264 Seaton Street

The name of the building at 264 Seaton Street exudes that old-timey nostalgia loft owners so often crave. Say it a few times and see for yourself: the Evening Telegram Lofts.

This Seaton Street structure was once the headquarters of the Toronto Evening Telegram, a daily newspaper that had been in print for almost a century, from the late 1800’s to the paper’s folding in 1971. Colloquially known as the “Tely,” this daily at one point enjoyed the largest readership in the city.

Following a 30-year hiatus, the building was ultimately given a new purpose in 2003. The conversion process favoured restoration over wreckage, resulting in modern homes within a character-rich heritage building. The residence now provides 10 Toronto lofts all of which are authentic conversion units.

The suites contained by this charming structure are dramatic as can be. Minimalists may prefer the unfussy one-bedroom lofts, but three-bedroom units spanning multiple floors are the real showstoppers of the Evening Telegram Lofts.

In one unit, an impressive skylight directly above sheds light on a spiral staircase; the mezzanine level above the dining area is accessed via a hatch door and ladder; windows come in dazzling half-moon shapes.

While every unit is different, exposed brick walls, concrete floors, 14-foot ceilings, and rooftop terraces are some common selling points for the Evening Telegram Lofts. Toronto condos for sale in the building range from approximately 500 to 3,000 square feet, meaning there really is something for everyone.

Cabbagetown is a delightful pocket just east of the downtown core of Toronto. The area, where poverty in the 1800’s forced residents to live mainly off homegrown cabbage to survive (hence the name), is now thriving. Perhaps the well-preserved Victorian architecture is what has drawn prosperous residents to Cabbagetown in recent years: today, the neighbourhood contains the largest collection of this style of home in North America.

While gentrification was key to Cabbagetown’s growth, today the area embraces a dynamic mixture of income levels, professions, and interests. On residential streets such as Seaton, homes stir up images of 19th century newsboys. Not to worry, progressive institutions such as Toronto Metropolitan University and the Eaton Centre just to the west of the loft reminds residents of Toronto’s forward-thinking attitude.

The Evening Telegram Lofts are also surrounded by some of the city’s best green spots. Allan Gardens is steps from the lofts at 264 Seaton Street, and offers an off-leash area for dogs. Just down Gerrard is the southern tip of Riverdale Park. Once inside the park, explorers can enjoy over 100 acres of green, including the multi-sports fields, swimming pool, zoo, outdoor hockey rink, and even the area of grass that doubles as an outdoor movie theatre during the summers.

For practicality’s sake, there is a FreshCo on Parliament Street, a Rabba Fine Foods on Jarvis, or the Seaton Supermarket less than 100 metres away. St. Lawrence Market offers another great option for fresh produce and other tasty treats.

From the Evening Telegram Lofts, College subway station on the Yonge line can be reached in less than 10 minutes via streetcar, or only 15 on foot. From here, residents are able to explore the entirety of Toronto with ease. Streetcars along Carlton or Dundas are ideal east-west routes for those opting for public transit as well.

Driving from 264 Seaton Street is equally straightforward. Jarvis, Sherbourne, and Parliament are great north-south arteries that are relatively less heavily trafficked than their more central counterparts, such as Yonge or University. The Don Valley Parkway can be reached quickly via Parliament Street, allowing for easy connections with the 401 to the north or the Gardiner Expressway to the south. With access to these highways, any corner of Toronto is within reach.