127 Queen Street E

The Glasshouse Lofts may be slightly self-explanatory, but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a description that goes beyond just the name of the building. However, we will start by stating the obvious: the Glasshouse Lofts are clad entirely in glass.

The modern, geometric, Mondrian-esque soft loft at 127 Queen East is not an everyday glass tower, but instead a mid-rise fit snug beside a longstanding red brick edifice. Strips of steel between square and rectangular panes of glass are a welcomed contrast to the traditional look next door, a situation that epitomizes Toronto’s diversity and dynamism.

The 2010-built Glasshouse Lofts reach to 13 storeys high and are home to 84 contemporary soft lofts. Along with these homes, the building also contains a gym, party room and meeting room, as well as visitor parking and barbecues.

The Toronto lofts at 127 Queen East are unlike the stockpile of downtown Toronto condos for sale. Rather, these suites have an edgy, unfinished aesthetic that sets them apart from the rest. Exposed concrete ceilings and concrete pillars lend a hand in creating this vibe, along with open concept floor plans.

The homes at the Glasshouse Lofts also vary considerably in size in order to appeal to Toronto’s assorted pool of prospective buyers. Even the smallest units in the building are comfortably sized, with bachelor suites measuring in at around 500 square feet. Those in need of a maximum amount of space, on the other hand, will be pleased to hear that 2,000 square foot quarters, as well as homes with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, are up for grabs at 127 Queen Street East.

Outdoor spaces are also plentiful, with wraparound balconies occupying the uppermost storeys. Some lofts feature Juliet balconies, with others boast more expansive terraces. Regardless of their size, barbecuing al fresco is always an option thanks to gas hookups.

And because even lofts can benefit from a hint of luxury, the Glasshouse Lofts feature hardwood floors and 9 foot ceiling heights, as well as the latest in kitchen and bathroom finishes. Certain units even contain deep bathtubs, a perfect place for when residents feel like shutting out the world for an hour or so.

With its location on charming Queen Street East in the City Centre neighbourhood, residents live within the middle of the downtown core, yet in an area that can feel surprisingly serene.

Heading east will land residents among the tranquility of Cabbagetown, and Leslieville & South Riverdale. On the other hand, those who prefer soaking in the frenzy of the city will prefer to spend their days in the Garden District, wandering up and down Yonge Street, or exploring the one-way roads in Old Toronto.

Those living at 127 Queen East are also within walking distance of some of Toronto’s best-preserved heritage. St. Lawrence Market can be reached in under 10 minutes on foot, where foodies might feel more at home than they do at the Glasshouse Lofts. This particular market has been named one of the world’s best by both CNN and National Geographic in recent years, although vendors have been gathering at the very site for over 200 years now.

The Historic Distillery District is another spot for residents to explore on a day off. Here, industrial history meets urban glamour, as 19th century distillery buildings are now home to cafés, art galleries, artisanal boutiques, restaurants, and even a performing arts theatre.

Surprising for a building that occupies such a central, downtown locale, the Glasshouse lofts are also surrounded by plenty of green space. St. James Park is just a few blocks south, where concerts and outdoor films are held during the summer. The Esplanade and Allan Gardens are just a few of other many options for spending a day amongst the foliage.

While warmer months will mean many residents traversing the city on foot, bad weather and rushed mornings will call for speedy transportation options. Thankfully, the lofts at 127 Queen East are located a mere 400 metres from Queen Station on the Yonge subway line.

From Queen, Union Station lies only two subway stops south, where those heading out of the city can catch VIA Rail trains, GO buses and trains, or the UP service to Pearson International Airport.

Drivers heading out from the building can access the Gardiner Expressway via Lower Jarvis Street. Once on this highway, zipping around the southern perimeter of Toronto becomes a breeze, as does transferring onto the Don Valley Parkway or the 427.