The Foundry Lofts - from locomotives to loft living
Atrium highlights warehouse loft conversion project in the Junction
By Sydnia Yu - The Globe and Mail
Can you picture yourself standing - in the dead of winter - among the trees, benches and walkways of a 16,000-square-foot enclosed green space at the centre of your condo building?
This is a question sales manger Sam Moses uses to evoke the planned atrium at a century-old warehouse that E-Park Development Corp. is converting into a condominium with 104 lofts.
“It’s the best design and best utility for the public,” he says, noting that 60% of the project, called Foundry Lofts, was sold to preregistered buyers during previews in the past months. Located at Lansdowne Avenue and Davenport Road, the warehouse is one of three designated heritage buildings being restored in the 22-acre development known as Davenport Village.
Phase one included 212 townhouses, which were sold last year and are being built now. Future phases will include more new residences, possibly more townhouses. There will be a total of 1,400 homes when the project is completed.
“It’s one of the largest redevelopments in North America,” Mr. Moses says, adding: “It’s across from Earlscourt Park, one of the biggest urban parks in Toronto, and it’s got all the facilities, [and is] close to the streetcar, the subway… shops and restaurants.”
With the Canadian Pacific and CN Rail lines nearby, railways have long been a part of the site’s history, dating back to the early 1900s when 940-1100 Lansdowne Ave. was occupied by Canada Foundry Co. Ltd., which built electric locomotives.
In the 1920s, it became Canadian General Electric’s Davenport Works, until it was shut down in 1981. Most recently, the site was used to film major movies.
Burka Varacalli Architects will help preserve the Foundry Lofts‘ red brick building, which is representative of 20th century industrial design with its gabled roof and distinctive monitor on top.
A contemporary lobby with original exposed brick will lead into the courtyard, off of which there will be indoor amenities such as a fitness centre and recreation room.
Lofts with one to three levels and one to three bedrooms will be available. There will be nine- to 19-foot ceilings, prefinished hardwood floors, original exposed brick walls and large warehouse windows.
Kitchens will have maple cabinetry, granite countertops and halogen track lights, while bathrooms will feature frameless glass shower stalls and stone countertops.
The Foundry Lofts units will have energy-efficient heat and air-conditioning systems. The monthly maintenance fee will be 25 cents a square foot. A parking spot is an extra $20,000 plus $25 a month to maintain it.
The building is currently being gutted, and occupancy is scheduled for May, 2007.
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