426 Queen Street E

The Knitting Mill Lofts offers loft seekers everything they could possibly dream of — except for availability, that is. If we were to name the biggest flaw at 426 Queen Street East, it would be that with only 28 units in the entire building, Toronto condos for sale here are exclusive as ever.

This low-rise building is understated, thanks to its grey concrete finish. A distinguishable circular window sits atop the arched main doorway, adding a hint of flare. Once inside, a single freight elevator is available to carry residents to and from their homes, although with only four sets of stairs to climb, impatient types will prefer to just walk.

While the Knitting Mill Lofts are located amongst many other loft conversions in the Regent Park neighbourhood, this building is no copycat. The building at 426 Queen East was one of the earliest industrial structures in the city to be converted into residential lofts.

The original building itself is also one of the oldest in the city, and has rightly been given a heritage designation. After almost 100 years, however, 426 Queen East was ready for a facelift and Paul De Haas was ready to provide it. As a result, the former fabric factory has been known as the Knitting Mill Lofts as of 1998.

The individual units at the Knitting Mill Lofts range considerably in size and shape, as well as in style. Thanks to the small number of units, each was able to receive individual attention during the renovation process. One penthouse unit, for example, was re-renovated just after being purchased, resulting in a truly open concept home with multiple skylights for the utmost natural sunlight.

Square footage at 426 Queen East starts at around 550 and reached to approximately 1,400. The largest of units in the building contain two bedrooms, while generously sized windows make even the more humbly sized lofts feel bright and spacious. Plus, open concept floorplans grace many of the units at 426 Queen East, meaning these rays reach every corner from kitchens to living rooms and even home offices.

In terms of those design elements sought after by anyone interested in an authentic loft, these features are aplenty at the Knitting Mill Lofts. Exposed ductwork and slatted wooden ceilings are found overhead, while red brick envelops the units as well.

Although the building doesn’t offer much in the way of common amenities, residents can find everything they need within walking distance of their homes. Parks surround 426 Queen East, including the recently redeveloped Corktown Common, Regent Park with its aquatic centre and greenhouses, and even Riverdale Park just beyond that.

The FreshCo at Dundas and Parliament is a great place to grab groceries, and can be reached in less than 10 minutes on foot. Alternatively, a 20-minute walk or a 10-minute streetcar ride will land residents of the Knitting Mill Lofts at St. Lawrence Market, where cravings for everything from peameal bacon sandwiches to fresh Montreal bagels can be satisfied. This market was even named one of the world’s best food markets by National Geographic.

A quick streetcar ride along Queen in either direction will land residents in two distinctive — but equally exciting — neighbourhoods. Leslieville, just to the east, is laid back and community oriented, with loads of independent businesses run by the neighbours themselves. Queen West, on the other hand, is slightly grittier and equally livelier. Here, concert venues and cocktail bars share the land with both global brands and local boutiques

Traveling around the city is simple for residents of the loft. While those with cars have a slight advantage when embarking on longer journeys, those without can explore the city without having to worry about battling it out for a parking spot.

With its location nearby the intersection of Queen and King Streets East, travelers taking the TTC can use either of these routes to access the financial district, the Yonge subway line, or anywhere else in the downtown core. Alternatively, anyone looking to connect with the Bloor-Danforth line can hop on the 65 Parliament Street bus.

Drivers will make great use of King, Queen, and Parliament Streets on the regular, as well as the faster-paced highways that lie nearby. The Gardiner Expressway and the Don Valley Parkway are both just a short drive away from the Knitting Mill Lofts, from which residents can connect to the suburbs, as well as Pearson International Airport.