Toronto Real Estate Blog

The historical building at 183 Dovercourt Road now known as The Argyle Authentic Lofts is located on one of the 100 acre ‘park lots’ that were surveyed north of present day Queen Street West and awarded to government officials following the founding of the Town of York in 1793.

The building was originally developed in 1873, at which time the famous baker, John Dempster, owned his first bakery and grocery store.

The Ideal Bread Factory itself was the creation of Montreal architect Sydney Comber (1887-1961) in 1919. Comber specialized in industrial architecture and achieved recognition for several other similar industrial design projects.

Comber was inspired by and incorporated many aspects of Edwardian Classicism, giving this industrial/working building a real sense of style and grace as a segue into the Art Deco period. In the Ideal Bread Factory’s heyday, the entire ground floor was used for shipping the thousands of loaves of bread produced daily, in fact, 14,000 per hour.

Wagons drew up to Argyle Street to what is now slated to be courtyard gardens. The building was constructed for the mass production of bread and from the large airy basement for the storage of flour, to the gigantic mixers and troughs on the fifth floor, one can almost smell the fresh baked bread.

Rising five stories, The Argyle Authentic Lofts was and remains the tallest structure in the immediate neighbourhood. The distinctive corner bakery entrance will continue to be the loft’s front door, with the clock retained as a reminder of the building’s industrial past.

The history and charm of this building set it apart from other industrial loft conversions in Toronto making it truly one-of-a-kind. The Argyle Authentic Lofts will continue to be a landmark in this prime residential neighbourhood.

Core Architects Inc. is the architectural and interior design team behind The Argyle Authentic Lofts and some of Toronto’s most popular downtown addresses. With a portfolio of residential work that reflects a thorough understanding of urban living requirements, Core sets itself apart by translating these requirements into beautiful, functional living spaces. Core’s commitment to fine architecture ensures the use of strong, innovative concepts designed to satisfy the most discerning homeowner.

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Through inspiration and hard work, developer Bob Mitchell turns old buildings into new again

By Jane van der Voort

What looks like the musty exterior of an old church or a tired inner-city garment factory shines with living potential for Toronto developer Bob Mitchell.

“One of the key things I try and do is look at the light and volume of space,” says Mitchell, owner of Mitchell & Associates, who has converted more than a dozen old buildings in Toronto into unique loft conversions over the last 20 years.

“Older buildings allow you to do that and smaller buildings have the advantage of more perimeter per volume. You have to go only, say, 50 feet to a window or outside space instead of hundreds of feet”.

His projects include The Glebe, a 32-condominium loft conversion using an extension of the 1912 Riverdale Presbyterian Church on Pape Avenue just south of The Danforth.

In 1990, Mitchell created Hepbourne Hall, a 21 loft conversion, where the Maple Leafs’ Conn Smythe once taught Sunday school.

The 1989 Ontario Medical College for Women, now a heritage Romanesque Revival building, was a machine shop when Mitchell saw it in 1983. Into it he built 10 suites and restored the facade according to photos in a century-old calendar that workmen found behind baseboards.”

“Essentially I design for myself. I’m at the peak of the Baby Boom demographic curve and there’s a lot of people out there who are interested in the same things that I am.”

The developer’s latest projects were Mayfair Walk, nine townhouses at Logan Avenue and The Danforth, as well as 12 lofts at The Greenhouse on Queen Street East in The Beach, directly across from Kew Park.

Still, he’s working with small numbers that allow each suite to be tailored to its buyer.

“We were a lit bit disbelieving when Bob said we could do whatever we wanted,” says Lin Gitterman. She and husband Michael bought a top-floor, 1700-square-foot loft for $259,000 in the knitting mill that Mitchell renovated at 676 Richmond St. West four years ago. “We thought, Okay, where will he draw the line? But he didn’t ever draw the line!”

Instead, they were able to change their kitchen space by removing a powder room, moved the fireplace into a corner, ran the stairs up the side of the room instead of across, and removed all internal doors except for sliding barn doors in the master bedroom.

The downtown loft just south of funky Queen Street West is a big change for the pair who had previously been homeowners outside the city. “We look around for a house each spring when I get the garden lust,” says Gitterman, who now walks to work. “This year we’ve come to the realization that we’re not about to move because we love the community in our building and we love our home.”

