News

183 Dovercourt Rd., Unit 306, Toronto

What: A circa 1919 Edwardian bakery converted to residential lofts. Unit 306 has 1,471 square feet of living space on two storeys.

Asking price: $619,900

Taxes: $4,459 (2009)

Agent: Royal LePage Supreme Realty (Nellie Czopyk)

There are two types of lofts – hard and soft – says real estate agent Nellie Czopyk of Royal LePage Supreme Realty.

The units at 183 Dovercourt can definitely be described as “hard.” In other words, the five-storey building has an industrial past.

The property now known as the Argyle Lofts was originally developed in 1873. In 1919, Montreal architect Sydney Comber created a factory for Ideal Bread Co. Mr. Comber, who specialized in industrial architecture, incorporated many aspects of Edwardian classicism into the design.

In the bread factory's day, the entire ground floor was used for shipping the thousands of loaves produced daily. Wagons drew up to the arched doorways on Argyle Street that now lead to courtyard gardens.

Flour was stored in the basement, while gigantic mixers and troughs operated on the fifth floor.

“It's a very popular building because of the heritage designation,” Ms. Czopyk says.

The corner bakery entrance continues to be used as the building's front door, while the old clock remains above.

“My client bought the bones from the developer, then he upgraded,” Ms. Czopyk says.

The improvements include bamboo floors, a walk-in shower compartment with rain-head shower and, in the kitchen, a custom-built, granite-topped island with wine storage.

The kitchen features stainless steel appliances and an under-counter wine fridge.

The interior walls and wood ceiling have been painted white. The exposed pipes and window trim are ebony.

“I think he was looking for a modern look,” Ms. Czopyk says.

Unit 306 has an open concept living area on the main floor. The combined living room and dining room has a 20-foot-high ceiling and tall windows. At the rear, a bedroom has an adjacent bathroom.

The second floor is suspended above the first, providing the master bedroom with a view over the living room and through to a red brick church and the streetscape beyond.

“It's very quiet and residential,” Ms. Czopyk says.

Another room on the second floor provides space for a third bedroom or office.

Ms. Czopyk says the building houses residents of mixed ages and occupations. A few artists have made the building home, as have many self-employed workers, who are attracted to the bright and airy spaces.

The agent says the surrounding area is thriving with new restaurants, bars and galleries. The Drake Hotel is within walking distance on Queen Street West, and Trinity Bellwoods Park is close by.

“It's just come such a long way,” Ms. Czopyk says of the neighbourhood.

The nearby streets are mostly lined with smaller houses and parks.

“It's very green as opposed to urban concrete,” Ms. Czopyk says.