19 River Street

What’s old is new again. That’s the motto at the Queen Street Vinegar Co. Lofts, at least. So while neighbours place bids on vintage light fixtures at the shop down the street, residents living at 19 River Street can enjoy a sense of history and authenticity from the comforts of their own homes.

Even the exterior of this building is filled with character. The red brick façade has been impeccably preserved, proving that details such as arched entryways and elegant cornices can, in fact, stand the test of time.

Streetcar Developments is behind the construction that resulted in this former industrial structure’s conversion into residences. Streetcar created a new addition of glass and steel that comprises the uppermost storeys, while preserving the integrity of the original building at the same time.

Built in 1907, what was once a vinegar warehouse has since been fittingly renamed the Queen Street Vinegar Co. Lofts. As of 2009, 36 fortunate homeowners have enjoyed their new lives at 19 River Street. While contemporary Toronto lofts are certainly present, Streetcar Developments managed to set the new addition back, allowing for the original structure to really pop.

Thanks to the modern addition overhead, the residence contain a mixture of hard and soft lofts. This way, those who prefer to admire history from a distance can take in a glimpse of the building on their way in, before retiring to their sleek, modern homes.

Those who came for the antique baubles are just as easily pleased by the lofts at 19 River Street. Quintessential hard loft elements are even older than most at the Queen Street Vinegar Co. Lofts, and these include everything from original wooden beams to exposed brick walls.

The suites at 19 River Street are not too big and not too small, but just right. Toronto condos for sale in this building start at around 600 square feet, and reach to approximately 1,000 for the largest of the homes..

One feature can also be found in every loft: an overabundance of bright, natural lighting. Whether entering through authentic warehouse windows, or glass-covered walls on the two uppermost levels, all residents can enjoy the sun’s warm rays from inside their cozy lofts.

The Queen Street Vinegar Co. Lofts is surrounded by history. The building is not only located around the corner from the Distillery District, Toronto’s largest accumulation of 19th century industrial architecture, but Corktown is yet another historical area that lies within walking distance.

Technically speaking, the lofts at 19 River Street are located in the Regent Park neighbourhood, an area that has become more and more popular in the recent past. Once mainly populated by social housing developments, the lofts are located in a developing area that shows no signs of stopping.

Along Queen Street East, residents can find everything from antique shops to cozy cafes, and even some fine dining options as well. Heading a little further east will land urban explorers in Leslieville, or the Beach just past that. Thanks to their locale away from the city centre, these neighbourhoods have friendly, laid back vibes.

Options for entertainment are also endless, with venues like the Young Centre for the Performing Arts and the Opera House within reach. Alternatively, the Distillery is a great place to go gallery hopping, which can easily be rewarded with a warm beverage from Balzac’s or a frosty pint at Mill Street Brew Pub.

Finally, when in need of real provisions, a number of options are available to residents. The FreshCo at Dundas and Parliament is an ideal spot to stock up on staples, while St. Lawrence Market can be reached in just over 20 minutes on foot. At the market, shoppers can find everything from artisan treats to organic produce, and even Toronto’s best peameal bacon sandwich.

The lofts are ideally situated for residents who need to travel both into the city centre and beyond it. Queen Station on the Yonge subway line can be reached in 10 minutes via the Queen streetcar, while Union Station is also less than a 20 minute ride away. From Union, travelers heading out of town can catch VIA Rail trains, go trains or buses, and the UP service to Pearson International Airport.

Drivers can also reach Pearson International in only 30 minutes by hopping onto the nearby Don Valley Parkway. Also close at hand is the Gardiner Expressway, which transports commuters across the southern edge of the city.