Converted from a former commercial building, these “softish” hard lofts are situated at King East and Frederick (east of Jarvis) in Toronto’s tremendously desirable St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood. A small building, there are only 12 lofts occupying the top 2 floors of this 4-storey building. Due to its small size, these lofts are very rarely available.

The pretty-yet-unassuming Lofts on Frederick at 180 Frederick Street

The loft portion of the Lofts on Frederick were converted through the winter of 1997-1998 by Sanderling Development Limited. There is basically NO information about them at all out there, trust me I looked. Brad Lamb sold them and they started selling in 1997.

Part of the building is still commercial, at 201 King Street East, the original address of the building. There are also non-residential uses at 170 Frederick. A lot of addresses for one building! To be honest, I have no idea why only the one part of the building was converted or what that particular section was prior to being turned into lofts.

The units are large and bright and airy at the Lofts on Frederick

For all its architectural uniqueness, there is no information about its history or construction. From the front it looks like it could be from the 1920s-1930s, maybe even into the 40s or 50s. But then when you look at the east side of the building, you see how it slants down to the south, with very distinctive round windows. That could be 1960s or 1970s style… possibly even 1980s.

The Lofts on Frederick certainly has some distinctive architecture

I found that there was a power of sale in 1992 and then again in 1995. At that time George Brown was leasing space there. In 1996 is was still under power of sale, but there is no record of it selling – at least not on MLS. Obviously it did sell, as listings for the lofts started showing up in 1997.

That doesn’t help with determining its age or past purpose. The building isn’t on the 1924 Goad’s map, the corner is an empty lot. I went through 100s and 100s of photos on the Toronto Archives site with no luck. There are TONS of photos of the area, but all point the wrong way.

There are some great views of Old Toronto heritage buildings along King Street East

It is one of the only loft conversions in the area, there are not that many downtown. Not to far away is the gorgeous 1860 warehouse that is now the St. Lawrence Market Lofts at 81A Front Street. Even closer are the Liberty Lofts at 383 Adelaide and the Imperial Lofts at 80 and 90 Sherbourne Street.

The Lofts on Frederick feature lofty 11-1/2-foot concrete ceilings, hardwood floors, open concept kitchens and large windows. Parking is only available on a rental basis, but the maintenance fees are not too high. There is no real outdoor space with these lofts, but a couple have terraces.

The origins of the Lofts on Frederick at 180 Frederick Street are a mystery

Those who are looking for the most authentic hard loft conversions in the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood may need look no further than The Lofts on Frederick, which are complete with all of the best loft features like open-concept layouts, high ceilings and concrete floors.

South-facing lofts have angled skylights, some with a terrace

The 12 bright and airy units at the Lofts on Frederick, ranging in size from 750 square feet to 1,100 square feet. While a quiet and intimate setting, residents of The Lofts on Frederick are only a few moments away from major highways out of the city as well as streetcar stops that will transport you to the subway line. The neighbourhood around King Street East is known to be friendly and safe, with a number of phenomenal bars, cafes, restaurants, art galleries and theatres.

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Contact Laurin Jeffrey for more information – 416-388-1960

Laurin Jeffrey is a Toronto real estate agent with Century 21 Regal Realty.
He did not write every article, some are reproduced here for people who
are interested in Toronto real estate. He does not work for any builders.
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