98 Queen Street E

A curious sign atop the crimson brick beauty at 98 Queen Street East reads “Richard Bigley,” paying homage to the loft’s inventor and original tenant. In fact, the lettering is considered Toronto’s oldest ghost sign, meaning a billboard advertising a business that no longer exists.

Built in 1876 by Bigley himself during his days as a stove salesman for the ‘Happy Thought’ company, this hard loft has since been deemed one of Toronto’s protected heritage properties, as well as one of the city’s most exclusive residential spaces.

Aside from classifying the Richard Bigley Lofts as a significant architectural structure, tenant and architect Ed Zeidler added to its significance when he created the original plans for the Eaton Centre inside this very building. Those looking for character will be pleased with the lofts at 98 Queen East. However, with only three units, Toronto condos for sale here don’t show up on the market very often...

The Richard Bigley Lofts may be the smallest conversion in the city, but since the building contains only 3 units, each loft is colossal in size for Toronto standards. Each loft takes over an entire floor of the building, is slightly larger than 2,000 square feet, and can be accessed by a private elevator.

Details from the building’s long history remain throughout the lofts — ceilings reach 10 feet, original brick is exposed, and large bay windows offer sweeping street views.

While historical and full of character, the conversion process has brought forth lofts that are anything but old and dusty. Large windows allow soft sunlight to flow through the open concept spaces, while modern hardwood flooring creates an additional layer of warmth.

Located directly on lively Queen Street East, residents of the Richard Bigley Lofts are fortunate enough to enjoy their proximity to endless amenities and sources of entertainment. Technically inside the Moss Park neighbourhood, the immediate area is bursting with bars, clubs, cafes, restaurants, and shops. The nearby Distillery District offers boutiques and galleries inside similarly historical structures.

For culture buffs, many venues are within walking distance, including the Elgin and Winter Garden and Ed Mirvish Theatres, as well as the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. Catching a game or a concert at the Scotiabank Arena also becomes a breeze with 98 Queen Street East as a starting address.

Moss Park and St. James Park are equidistant options for green space nearby, while a bit of a longer journey will have Richard Bigley residents at the ever-spacious and well kept Queens Park.

A Metro and a No Frills, each on Front Street, are great options for groceries, while other amenities can easily be found with a quick trip to the Eaton Centre. For homegrown goods, St. Lawrence Market is 10 minutes away by foot, creating a perfect excuse to regularly stock the home with freshly baked bread, or to whip over for a peameal bacon sandwich from Carousel Bakery.

The Richard Bigley Lofts position residents in the centre of the city, with many options for transportation to other neighbourhoods. Walking around is a given, as the area is dense with shops and restaurants, while cycling offers another great alternative.

Bike lanes can be found along Richmond and Adelaide to make commutes to and from the Financial District a breeze, while the Martin Goodman Trail is another option for cyclists venturing further east or west.

Streetcars along Queen Street will deliver loft owners to Queen Station in order to connect with the Yonge subway line, Corktown, Leslieville, and beyond. Two stops on the subway will land travelers at Union Station, where they may connect with VIA Rail, GO Transit, or the UP service to Pearson International Airport.

Drivers will love taking advantage of the quick-moving Gardiner Expressway, which connects with the Don Valley Parkway to the East or the 427 to the West.