As Lamb explains, “This is a receivership sale, and the prices of these units are substantially below pricing in the area.” And, because the final finishing nail has already been hammered into place, new buyers can take possession immediately.
The three-storey, 10,000-sq.-ft. mansion was originally built in the late 19th century, in the heart of what is known today as the Jarvis Mansion District. On this street, once called “Canada’s Fifth Avenue,” wealthy landowners built their dream homes; happily, today’s residents are painstakingly restoring these homes to their former glory. Lamb points out that, prior to the conversion, Mansions at Jarvis was well-known to area residents as the popular dining spot, Julie’s Mansion. Just next door is the home in which Canada’s once-Governor General Vincent Massey and his brother, actor Raymond Massey, were raised.
While the interior of the mansion has been adapted to accommodate individual suites, the builder was careful to preserve the integrity of the building’s exterior. The period architecture remains intact, and has been re-clad with a view to refreshment, not dramatic change. Varied rooflines, extraordinary window detailing and an elegant, discreet entrance all contribute to the Mansions’ distinctly un-apartment-like street presence. Wrought iron fencing with pillars of masonry surrounds the property, adding to its distinction.
There are 34 units in all, including 13 condominium suites in the original mansion. A number of garden terrace homes and penthouses with rooftop decks have been seamlessly integrated with the addition of an eastern wing.
“In keeping with the pedigree of the original mansion, these homes are outfitted with some impressive features,” says Lamb. “They’ve got high ceilings, high-end kitchens, rooftop gardens – all the things buyers would hope for.” Standard appointments include granite countertops and upscale cabinetry, while flooring ranges from oak to oversized ceramic tile to sisal carpeting.
The real fun comes in perusing floor plans, which start at 468 sq. ft. and range upwards to an expansive 1,765 sq. ft. Due to the nature of conversions, those suites within the original structure are strikingly different from one another. Amazingly, the penthouses and garden terrace homes in the new wing are nearly as diverse in design. Clearly, the architecture of the original mansion was used as a guiding light.
Each home boasts outdoor access, whether through private terraces, Juliet balconies or extraordinarily spacious rooftop gardens. Some floor plans are designed around open-concept principles, while others maintain a more formal delineation between rooms. Some plans boast skylights, others have pantries and walk-in closets, and still others double-sided fireplaces.
As the Mansions’ original owners must have felt, it’s difficult to imagine a better downtown location. While the immediate surroundings are comprised of gorgeous century homes, a short walk can take you everywhere from favourite local watering holes to the upscale shops and famous museums of Bloor-Yorkville; from the neighbourly atmosphere of the Church Street Village to the remarkable convenience of the Eaton Centre. And for cross-city travel, TTC access is wonderfully close at hand.
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Contact the Jeffrey Team for more information – 416-388-1960
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