Based on the work they saw Mitchell was doing in the next building, the couple bought their loft. “There were just two units left when we came so we had to make a decision pretty quickly,” Gitterman says.

All of the developer’s projects in the last decade have completely and quickly sold-out through word of month and his internet contact list. “It keeps me in touch with end user – it keeps me sharp,” he says.

He’s also kept on his toes by residents in the areas where he builds.

“What makes a neighbourhood is people. Sometimes it’s a real educational process you have to do with the existing neighbourhoods,” Mitchell says of long-time home owners disgruntled by the construction process and the increased density within their communities.

As well, he says, redeveloping buildings that past their life cycle benefits the environment. “All of our units are energy efficient with various ‘green features.’ And there is inherent energy conservation to re-developing the downtown,” Mitchell says, citing the ease of subway travel instead of a daily drive to work.”

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Bob Mitchell has been turning vacant buildings into ‘astonishing’ living spaces for 26 years and counting

Excerpt from an article by Jennifer Bain – Toronto Star

Bob Mitchell is almost embarrassed to admit it – but he recently captured his design philosophy in words and laid it down on his website for all who care to see.

One of his past projects is Printers Row, in residential Riverdale. Mitchell converted the brick-and-concrete building into a row of six, double-stacked, two- and three-storey lofts. All 12 units – originally priced at $219,900 to $319,900 – face south and open on to private roof gardens or terraces.

Old factories, churches and even schools have large volumes of space, high ceilings, long, clear spans and visible structural elements like brick arches and timber beams or columns.

“Maximize space and light,” Mitchell writes. “Work with and not against existing structures. Be aware of the surrounding environment. Listen to the answers. Consider colouring outside the lines.”

Mitchell must be acting in accordance with the universe, because he has earned a steady living creating more than 150 unique living spaces in the city since 1980.

He got into renovating and converting “by accident” when he and his wife Beverley moved into the Annex in the 1970s, enjoyed renovating so much they decided to do more of it. She worked with him for a while, and now has her own Internet- based gardening company.

Take, for example, 670 Richmond St., constructed in 1950 for Decea Records, and later used as a garment factory. Mitchell converted it into 12 residential two- and three-storey lofts with roof gardens in 1997. Here – and next door at 676 Richmond – a tour reveals entirely different layouts, vibes and styles.

Gorette Costa and her husband/business partner Denis Leclerc bought a 3,200-square- foot space here in 1996. The entrance foyer opens into a large space for their graphic design company, Costa Leclerc, which employs three people.

“It was still a raw space when we bought, so we were able to break down the space the way we envisioned it,” remembers Costa. “I’ve been in almost all the suites here, and it’s really kind of neat to see how the spaces are so different and distinctly individual.”

Each loft conversion calls for a historical study of past uses and, if warranted, an environmental audit studying soil samples for any dangerous residue.

This was the case with 41 Shanly St. in Dovercourt Village, an ugly and obsolete industrial building originally constructed for Dominion Felt Co. Clouds of snow-like pollution had long been part of this residential area.

In 1982, Mitchell turned it into 10 multi-storey loft condos (each with roof terraces and fireplaces) later winning an Ontario Renews Award for design excellence for what was the first legal residential loft conversion in Toronto.

“The Canadian public was not ready for lofts – not back in those days,” recalls Potts, who had toured Robert DeNiro’s loft in New York city before discovering 41 Shanly. “They wanted the artsy feeling of the loft, but they didn’t have the (nerve) to move in. ”

“I have the greatest respect for Bob Mitchell as a concept guy who had the (nerve) to go ahead and do lofts.”

To Mitchell, 41 Shanly was “sort of a win-win situation, creating something of value and at the same time not displacing anybody to do it. It’s almost a philosophical thing. If there’s a way to do it (build) and not be at odds with social policy, it’s easier to do it that way and get it approved.

That’s the case with Printers Row, Mitchell’s work at 523 Logan Ave. in residential Riverdale. Designed in 1911 by architect W. F. Carmichael for the Bell Telephone Co. world headquarters, and recently vacated by ABSO Blue Prints, the building is a “vintage architectural gem.”Potts – now a builder who has lived in several places since 41 Shanly – snapped up a suite in Printers Row. “I’ve got the best unit in there,” he raves. “You know the door with the fancy brick cobbling? That’s my unit.”

