380 Macpherson Avenue

Looking for a Toronto hard loft for sale? If so, Madison Avenue Lofts at 380 Macpherson Avenue should be on your list of contenders. Burnac Corporation converted the property in 2009, adding 211 loft units to the Casa Loma neighbourhood. These airy suites start at 549 square feet, and can be as large as 1809 square feet. This condo is very conveniently located, with a well above average Walk Score of 91 and an average demand ranking. Maintenance fees are $0.87 per-square-foot, which is higher than the neighbourhood average of $0.83 per-square-foot.

It may be hard to believe, but the area surrounding 380 Macpherson Avenue was once an industrial hotbed. Today, however, it is known for its charming tree-lined residential streets, and close proximity to George Brown College.

Originally a warehouse for Toronto Hydro, residents here have access to a gym, movie theatre, and rooftop terrace. And while homes in the downtown core require ample height to offer a good view of the city, these lofts are strategically placed. At only 6 storeys tall, the building is at the top of a hill. And that gives south-facing units those sweeping vistas of the cityscape.

Instead of relying on a singular aesthetic, multiple styles are juxtaposed to distinguish these hard lofts from the typical, cookie-cutter condo. Exposed concrete, for example, is a prevalent reminder of the building’s former life, while 14-foot ceilings offer residents with bright and airy living spaces. The sleek kitchens and bathrooms, meanwhile, add a much-needed hint of modernity.

Here are some additional details, according to Strata.ca data:

The average cost per-square-foot is $1,045, based on the past 12 months of sales, and these suites have a medium probability of receiving multiple offers. On average, units spend 31 days on the market and usually sell for -1.33% below the listing price. In the past year, 10 units have rented, and 10 have sold.

Rare for an authentic conversion, many of the homes at the Madison Avenue Lofts offer private outdoor spaces. For those units without, a shared rooftop terrace is always available for use.

Groceries are never a chore with Food Depot, Whole Foods Market and Urban Fare Food Shop nearby, plus an LCBO just down the street. Like to shop? Everything you need is close by when you live at 380 Macpherson Ave, including Canadian Tire, Cumberland Terrace and Canadian Outlet, which are only 4 minutes away. You'll also find a number of banks within a short drive, like TD Canada Trust and Scotiabank for all your investment needs.

Meanwhile, there are plenty of parks nearby to keep your family busy, including Glen Edyth Drive Parkette and Walmer Road Parkette, less than 5 minutes away by foot. Art and culture seekers can spend the day at Casa Loma or the Spadina Museum.

For those with children, there are plenty of schools in the area, including The York School and Waldorf Academy. But if your kids are open to commuting, a quick transit ride offers more options, such as Harbord Collegiate Institute.

Thankfully, there’s no need for a vehicle when living at the Madison Avenue Lofts. Dupont Station, on the University-Spadina line, can be reached in a three-minute walk. Alternatively, Spadina Station is also close by, offering quick access to the Bloor-Danforth subway line.

For those that do own cars, this building is perfectly situated just outside all that hectic downtown traffic. While rush hour driving can still get busy, Dupont and Davenport are faster routes for travelling east and west. And thankfully, residents are also close to all four of Toronto’s major highways: the 401, 427, Don Valley Parkway, and Gardiner Expressway.

Have your heart set on this area, but can't find a unit in this building? You’ll be pleased to know that 391 Brunswick Avenue, 111 St Clair Avenue W and 377 Madison Avenue are all comparable hard lofts in the area.