8-38 Abell Street

The Artscape Triangle Lofts aren’t for those who think inside the box — literally. In fact, those who don’t make a living by making art simply cannot live at 8038 Abell Street. But before judging the building as carreer-ist, readers might want to find out a little more about the reason behind this regulation.

Artscape is a not-for-profit organization that seeks to transform communities through creativity. Around since 1986, Artscape is responsible for art-focused projects around the city including cape Youngplace, Artscape Wychwood Barns, and Artscape Distillery Studios.

In 2010 the organization partnered with Urbancorp and Active 18 to create the Artscape Triangle Lofts, a group of live/work artist’s studios connected to Westside Gallery Lofts. While anyone can call the Westside Gallery Lofts home, this portion of the building is reserved for artists, and even boasts a separate entrance. While some units are rented to artists by Artscape, the rest are Toronto condos for sale for those working in the arts.

The mid-rise edifice is home to 70 units that comprise the Arstcape Triangle Lofts. Although the building design isn’t all that artistic — a classic brick base with glass above — the gallery on the first floor might be a major selling point for prospective buyers. With its ever-changing lineup of exhibits, the gallery is an opportunity for residents to show their work from the comfort of their own homes.

While there are no luxurious amenities afforded to residents, many buyers will be attracted to its niche community and the fact that these homes are inexpensive compared to others in the area.

The homes that comprise the Artscape Triangle Lofts are actually located in the podium level of the 20-storey building. Ranging in size from around 500 to 1,000 square feet, many creative buyers see these as blank slates, ready to be customized completely.

Exposed concrete ceilings and walls set the soft loft tone, with 10-foot ceilings emphasizing the point further. Regardless of whether one lives in a one- or a two-bedroom home, they can expect exposed ductwork and impressive floor-to-ceiling windows.

It’s not shocking that Artscape would choose the Queen West neighbourhood and Little Portugal for a home that caters solely to artists. This area is filled with some of the most creative businesses in the city: everything from hotels to bars and shops are unique and filled with character.

Even Vogue magazine took interest in the area, calling it one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world back in 2014. Since then, more and more stylish residents and business owners have flocked to West Queen West.

Take the Gladstone and the Drake Hotels for example. Rather than simply setting themselves up as places for tourists to rest their heads, these spots feature art exhibitions, live concerts, karaoke and trivia nights, and much more.

Residents of the Artscape Triangle Lofts also only need to walk a short way for some natural inspiration. Trinity Bellwoods Park takes just over 10 minutes to reach on foot, where one can play a match of tennis, skate (ice or roller) around the rink, or let their pets free in the “dog bowl.” While this park is known to fill up in the summer months, residents living at 8-38 Abell can get a head start — and therefore the best picnic spot.

Also nearby is Liberty Village, an area that’s as rich in history as it is in culture and entertainment. Home to numerous prisons in the 19th century, Liberty Street was named for being the first street on which freed inmates would walk. Today, industrial architecture and cobblestone roads remain. While some come to the area to visit a specific restaurant or shop, others simply come for the photo ops.

And for those days when a night in is in order, residents can head over to the FreshCo at Queen and Gladstone or the Metro in Liberty Village to gather their groceries. Alternatively, plenty of specialty shops such as butchers and bakeries can be found in Liberty Village as well as along Queen Street West.

Traveling is easy for residents of these lofts, thanks to their location in the west end of downtown Toronto. Living so far west means traffic is a bit on the lighter side, while buses and streetcars are still aplenty.

Even a trip on the subway is easy: residents can take a ride on the Queen streetcar before transferring onto a train at Osgoode Station. A short walk to Ossington will also land residents at the 63 Ossington bus stop, which carries passengers to Ossington station on the Bloor-Danforth line before continuing north to Eglinton West station.

Drivers will love the lesser-known side streets in the immediate area, like Sudbury and Lisgar. Major arterial roads like Queen and King will carry cars toward the downtown core, while those in a hurry might want to head south to the Gardiner Expressway instead.