Mitchell was ecstatic about the existing floor in Printers Row – six inches of concrete and 12 inches of terra-cotta tile and steel grid that will acoustically separate units.

The 17-metre high Printers Row, for example, went up in the pre-building code era. A residential neighbourhood sprang up around it that complies with rules about height (10 metres in the area), property lines (front, back and sides) and maximum square footage of living space.

That’s what he did with 16 Glen Manor Dr., a three-storey apartment building beside the boardwalk in the Beach. He bought the “famous leaning building on the waterfront” when it was “vacant land” and was allowed to rebuild into 11 condos.There have been many other conversions along the way, usually in the manageable 10-to 30-unit range in highly desirable downtown spots.

But now Mitchell has set his sites on the somewhat overlooked Riverdale. He negotiated to convert an unused portion of the 1912-built Riverdale Presbyterian Church at 662 Pape Ave. into 32 lofts.

Read the rest of the article here:

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From Harness Factory to Hip Urban Loft Living

For people who like the downrown urban life, who want to be in the middle of it all, you couldn’t pick a better area than King Street West. All of Toronto’s pulsing nightlife, tons of great restaurants, theatres and access to the TTC is right on your doorstep.

If you work in the downtown core, you can be there in a matter of minutes by walking, or hopping on your bike, or strapping on your blades. You can also jump on the King Street streetcar and be at either University or Yonge subway lines in five minutes.

Theatre goers will be close to Toronto’s best live entertainment venues in the heart of the Entertainment District. And if it’s dancing, discos and night life that catch your fancy, you can leave the car at home and stroll to most of the city’s hottest clubs.

If you’re catching the Raptors or Leafs in action at the Air Canada Centre, it’s a quick streetcar ride away, or a brisk 15-minute walk. If baseball is more your style, the Blue Jays SkyDome games are even closer.

Originally a harness factory constructed in 1917, the Gotham Lofts are very unique and one of Toronto’s first authentic loft conversions. Some of the features at Gotham Lofts are 9 1/2 to 12 foot ceilings, exposed brick, timber columns and joists, large windows and hardwood floors.

When you step into the Gotham Lofts lobby, it is so beautiful you’ll stop to take it all in. From the original entry doors and green marble floors, to the soaring ceilings and beautiful accents, it takes your breath away. The funky hallway broadloom even continues into the elevators.

On the lower level, there is a fully equipped gym (with exposed brick walls and glass block windows), three meeting rooms, a common room and lockers. There is also underground bike storage, and free visitor parking – 12 spots for 50 units – which is virtually unheard of in Toronto loft conversions! Closed circuit security cameras throughout the building and the parking garage are monitored and accessed through Citysphere Condos (801 King Street West) who provide the building with 24-hour security.

There is a nice exercise facility at the Gotham Lofts, but if you want to go for a brisk jog or just enjoy a leisurely weekend picnic – you’ll find the perfect spot at nearby Trinity Bellwoods park. Just north on Strachan to Queen Street West, the park has a great playground, tennis courts and fields big enough for a soccer or football game. There is also a public swimming pool at the Trinity Recreation Centre.

The Harness Factory Lofts offer many fantastic two-level suites! Some enjoy a west, sunny view with towering 9′ windows that capture all of the natural light. Some units are entered from the upper level, enjoying the openness of the combined living room and dining room with beautiful hardwood floors. The high 12′ original wood ceilings really give you a wonderful feeling of spaciousness in these terrific authentic hard lofts, keeping them bright and airy. Notice the gorgeous features such as exposed brick walls and beautiful circular iron staircases.

The kitchens are extremely functional, with loads of cupboard space, custom built pantry, and breakfast bar with seating area. They can be very sleek and modern with white appliances and cabinets, shiny black counter and hanging pot racks over the breakfast counters. Have your friends over, sitting at the counter, sipping wine, and chat away to them, while whipping up a gourmet dinner. The suites are all extremely well laid-out.

Descend (or ascend, depending on the unit) to the lower level master bedroom by way of the fabulous spiral staircase. Notice that the floors are 10′ thick, and solid wood. The bedrooms are very bright, with 9′ windows. The ensuite laundry is located here. The dressing area in the hallway leads to the lower level entry door (not available with all lofts).

