Lofts-Chocolate or Peanut?
Living in lofts did not actually become chic until the early 1960's when artists in New York City's Soho district began inhabiting converted warehouse spaces. These artists lived in Soho's lofts illegally. The raw commercial lofts were cheap, and spacious, while the open concept living and unique use of unconventional spaces made them perfect creative work spaces. By the 1970s so many of these conversions had been done that the city was forced to re-zone the area to make such conversions legal.
The Soho Lofts mentioned above are what we refer to as "Hard Lofts" today. In Toronto you will find these lofts slightly off the beaten path in the east and west ends of the city typically found in former commercial, and industrial buildings such as warehouses or factories Exposed columns, ducts, bricks, wood, and concrete are other characteristics that add to a harder edge of these lofts. You will find just over 100 Converted Hard Lofts in Toronto today. Many of the Hard Lofts names are fun and incorporate their heritage: Chocolate Lofts, Toy factory Lofts, Tip Top Lofts, Peanut Factory Lofts, Wrigley Lofts, Garment Factory Lofts, Tannery Lofts, Foundry Lofts and Soho Lofts. On the east of Toronto the Merchandise Building converted from the former Sears catalogue warehouse is the largest conversion for lofts in the city with 500 units in the building; the units boast 12 foot columns and, concrete floors.
In Toronto, True lofts are rare, and part of the heritage of the city. The other great thing about lofts is that most of them are zoned live/work, which makes it easier to operate a business out of your home. As a tax write off it will be much more straight forward for your accountant and for Revenue Canada. They have been positively viewed by experts as helping to revitalize older neighborhoods, raise the property values and improve the overall quality of living.
Soft Lofts are newly built lofts incorporating loft characteristics. Therefore you should expect the units to have open concept living, 9-10 foot ceilings, ( opposed to typical 8 foot condo ceilings) exposed concrete ceilings, and big windows. Located at the corner of King and Sherbourne, The Mozo Lofts have been described by critics as "the most beautiful building in Toronto". This Soft Loft is located in the St.Lawrence Market neighbourhood at the corner of King and Shebourne. One of the major advantages of Soft Lofts is the central locations they can be found in.
Whether your tastes in lofts are hard, soft, chocolate or peanut, theres a unique one waiting for you.