6 Bartlett Avenue

The Bartlett Loft Towns were one of the first authentic loft conversions in the city, however today they read as anything but amateur. Rather, the lofts at 6 Bartlett Avenue defined originality and innovation before Toronto even knew the protocol for a successful hard loft conversion.

Thanks to developer Allan D. Gordon Associates and their innovative foresight, the Bartlett Loft Towns serve as inspiration for redevelopments of defunct spaces with so much hidden potential. The developer’s triumph with the Bartlett Loft Towns was even recognized by the province, as it was honoured with an Ontario Renew Award in 1985. The project left a lasting impression on Toronto’s real estate market, as today loft conversions are the most desired style of condo in the city.

Prior to its conversion into thirteen highly sought after Toronto lofts, the building was utilized for a number of industrial purposes, including twine production, automotive repair, and fishing tackle manufacturing.

The building dates back to at least 1947, as an aerial map of Toronto taken in that year, courtesy of the Toronto Archives, includes the 6 Bartlett Avenue structure. However, some difficulty lies in finding the exact date the building was erected, as no aerial photographs of Bartlett Avenue exist in the archives prior to 1947. A cursory glance at the building’s exterior architectural style suggests that it was built sometime in the mid-20th century, when minimalism and concrete were in fashion.

After browsing through Goad’s Atlas of Toronto (via the blog ‘recursion’), however, we discovered a map that provides a good estimate of the year Bartlett Lofts were built. 6 Bartlett and 8 Bartlett seem to suddenly appear on the map after 1910, and before 1903. The 1910 map even offers information about the original material of the building.

Incredibly enough, 6 Bartlett was constructed of wood over a century ago.

Once inside, it's difficult not to notice the stunning exposed brick in the 6 Bartlett Avenue lofts. While given a slight facelift during its 1985 redevelopment, the attractive early 20th century industrial design is still intact at the Bartlett Loft Towns.

Quality hardwood floors contrast with exposed ductwork for that distinctive loft feel. Private rooftop patios and wood burning fireplaces offer additional luxury to the charm already in place in the units.

Most of the Toronto condos for sale here span three floors, and around 1,400 square feet, providing enough space for those looking to raise a family without compromising location or style. And for drivers, nothing beats a parking space in a sheltered garage.

Dovercourt & Wallace Emerson-Junction is a name that has yet to become household, which makes it all the more magical. The neighbourhood is enjoying that grace period just before utter gentrification, when its time in the limelight will equate to soaring prices.

Dovercourt Park and the Wallace-Emerson subsection are primarily residential, with local businesses sprouting up along major arteries such as Bloor Street West and Dupont Street. From Portuguese egg tarts, to public art studies, live music, and mom and tot yoga, commerce in Dovervourt caters to its neighbours perfectly, without that overwhelming sense of consumerism found in downtown Toronto.

With Bloor Street lining the southern edge of the neighbourhood, the Bartlett Lofts are conveniently located for both drivers and those who use public transit.

As a major artery, Bloor provides a quick route for those travelling east or west in the city, as well as connections to north-south streets such as Dufferin and Ossington.

For those who rely on public transportation, Ossington and Dufferin subway stations are mere minutes away, from which the whole city is readily accessible.