130 Rusholme Road

The IT Lofts seem like a bit of a paradox: modern, geometric soft lofts just steps from the heart of one of Toronto’s most traditional neighbourhoods. While new buildings do crop up in Little Portugal from time to time, this area tends to feel more untouched by time than many others in the city, but given that this property is just next door in Dufferin Grove, you get all the benefits that come with a modern condo while also getting to enjoy a historic neighbourhood.

Perhaps the 2016 introduction of these contemporary Toronto lofts at 130 Rusholme Road signal a change, then. Otherwise, they might serve as a reminder that Toronto is an ever-changing, dynamic place to live. Developed by Worsley Urban Partners, the IT Lofts are still modest, with the building spanning only 7 storeys.

The exterior of the IT Lofts becomes slightly less humble where building materials are concerned. Glass and concrete are both standard yet sleek, while hints of marble indicate luxury and a sense of style. These design choices can be traced back to Raw Design, the architectural firm behind the soft lofts at 130 Rusholme Road. The building even boasts a green mandate, demonstrated by its innovative planter system for collecting rainwater, rather than the standard storm water tanks.

In terms of more frivolous matters, the interiors were styled by Union31, an award-winning firm behind projects like 300 Front Street, 36 Hazelton, and One Old Mill. A select few amenities are also available to residents, such as a party and games room with pool table and dining area, along with the array of retail businesses located on the ground floor. Although residents are required to venture outside for a visit to the gym, the careful selection of amenities is correlated with lower maintenance fees, relative to other buildings in the city.

Toronto condos for sale within the IT Lofts are just as impressive as the overall structure itself. A total of 56 units grace the building, each of which may span anywhere from around 500 to 1,500 square feet. These lofts range from one bedroom to two bedrooms plus dens, however each and every one is equipped with high ceilings that make them feel as spacious as can be.

Private outdoor spaces are afforded to residents of 130 Rusholme Road. The Juliet balconies are encased in glass, and look just as good to pedestrians on the street as they do from inside. Glass is strategically used in other ways at the IT Lofts, for example sliding doors separate rooms while allowing light from the floor-to-ceiling windows to flow freely.

Fourth-floor unit owners are especially privileged, thanks to the large terraces that come along with these homes. However, thanks to its central locale, the lofts boast excellent views in every direction.

As mentioned above, the IT Lofts are located in Dufferin Grove next to the charming, enduring Little Portugal. While longstanding businesses such as eateries hawking Portuguese egg tarts can be found on virtually every block here, its location and charm has drawn some more contemporary businesses in recent years as well. Due to its placement just west of the city centre, the area is often sought out by creative entrepreneurs in search of cheaper rent and a hip clientele.

The Common is a cozy spot for a coffee, while a fresh loaf of sourdough can be acquired from Prairie Boy Bakery. Residents can also head up to Bloor for some of the city’s best Ethiopian food or an array of quirky cocktail bars. A short trip south will land one amongst carefully curated boutiques on Dundas West, as well as some of the most imaginative and well-executed restaurants in Toronto.

Independent markets along college are ideal for stocking up on fresh fruits and vegetables, however we realize that doesn’t always suffice. Thankfully, a large Metro is located just down the street, on College east of Ossington. Joe’s No Frills at Dufferin Mall is yet another place where residents can find inexpensive staples. And while this mall has been overlooked in the past, a recent major renovation has resulted in one of the best indoor shopping centres in the west end.

Thanks to its Rusholme Road address, residents have easy access to the streetcars that travel along this major road. The streetcar stop at College and Havelock — the very same block as 130 Rusholme Rd — takes only a minute to reach on foot. From here, passengers can ride east toward the Yonge-University-Subway Line, or beyond.

Drivers can also make use of College Street for accessing the city centre. Yonge and Dundas, for example, can be reached in about 15 minutes. Alternatively, when heading out of the city, drivers leaving from 130 Rusholme Road have their options: a northbound trip leads to the 401, southbound to the Gardiner Expressway, or westbound to the 427.