347 Sorauren Avenue

Sitting pretty in west end Toronto, Sorauren Street has just lately begun to receive the attention it truly deserves. While trendsetters in this city have been well aware of the residential potential of industrial buildings since the 1990s, this Roncesvalles area street is finally experiencing its heyday.

While the west end has gained popularity thanks to the rising prices of downtown Toronto condos, the Sorauren Lofts have in fact been home to residents for some time now. Renovated in 1999, the building at 347 Sorauren was one of the earliest loft conversions in the city.

The building’s past life may not be ultra-exciting to many: 347 Sorauren was originally home to a factory responsible for the creation of ball bearings. However, the industrial aesthetics that remain make for 48 impressive, and not to mention unique, homes.

As if to prove just how long this structure has been around, foliage wraps its way around the red brick façade. The classic industrial architecture is understated, nonchalant, and cool, although once inside the lofts tend to be quite dramatic thanks to their creative owners.

The Sorauren Lofts doesn’t necessarily cater to those looking for a one-stop-shop. Instead, the lack of amenities encourages active residents to go out and explore the expansive city that surrounds them. Certain lofts at 347 Sorauren do, however, come equipped with parking spaces, while others boast direct access to Sorauren Park from ground floor patios. Anyone lucky enough to score a unit with an outdoor space can also make use of gas hook-ups for barbecues (and those who aren’t so lucky are encouraged to make friends with these neighbours).

Being as intimate as it is, the Sorauren Lofts rarely appear on the market. Between everything mentioned earlier, as well as a pet-friendly attitude and a live/work zoning, the desirability of 347 Sorauren should simply come as no surprise.

Once inside the building, it becomes impossible to forget the authenticity of this hard loft. A walk down the hallways always involves glimpses into the former industrial life of the Sorauren Lofts: exposed ductwork and brick are omnipresent. These elements can be found throughout the units themselves, along with other original finishes such as wooden beams and ceiling panels, and hardwood or concrete floors.

In terms of size, Toronto condos for sale in this building range considerably. Modest lofts begin at approximately 500 square feet, while more expansive homes can reach to 1,700. Even more impressive than the area of these units, however, are the ceiling heights that can reach all the way to 17 feet tall. To top it all off, sprawling windows usher in natural sunlight, creating a brightening effect that’s hard to forget.

With only 48 units to design, Sorauren Lofts developer Mel Brown was able to avoid any standardization during the conversion process. As a result, every unit at 347 Sorauren Avenue is distinct from the next. Some contain one bedroom, others two; mezzanine-style lofts are sprinkled throughout the building; certain units feature rare vaulted ceilings; another home was formerly owned by a Restoration Hardware designer, meaning it has surely received an upgrade or two over the years.

Unexpectedly, the name Sorauren actually hails from across the Atlantic. The Battle of Sorauren — part of the Napoleonic Wars in the early 19th century — was fought in Spain. Colenol Walter O’Hara, who participated in the battle, eventually moved to Toronto, settled the area, and was therefore responsible for naming the surrounding streets.

Since then, the Roncesvalles Village has developed into one of the friendliest and most charming neighbourhoods in the city. Perhaps this is also a side effect of residents living next door to the largest green space in the city: High Park. South Parkdale, Brockton Village, Bloor West Village, and The Junction - West End are all surrounding areas worth exploring, although we don’t blame residents who don’t stray too far very often.

High Park can be reached in about 15 minutes from the Sorauren Lofts on foot, however truly exploring its 400 acres can take all day. Another alternative for when timing is tight is Sorauren Park, which can be considered the building’s back yard. Here, residents can enjoy a round of tennis, a game of fetch in the off-leash dog area, and a weekly farmers market when the weather warms up.

For those that drive, Dundas and Queen Street will come in handy when traveling east and west, while Roncesvalles and Lansdowne are the closest major north-south routes. When embarking on longer trips, the Gardiner Expressway can be reached in no time via Jameson Avenue, which also provides quick access to the 427 and the Don Valley Parkway.

Streetcar routes along Queen or Dundas Streets West carry passengers toward the centre of the city, and allow for connections onto the Yonge-University-Spadina subway line. Alternatively, a walk up to Bloor Street to reach Dundas West station takes only 13 short minutes.