By Sydnia Yu – The Globe and Mail

The Upper Beaches has its share of new, loft-style projects, but Buildcrest will soon offer buyers the chance to buy a modern, yet authentic loft within a century-old church.

Only 10 lofts will be created in the Swanwick Heritage Lofts within the Gothic revival church building at 21 Swanwick Ave., near Main Street and Kingston Road.

“This is the only real church conversion in the area,” says Shakeel Walji, a creative director at Walsh Group, which is handling the project’s marketing campaign.

“If you like cool spaces with a great exterior and beautiful interior space, then this is the project for you.”

The building, renamed the Swanwick Heritage Lofts after its address within in an established neighbourhood, was constructed for the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in 1893 and later expanded at the back.

In 1984, the Swanwick Heritage Lofts became a designated heritage landmark, which means the builder will not alter the exterior and work completely within the existing structure.

“That’s what’s also unique about it,” Mr. Walji says. “When you compare this project to other conversions, most of the time you find developers pushing the envelope for massing. They’ll add additions on top and on the back, but this developer hasn’t done that.”

Restoration work will be done to the original brick facade, stonework, stained-glass windows, interior wood details and exposed brick walls. The distinct square tower will be accessible in one unit.

The Swanwick - Heritage Lofts In The Beach

Lofts will have many benefits of a townhouse, with three or four levels of living space, street-level access and private back gardens and terraces.

Each of the Swanwick Heritage Lofts will have a different configuration, but all of them will showcase open-concept spaces, ceilings of more than 10 feet, and multiple skylights and windows.

“It’s not like a cookie-cutter townhome or condo [loft],” Mr. Walji adds.

The Sanctuary models, for instance, will have windows on the east and west walls, and a grand entrance landing – between the main floor and basement – with expansive glass panels and 14-foot ceilings.

“It’s very cool for those units to have [natural] light on both sides,” Mr. Walji says.

In general, there will be two or three bedrooms on the upper floors, while family rooms and laundry facilities will be in the finished basements. Dens will round out several plans.

Main floors will encompass open living and dining rooms and, in most cases, kitchens with islands.

The historic elements of the Swanwick Heritage Lofts will be contrasted with contemporary finishes, such as slab cabinetry, quartz countertops and engineered hardwood on the main and second floors, plus stainless-steel appliances.

For outdoor entertaining, terraces will have water and gas outlets, and up to 1,230 square feet of space.

Also included will be outdoor parking. The monthly maintenance fee will be up to $90, and hydro will be separately metered.

There are no building amenities, but the site is surrounded by parks, community centres and sports facilities, along with supermarkets and public transit – including the subway and GO Train.

Further south along the waterfront are beaches, boardwalks and the Martin Goodman Trail.

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

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swanwick church lofts

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