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Contact the Jeffrey Team for more information  -  416-388-1960

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Inaugural Source has recognized an amazing opportunity for new homes and it’s in an ideal spot downtown. Overlooked and under-appreciated, the beautiful heritage malthouse building on the east side was just waiting for someone with creativity and a visionary perspective.

There’s a lack of space for new loft conversion projects in Toronto’s vital downtown areas and at the location on River just north of Queen Street East, Inaugural Source recognized a prime opportunity. The Malthouse Loft Towns is Phase 2 to Old York Village, a similar project done four years ago by Inaugural Source, that proved to be an incredible investment for the original buyers!

Surrounded by a wealth of urban convenience and lifestyle, The Malthouse Loft Towns is an exclusive enclave of 10 loft towns designated as live/work space. An ideal spot for those running a business from home or who just want to cut out the commute, the location offers easy access to the Don Valley Parkway, the Gardiner and Lakeshore Blvd., making it an easy starting point for getting anywhere in the GTA. There’s no more downtown commute for residents, it’s walking distance to the city’s core, a quick bus ride or a cheap taxi fare, depending on the speed of your lifestyle.

The prestige and demand for this part of the city has grown tremendously – gentrification and new communities making this a real ‘it’ spot. The restored and rejuvenated Distillery District is only blocks away, offering a selection of great little boutiques, bistros and dining rooms as well as a variety of community events, festivals and an organic produce market on any given weekend. The area is also the new hot spot for design and decor – fabulous shops favoured by interior designers, decorators, and those with a taste for style-chic are cropping up in numbers on Queen, King and along Adelaide and Richmond.

Location being a major factor, the brilliance of this project was in designing homes to complement the location. The existing Italianate-inspired historic building, constructed in 1876 for local beer production, was designed by Smith and Gemmell, leading architects of the period. Maintaining the gorgeous facade allowed the Malthouse Loft Towns to create a new community while preserving the history of this site and allowing the new community to mesh with the Victorian-era buildings of the existing neighbourhood quite seamlessly.

Each of the 10 loft towns is one-of-a-kind. The incredible 19th century architectural detailing of the malthouse building – buff brick pilasters, decorative corner corbelling, rounded arches and cast-iron tie-rod plates – are carried through the new design, marrying the heritage and the modern with comfortable and sophisticated style. Living space is spread over three floors, 10-ft. ceilings a feature of each. There are exposed brick walls, Juliet balconies and other industrial-era detailing. Sliding barn doors for bedrooms, contemporary railings with natural oak handrails and glass panels are just some of the great, modern interior details.

Added to this, there is an amazing array of features to complement your lifestyle. The roof-top deck provides a personal outdoor retreat with a natural gas outlet for a gas-powered barbecue so that you never have to hassle with a propane tank again.

Soundproofing in these homes surpasses the minimum building code requirements so that you can enjoy your home entertainment system without enjoying the neighbours’. The Malthouse Loft Towns designs include a versatile home office area – ideal for those who work from home – or those who simply want a quiet sanctuary to read or sit at the computer. Alternately, the room can be used as a den or even a bedroom. The lofts are designed for the high-tech needs of today’s lifestyle, complete with high-speed Internet wiring.

An upscale selection of finishes and appointments completes the Malthouse Loft Towns with designer detail. Engineered wood flooring, as per model, is on the main floor. Sisal-style carpeting finishes the stairs and top two floors. Bathrooms are finished with designer-selected ceramic tile on the floor and wall.

The kitchen is a showpiece in the open-concept design. Finished with granite countertops, it features valance lighting which highlights the gorgeous stone surface, and there is track lighting for general room lighting. State-of-the-art appliances in black include a fridge, a stove with smooth cooktop and self-cleaning oven, a dishwasher and a spacesaver built-in microwave with hood fan. There’s also a stacked front-loading washer and dryer included in the appliance package, with laundry facilities tucked away in a second-floor laundry closet.

The Malthouse Loft Towns have been designed with comfort in mind. There is indoor parking with direct residence entry, as per plan, as well as plenty of other features that will have you wanting to make this your new home.

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Contact the Jeffrey Team for more information  -  416-388-1960

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