588 Annette Street

While the homes now inhabiting 588 Annette Street are contained by a rather new construction, the land itself is quite historical. Once occupying the site where the Volta Lofts now stands was the Beresford Substation, a power source for some of Toronto’s earliest streetcars.

Constructed in 2014 by Terra Firma Homes, these Toronto lofts are modern yet not abrasive, with the building blending seamlessly with its neighbours on the endearing Annette street. In this boutique soft loft, 19 units are spread over 5 storeys, with retail businesses occupying the spaces below.

With less than 20 homes in the entire building, these lofts are not only spacious but they come equipped with a built in sense of exclusivity. Those who instantly fall for these fresh and progressive soft lofts must be patient, as turnover rates for Toronto condos for sale in this building are expected to be quite low.

Built more recently than many Toronto lofts — both hard and soft — the Volta Lofts have millennial values in mind: solar panels help to power the building and reduce its carbon footprint, while insulated concrete contributes to energy efficiency and therefore lower bills for residents.

Once inside one of the lofts, one immediately notices — and desires — the spacious and airy atmosphere provided by these homes. While square footage is naturally a factor, other design aspects of these lofts add to the roomy tone. Ceilings reach up to 9 feet, and large windows usher plenty of bright sunlight into every corner of the open concept living spaces.

Sizes vary from around 1,000 to 1,600 square feet, with units ranging from one bedroom to two bedrooms plus den. So whether looking for a quiet home for a single young professional, a place to start a family, or a live/work space for go-getting entrepreneurs, 588 Annette Street has it all.

All of the lofts at 588 Annette also boast either terraces or balconies with views of the charming Bloor West Village and the cityscape just beyond. Every unit is also designed with both modern functionality and aesthetics in mind, and is equipped with state-of-the-art appliances.

Set just back from High Park, residents of the Volta Lofts inhabit a less hectic (and therefore less expensive) neighbourhood than most. Bloor West Village & Runnymede is like a little town of its own, meaning it has everything a local could ask for — from falafel joints to bicycle shops and everything in between. Plus, Annette Street itself is a dynamic pocket of independent businesses. Locals love picking up fresh baked goods from the Pie Shack or organic meats from Butcher by Nature before entertaining guests.

The neighbourhood is a pocket of Toronto with a relaxed mood, thanks to its proximity to High Park. Visitors can spend entire days here with a book and a picnic blanket, or more adventurous types can make use of the various sporting facilities found within these 400 acres of green space. And while tourists flock to High Park once a year to gaze at those glorious cherry blossoms, locals quickly understand how versatile the park is all year round.

Some of Toronto’s most vibrant cultural areas can also be explored easily with 588 Annette Street as a jumping off point. The Junction, Roncesvalles, and Dundas Street West are all just short journeys away from the Volta Lofts.

Runnymede station on the Bloor-Danforth subway line can be reached in 15 minutes on foot. During those blistering Toronto winters, or when simply in a rush, streetcars are available to carry residents from 588 Annette to the subway in only 5 minutes.

Drivers who choose to take advantage of the parking garage at the Volta Lofts will love their ability to reach the entirety of Toronto in no time. While traffic in this city can often be headache inducing, Annette Street and Runnymede Road are great starting points that are generally fast moving. Those who choose to drive can also reach the Gardiner Expressway in less than 10 minutes via the South Kingsway.