One of the more rare and unique Toronto lofts, 26 Noble Street is said to be converted from a 1903 warehouse. Problem is, the current building doesn’t show up on Goad’s maps until 1924, so it cannot be from 1903… the earliest would be 1913. There were buildings on the lot in 1903, in fact they can be seen on maps from 1890 through to 1913, I wonder if this was the dairy that was originally on the site. Then the current building, what was once the old mattress factory, was built sometime between 1913 and 1924.

Regardless, the old red brick building that remains is now home to only 11 live-work lofts. The old factory was converted to lofts in 1991. This building has high plank ceilings, exposed pipes and is truly the traditional type of loft living. Only 2 have ever been on MLS, don’t hold your breath for a listing.

26 Noble is a co-ownership, owned and run by the owners themselves. The building is self-managed with fees adjusted to cover expenses. The building has a mandate to support the arts and people in the arts. Because of the co-ownership structure, the owners will interview potential purchasers to make sure they are a good fit for the building. Because of the self-governance of the loft, all owners must do their part for the building and be willing to take responsibility for various projects. Everyone has a job to do!

A loft of people live in condos for the lifestyle, expecting a property manager to oversee things like security and outside contractors such as window-washers, garbage-collectors, etc. People like the fact that there is no snow to shovel, leaves to rake, or leaky roofs to fix. But, in this building on Noble Street, the owners are expected to live together almost like a commune. If you want to live here, you had better be comfortable with the idea of befriending ten strangers and speaking with them on a daily basis about who is taking out the garbage.

Artists and artisans live and work in this hip converted warehouse space in heart of one of west Toronto’s oldest neighbourhoods – Parkdale. In the tradition of the original New York style warehouse loft, 26 Noble Street is a unique building in a great location for work. The loft owners range from guitar maker to ceramic artist, paper-maker/textile artist to photographer. There is even a puppet theatre and a holistic lifestyle consultant in the building.

The units have huge windows and tons of natural light – great for painters! The incredible open concept spaces allow for flexible living arrangements. Raised mezzanines allow for cozy sleeping lofts. Some kitchens and bathrooms may have been renovated, some may still have their original vintage charm.

26 Noble has high wood plank ceilings with beams and exposed pipes are painted white for light reflection. Track spot lights highlight display and work areas. Antique wood floors create warmth and character. Great rooms with warm wood floors and walls of windows exude authentic loft charm. You could easily separate areas to form an office or a large bedroom.

Just north of Queen, east of Lansdowne Avenue, in heart of trendy Parkdale. Close to the vibrant neighbourhoods of Roncesvalles, Beaconsfield & Liberty Villages. Walk to green spaces such as McCormick Park, or shoot down Dufferin Street to the waterfront and the Martin Goodman Trail. Shop and dine on West Queen West in the boutique shops, trendy restaurants and galleries.

Condo maintenance fees are kept very low and straight forward. Costs stay down due to the loft being self managed and the lack of  frills in the building. Fees do vary according to the expenses, though they tend to stay under $400/month.

Pets are restricted to cats or birds only, dogs are not allowed to live in the building.

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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 these articles, he just reproduces them here for people who
are interested in Toronto real estate. He does not work for any builders.
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