2-4 Shaw Street & 1029 King Street W & 58-70 Douro Street

It’s hard to look at King West neighbourhood today and envision the way it was back in industrial times. But sometimes it’s important to think back, and to learn about this area’s significant history. Above all, an understanding of the neighbourhood’s past is interesting for those seeking King West condos for sale, as well as the homeowners who already call this neighbourhood home.

As the story goes, the Massey Ferguson Agricultural Company was the original proprietor of this land. Eventually, as the Toronto’s industrial production moved out of the city centre, many of the buildings were destroyed to make room for what was next.

And what was next, you might ask? Just take a walk along King West and see for yourself, how the neighbourhood has matured into a hotbed of culture and class.

Along with the businesses that have taken up residence here are buildings such as the Electra Lofts. This soft loft at 70 Douro and 1029 King West was constructed by Urbancorp in 2002, and brought a staggering 257 new homes to the area. The developers even managed to arrange the building so that each unit covers two storeys, while some townhouses are also located onsite.

Besides the homes, the Electra Lofts is home to retail businesses on the ground floor as well. And to top things off, exercise facilities and a party room both inhabit the building too.

The lofts at 70 Douro and 1029 King Street West are great for those who really value their privacy. With two levels, hosts can entertain on one floor, while bedroom(s) upstairs remain undisturbed. Suites here begin at around 500 square feet, and reach to approximately 1,300. The Electra Lofts come in a range of floorplans as well, from one bedroom to two plus dens.

Thanks to the multi-level layouts at 70 Douro and 1029 King West, ceiling heights in certain lofts reach up to 17 feet, with windows spanning the entirety of these lofty walls. So while natural sunlight is never lacking, those who enjoy taking their morning coffees al fresco will love the balconies or private rooftop terraces attached to these homes.

Style wise, the homes at 70 Douro and 1029 King West are the epitome of soft lofts. Exposed brick is found throughout, as well as concrete ceilings, hardwood flooring, and rare mezzanine style bedrooms.

The Electra Lofts are perfectly situated between two exciting areas. Just to the south is Liberty Village, where converted industrial structures from the early 1900s are now filled with everything from posh brunch spots to numerous innovative media and communications firms. While the latter aren’t so much for exploring on a Sunday afternoon, they do set the stage for the creative types that tend to call the area home.

Just to the north of the loft, on the other hand, is the dynamic Queen West. Here, independent art galleries and small boutiques are abundant. Noontime mimosas or happy hour cocktails become even more enjoyable when set in the modish Drake Hotel, while the Gladstone Hotel is yet another spot that offers much more than just a place to rest one’s head. The Ossington Strip is another area that foodies won’t be able to get enough of.

Those in search of some culture won’t have to look far when heading out from 70 Douro and 1029 King West. Intimate concert venues lining Queen West and Ossington are ideal spots to catch a live act without breaking the bank. Larger scale events are held at the Exhibition Place and the Molson Canadian Amphitheatre, which are both also within walking distance away.

Outdoorsy types can explore the many parks in the neighbourhood no matter what the weather network predicts. Trinity Bellwood Park’s off-leash dog area is packed year-round, and a skating rink is ready and waiting for the temperatures to drop. Garrison Common and Coronation Park are a couple of other great spots for throwing around a Frisbee or an impromptu baseball match. And heading just slightly farther south will land residents of 70 Douro and 1029 King at the balmy shores of Lake Ontario.

Residents of the Electra Lofts will make great use of the easy driving and public transit along King Street West. Drivers can reach the Financial District in just over 10 minutes, while streetcars carry passengers to the office in about the same time. For those whose commutes involve north-south travel, Bathurst and Dufferin will also come in handy.

Even cyclists are well situated, as Richmond, Adelaide, and Shaw are all equipped with bike lanes. Those heading out on longer rides might even want to connect with the Martin Goodman Trail, which follows the lakeshore for 56 kilometers of carless travel.