549 King Street E & 52 Sumach Street & 569 King Street E

We wouldn’t call it a steadfast rule that the developer of a building determines its worth. However, there are a handful of soft loft designers operating in Toronto that never fail to impress. One of these tried and trusted developers is Streetcar Developments, and their creation at 549-569 King Street East and 52 Sumach Street is testament to their talent.

Besides innovative manufacturing that results in elegant residential buildings, Streetcar Developments also has a knack for selecting the perfect neighbourhood for each one. While overlooked by others, these developers opted for their 2011 project, a building aptly named the Corktown District Lofts I. The first of two sister buildings, including Corktown District II Lofts, this soft loft marked the beginning of what has since blossomed into a renaissance of the area.

Bright brick and glass make up the majority of the façade at the Corktown District Lofts I, with a concrete base enveloping storefronts below. Warehouse-style windows are a nod to the Corktown neighbourhood's industrial past, while the overall vibe is modern and fresh.

The intimately sized residence reaches to a modest 7 storeys tall, and is technically comprised of three separate structures: one at 549 King Street East, another at 569 King East, and the last at 52 Sumach Street. Regardless of which building one lives in, residents of all three parts have access to common amenities, including a gym, movie theatre room, party room, barbecues, a meeting room, and visitor parking.

When designing the Corktown District Lofts I, Streetcar Developments clearly took into account the vast array of potential buyers who would be drawn to Toronto condos for sale in this building. As a result, the sizes of homes range considerably, from around 450 to 2,400 square feet. While many of the lofts contain one bedroom, the more stately units are undoubtedly large enough for a family to feel more than comfortable in.

These homes couldn’t be classified as true soft lofts if not for their bright, airy, and spacious atmospheres. Floor-to-ceiling windows usher in sunlight in the daytime, doubling as ideal vantage points for watching people go by on the streets below.

The day’s sunlight is carried into every corner of the homes in the Corktown District Lofts I, thanks to open concept layouts and ceilings that soar to 10 feet tall. Loft-like finishes also include polished concrete floors and exposed ductwork, while these raw elements are satisfyingly juxtaposed with contemporary kitchens and bathrooms.

The west end of Toronto may be more commonly thought of as the hip place to be, but this makes low-key, yet trendy Corktown all the more desirable. Cordoned off by Jarvis Street, the Don River, Queen Street East, and Front Street, this neighbourhood has plenty of resources to tap.

Even from within the downtown core, Corktown manages to maintain a mainly residential feel. Originally inhabited by Irish immigrants in the 19th century, these residents predominantly worked in surrounding breweries or brickyards, and the cottages they once inhabited can still be spotted around the area today. The industrial buildings where these residents once worked have also been preserved, some of which are now used as film studios, while others have been transformed into residential hard lofts or offices.

As of late, restaurants and independent shops have been gravitating toward this neighbourhood. Trendy cafés, butchers, hair salons, exercise studios, and more can all be found here, not to mention the array of eclectic dining options available to residents of the Corktown District Lofts I.

Venturing out just beyond the borders of Corktown is also an ideal way to spend a weekend afternoon. The Distillery District is a short walk away, with its art galleries and lively patios over century-old cobblestones roads. When the weather is warm, the Don Valley Trail is a great hiking or cycling path that follows the banks of the river, while a trip north to Riverdale Park is an opportunity to engage in baseball, soccer, cricket, swimming, or even simply some sunbathing or stargazing.

Thanks to their location on King Street East and Sumach Street, residents living at the Corktown District Lofts I can easily traverse the city, even without a car. Right where these streets intersect, the King streetcar makes frequent stops. When opting for this route, travellers can reach King Station on the Yonge subway line in about 10 minutes.

Those who prefer to drive, on the other hand, are equally well situated. The Gardiner Expressway can be reached in under 5 minutes via Parliament Street, which then offers a connection to the 427 and Pearson International Airport. Alternatively, the Don Valley Parkway is located just east, from which the 401 can be easily accessed.