Claremont Hall Lofts – 34 Claremont Street

The Claremont Hall Lofts is one of Bob Mitchell’s coveted conversions, carved from the secular extension to the church next door

History of the Claremont Hall Lofts

Originally constructed in 1950 as a secular extension to the St. Cyril and Methodius Roman Catholic Episcopal Church, this very solid masonry structure was converted into 13 lofts in 1995. Developed by Bob Mitchell and Michael Stewart, it was part of a larger parcel of church land parceled off and sold in 3 lots (the hall, the church itself and the manse next door). If you include the Claremont Lofts up the street at 62 Claremont, this is a rather loft-dense part of Toronto!

Claremont Hall Lofts – 34 Claremont Street

The addition to the church on the right, now the Claremont Hall Lofts

The adjoining church and manse were severed and developed as three additional and very large freehold custom loft/residential spaces. The church property also included a land parcel to the south, allowing the ground floor units to walk out to large private gardens at grade.

What Claremont Hall originally looked like around 50-60 years ago, on the left

What was once a hall extended off an old Slovakian church, now houses 13 unique lofts. Expect to find all the features of a more high-end townhouse – glass block, maple floors, slate finishes. Each loft has a new fireplace, a deck or terrace, and access to a dedicated parking space. Its beginnings as an old church hall have also allowed ceiling heights in this building to reach up to 14 feet. Never mind the soundproofing provided by the 8-inch-thick masonry walls between the units.

Inside the Claremont Hall Lofts, lots of light and most with access to outdoor space

One of the best things about this loft conversion is its desirable location, just steps to Queen Street West. The Claremont Hall Lofts is one of Bob Mitchell’s famous and few loft conversions, located in the Queen and Bathurst area. Claremont Hall has authentic lofts that range in size from 600-square-foot one-bedroom units up to 1,200-square-foot two-bedroom + den units.

Rear door from a unit, out onto their private backyard-like patio

All of Claremont Hall Lofts back to the south, have decks/terraces, and contain either skylights or light wells. These designs maximize light and ensure the sun gets in all day long. Parking is underground with one space available per unit. Heating is forced air gas and air-conditioning was an upgrade during construction.

Upper level units have walkouts to rooftop terraces with skyline city views

This building is one of those true urban gems. Because it has only a baker’s dozen lofts, it flies under most peoples’ radar and not many people know about it. It’s within walking distance of Queen West and Trinity Bellwoods Park, and offers single-storey lofts on the main level and two-storey lofts on the second and third floors.

While the Claremont Hall Lofts have an interesting history, most of the units are very condo-like inside

The main-floor lofts have south-facing gardens that are almost as large as the one-bedroom suites are in their entirety. Accessible via double French doors, there is a strong connection between the interior and the terrace garden.

Newspaper clipping about the Claremont Hall Lofts from 1995

Originally Claremont Hall, the building was fairly utilitarian in its design. However when it was converted, over-sized windows were punched into its walls to create livable urban homes. Live here and you will enjoy high ceilings, built-ins, hardwood floors and a fireplaces. Most units have their own large locker and owned parking.