25 Ritchie Avenue

Prospective buyers interested in living in the Roncesvalles Lofts must love yellow. Or, at the very least, they can’t be one of those people who hates the colour. And while residents need not be as unique as the yellow and grey minimalist façade, the style simply isn’t for everyone. Thankfully, though, the soft loft building at 25 Ritchie Avenue stands out without standing out too much.

The overall design may point to the fact that the developers and architects wanted to pay homage to the industrial vibe, however residents who call the Roncesvalles Lofts home also have the opportunity to zen out. The u-shaped building features a courtyard in the centre, ideal for when residents want a break from the industrial atmosphere of the surrounding neighbourhood.

The Toronto lofts at 25 Ritchie were constructed in 2011 by Triumph Developments, and with David Paterson in charge of the architectural designs.

The building boasts just the right amount of amenities: the short but thoughtful list provides comfort and convenience to residents, but also allows them to feel no guilt about spending lots of time out exploring the city. A rock garden and pond can be found in the courtyard, plus homeowners also have access to a party room, shared barbecues, visitor parking, and a meeting room.

Toronto condos for sale at 25 Ritchie range just enough in size for a variety of buyers to take interest in the building. The homes start at around 450 square feet, perfect for a first-time buyer or a young professional who doesn’t want to blow the bank. Alternatively, those looking for a place in which they can raise a family are also in luck, with the largest units in the building reaching to approximately 2,100 square feet.

Nevertheless, throughout the 6 storeys only 56 units can be found, making for an intimate atmosphere at the Roncesvalles Lofts. One or two bedroom units are spread out over one or two levels each, and many have balconies facing inward: toward a private courtyard rather than overlooking busy streets.

All of the homes at 25 Ritchie are especially bright, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows and open concept layouts that allow natural light to flow freely. And for a splash of luxury, kitchens are outfitted with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops.

The Roncesvalles Lofts are, fittingly, located just around the corner from where Roncesvalles Avenue meets Dundas Street West, in the Roncesvalles neighbourhood. Thanks to this locale, residents are steps from the independent shops and trendy bars that have recently been popping up along Bloor West.

Art lovers will also be delighted with the contemporary galleries found tucked away on nearby side streets — these are some of the most innovative in the city. Scrap Metal Gallery, Olga Korper, Gallery TPW, and the likes are also all found within industrial, loft spaces, with the architecture almost competing with the art.

Those heading out to spend a day in the Roncesvalles area might want to bring a picnic blanket when the weather is warm: High Park, Toronto’s largest green space, is just a short walk away. But for those not planning to spend a day in the outdoors, not to worry either, the Revue cinema is a great spot to watch a film. This theatre shows not only Hollywood hits, but also independent and niche films.

In terms of groceries, residents are also well positioned. The expansive Loblaws at Roncesvalles and Bloor West will take all of about 6 minutes to reach on foot. Also next door to Loblaws is an LCBO — the perfect duo to complete one’s shopping before spending a night in.

Traveling to and from 25 Ritchie is a breeze, thanks to its close proximity to Dundas West Station. Residents without cars can use this station to access subway trains that run east and west along the Bloor-Danforth line. And for more immediate transportation within the area, Roncesvalles is even equipped with its own streetcar service.

Alternatively, just a short walk away from Dundas West Station is Bloor Station. Those traveling out of town can reach the UP Express that heads toward Pearson International Airport, or GO trains to neighbouring cities and towns.

Drivers are also in luck. One of the perks of living in west end Toronto is the lack of gridlocks so common in the downtown core. Car owners living at the Roncesvalles Lofts can head west along Bloor to reach the 427, while a quick trip south offers drivers access to the Gardiner Expressway, from which one can visit the city centre in no time.