41 Shanly Street

Although others are noted for their early conversion dates, 41 Shanly is the original loft building in Toronto. What was once an awkward (some would even say ugly) industrial building constructed for the Dominion Felt Works, became the first legal residential Toronto loft when converted in 1981 by Mitchell and Associates. This game-changing style of condominium won the developers the Ontario Renews Award in 1984 for excellence in design, and upped the ante for future developments across the city.

41 Shanly is emblematic of a period in history when condo developers built with livability in mind. Unlike modern run-of-the-mill Toronto condos for sale that appear dreary and diminutive, Dominion Felt Works is perfect for those hoping to invest in a quality home for years to come. Residents of 41 Shanly Street live close enough to the downtown core, while still enjoying ample living space, parking, and even tranquility.

Similar to many of Toronto’s earliest loft conversions, 41 Shanly remains a hidden gem today. With only ten coveted units available, the building exudes exclusivity, and for good reason: the lofts rarely come to market and are instantly snatched up the moment they appear.

Each individual loft at Dominion Felt Works can be called sprawling, especially in relation to Toronto’s average condo size. Ranging from 2 to 3 storey units, the suites at 41 Shanly are spacious enough for residents to forget they are living in a residential complex, and not a single family home.

The lofts all feature exposed brick, authentic wood post and beams, rooftop patios, and ultra-high ceilings. The building even provides parking, a highly-sought after premium considering the way Toronto’s streets look during rush hour.

Dovercourt & Wallace Emerson-Junction is one of Toronto’s most ethnically diverse neighbourhoods in Toronto today. This is due to the number of Portuguese, Italian, and Ethiopian immigrants who still inhabit the area, whereas gentrification in other neighbourhoods has made homes unaffordable to newcomers.

Stores and restaurants run by long-time and newly arrived residents from around the globe take up residence in Bloordale Village, creating a vibrant atmosphere for neighbours to take part in. The local community also actively participates in cultural festivities, such as the annual Big on Bloor Street Festival and Toronto’s Nuit Blanche.

By living 41 Shanly one is right in the middle of an international smorgasbord. From sugary Portuguese egg tarts to the finger-licking Ethiopian dishes accompanied by injera bread, Bloordale Village has it all. And if spice is what you’re really after, Koreatown is only minutes away, just east of Christie Pits Park.

For adventurous home chefs who always seem to be missing that one key ingredient, a quick stop at one of the numerous ethnic food stores should be of assistance as well.

While the area was once a relatively poor district of Toronto, the original residents being impoverished immigrants from England, Dovercourt-Wallace-Emerson-Junction is now a neighbourhood to keep a close watch on.

Dominion Felt Works is only minutes away from Ossington Station on the Bloor subway line, from which TTC riders can connect with buses, streetcars, and east or west bound trains. For those whose lifestyles involve staying out until the wee hours, the night running along Bloor will come in handy.

For residents who prefer driving, Bloor Street is a major east-west arterial road that speedily connects with both ends of downtown Toronto, or delivers drivers to major north-south thoroughfares. When heading out of the city, the Gardiner Expressway is accessible via a short drive down Dufferin Street.