The loft. It’s a wonderful alternative to the traditional condo suite. It conjures visions of a unique space – soaring ceilings, cold steel, hard concrete and ornate architecture. Of course, there are lofts available throughout the city, but how many of them are actual conversions?

It’s those authentic lofts – projects that take their lead from the avant-garde chic of New York City in the 1960s when artists started taking refuge in old buildings and factories, converting them from rough, industrial spaces to sublime hide-aways – that are starting to be all the rage. Spaces were created where there was room to work, where the energy motivated creativity, where the light made playing with colour and texture and pattern almost dreamlike.

The Printing Factory Lofts is a rare incarnation of that magical era. Rolph Clarke Stone originally commissioned the building, which opened in 1913, to house its printing presses. Located at 201 Carlaw, it’s a huge property in Leslieville, the Queen Street East community that was, at the turn of the 20th century, at the heart of industry in Toronto.

Close to the waterfront, it was easy to transport materials to the area. One hundred years later, the area is still renowned for its location, with The Beach just to the east, the waterfront to the south, The Danforth to the north, and the sprawling downtown core at its doorstep to the west. It has become a vital area for a new and emerging society.

People want to live near downtown. Many don’t want to sit in traffic on the highway each day and dream of cutting out the commute. Others have redefined workspaces and now work from home. Whether artists or entrepreneurs, this faction of society is growing rapidly, and the desire isn’t just for a spot to hang a hat, but an interesting space, one with personality. It’s causing the resurgence of the authentic loft with all of its beauty and charm.

Beaverbrook is developing The Printing Factory Lofts to offer a wide variety of sizes and styles. These live/work lofts and urban towns give you the choice of how you want to live and what you need to be comfortable. There are 254 units in all offering some divine spaces. Ceilings just soar – up to 24 ft. Exposed concrete or painted steel columns, exposed concrete ceilings and exposed metal ductwork are just some of the edgy features in these homes.

Just need space for the basics? A cozy little studio might be your thing. They start at 544 sq. ft. Prefer the luxury of expansive space? A sprawling Sky Loft at 1,349 sq. ft. could fit the bill. What’s interesting is that each style of home is available in a full gamut of sizes. The collection of urban towns ranges from 578 to 1,258 sq. ft. Just because you’re an artist doesn’t mean you want a tiny loft. Tower lofts are available in one- and two-bedroom layouts and range from 554 to 919 sq. ft., and each have a great balcony to enjoy.

The decadent one-bedroom, one-plus-den and two-bedroom Sky Lofts are a little more luxe, as these two-storey lofts also have enormous terraces. Sawtooth Lofts offer inspired layouts, dispersing space over two storeys, with loft levels overlooking the main floor.

Whether you need to allocate a room for a high-tech computer set-up, a painter’s studio or a home theatre, these lofts allow you to flex your space to your needs. All of the innovative designs really emphasize that you have the ability to express yourself and not be constrained by the ordinary. These are, after all, not ordinary homes.

But don’t be fooled. Though this is no ordinary development. It doesn’t mean that it lacks sophistication or luxury. It’s the best of both worlds – the beauty and chic of the ’60s artist’s loft meets modern indulgence, 21st-century technology and quality.

Beaverbrook is an award-winning developer that brings over 50 years of homebuilding experience to this project. With well-loved communities and completed developments throughout the GTA, across Canada and in the U.S., Beaverbrook has a long-established reputation for quality, craftsmanship and customer care. They also know what loft buyers are looking for.

While authenticity, ingenuity and variety are key in The Printing Factory Lofts, so are numerous features and finishes that complete these homes with impeccable style and indulgent comfort. Several building amenities are advantageous to the lifestyle offered here.

There is an executive concierge on duty from 4 p.m. to midnight to control access, greet you and announce guests. Video monitoring, an enterphone and controlled building access limit entry to those who belong throughout the rest of the day.

There is underground parking available for you and your guests, and storage lockers are also available. There’s a party room, complete with a bar and catering kitchen for those that want to entertain large groups in style – at home. There’s even a meeting room – a boon for those that work at home but would like a professional space for conducting the occasional face-to-face.

Inside these suites you’ll find elements like sliding partition doors to separate rooms instead of traditional doors. Balconies and terraces provide your own private outdoor retreat and can be fitted with a gas hook-up so that you can get out and fire up the grill any time you please.

Stylish kitchens include Euro-style slab cabinetry, brushed metal hardware, stone countertops and quality brand-name stainless steel appliances, including a fridge, range, dishwasher and microwave. Islands and breakfast bars are incorporated into many of these open-concept floor plans. An in-suite laundry alcove is furnished with a stacked washer and dryer set.

The spa-designed bathrooms feature porcelain tile floors, five-ft. soaker tubs and designer-selected metal finish bathroom accessories. Plus, you can upgrade away – you won’t want to miss out on the option of a rainfall shower head with marble tiled surround and a soaker tub with an air bubbler. Whether a quick jump start to your day, some time to lounge and entertain or a relaxing soak to wash your cares away, it’s important that every room gives you the attention you deserve.

Peruse the floor plans, check out the neighbourhood and see what life would be like in this landmark development. The Printing Factory Lofts is indeed your type of place!

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Contact Laurin Jeffrey for more information