Featured Links
Toronto Real Estate Search
Click here and let us know what you are looking to buy
Toronto Lofts for Sale
All Toronto loft conversions, as well as new soft loft buildings
Toronto Hard Lofts
Only authentic hard loft conversions in Toronto
Toronto Soft Lofts
Only newly-built soft loft buildings in Toronto
Toronto Condos for Sale
Popular Toronto condo
buildings, as well as some
new condo developments
First Time Buyers
A special section for those entering the Toronto condo or house market for the first time
Property Listings
Check what Toronto condos & houses are for sale - and check our office listings as well
Tools for Buyers
Mortgage calculator, land transfer tax, etc.
Authentic Toronto Hard Loft Conversions
Windsor Lofts - 412 Jarvis Street
Converted from a century-old apartment building, these lofts have a degree of character that is hard to find in a city full of new condos. A few of the grand mansions that once lined the street are still standing and there are major revitalization plans at work in the area. The building is also immediately next door to the new National Ballet school, so it's a killer location.
412 Jarvis was a 30 unit rental building constructed in 1908. It and the neighbouring building were formerly owned by the City of Toronto, which purchased the properties in 1990 in order to make the two buildings available for redevelopment by the Wellsboro Mansions Housing Co-operative. After the City purchased the two buildings, the units were vacated as the redevelopment approval process proceeded. However, redevelopment of the properties for the housing co-operative did not begin immediately and the project was no longer possible when the province cancelled funding for social housing in 1995.
In 1997, Council approved the sale of the vacant buildings to Kwang Chull Development Corporation, on condition that it agreed to a business plan that would make a portion of the renovated residential units available at below market rates to the Rainbow Housing Group Inc., which would in turn provide affordable housing for seniors. Since then, the Rainbow Housing Group has become defunct.
Beginning in 1999, the owner obtained building permits to renovate the existing apartment units in the building. While the building had been vacant nearly a decade at the time the current application for condominium conversion was submitted, the owner had since rented the newly renovated units. The new tenants were informed about the condominium application prior to leasing the units.
Finally offered for sale in 2003, the prices were astoundingly low for the area. And the sizes of the lofts was generours, carved from the old bones of the existing building, some of the one-bedroom units are an unheard of 900 square feet. Even in 2009, prices are under $300,000 for large units and under $200,000 for the smaller one-bedroom units. Almost all are have one bedroom, though the "01" units all have two bedrooms.
Most of the lofts have balconies, decorative fireplaces and 9-foot ceilings. They have been artistically restored and renovated. This is the only New York-style brownstone that is available in Toronto. Bay windows and large bathrooms add to the feel of old world luxury.
Fees are fairly low considering the size and age of the units, though utilities are extra. Parking is rare, with only a few spots available for rent. But you do not need a car if you live here, the subway is only two blocks away.
Email or phone 416-388-1960 today if this loft interests you.
Windsor Lofts - 412 Jarvis Street