75 Markham Street

If you thought authentic hard loft conversions were hard to come by in the Trinity Bellwoods neighbourhood, imagine how rare they must have been in 1986.

Bob Mitchell converted a factory at 75 Markham Street into what is now known as the Oxford Lofts over 20 years ago, before it was even really cool to do so. And while the renovation was carried out decades ago, the heritage property designation for 75 Markham came only in 2015. As the plaque outside explains, the building was constructed in 1927, and additions were made in 1930 and 1936.

The Oxford Lofts takes its name from the original occupier of the building, the Oxford Picture Frame Factory. Benjamin Swartz, who designed dozens of buildings around the city, was the architect, and the owner and factory owner was Samuel Cohen. In case anyone was wondering Cohen’s company still exists today, although the name has since changed to ASI Oxford.

The two-storey building is home to only 16 Toronto lofts, allowing residents to believe (and rightfully so) that they have scored a rare find. And while no common amenities are to be found in 75 Markham, Mitchell did manage to create underground parking for its residents.

It should come as no surprise that there’s plenty of well-preserved brick and wood inside the Oxford Lofts. Other typical hard loft elements are aplenty as well, including exposed ductwork and extremely high ceilings — we’re talking up to 20 feet in certain units.

All of the Toronto condos for sale at 75 Markham span more than one level: many cover two floors while a few even take up three. Sizes range from large to larger, or about 1,000 to 2,000 square feet, allowing residents with kids or pets (or large shoe collections) to consider living in the building.

Wall-to-wall windows and skylights for those living in the uppermost suites allow natural lighting to do its magic, while those who really want to sunbathe will enjoy the outdoor spaces offered to residents living here.

Fireplaces are also a bonus for certain homeowners at the Oxford Lofts. And since there has been plenty of time for previous owners to carry out renovations over the years, each unit looks slightly different in terms of style.

Located in the Trinity Bellwoods neighbourhood, the Oxford Lofts also borders surrounding areas like Kensington Market, Queen West, and Palmerston | Little Italy, each of which has a unique flavor of its own.

A key facet of Trinity Bellwoods is, no doubt, its similarly named park, where people from all over the city gather during the warmer months of the year. Here, available activities include swimming in the indoor pool, ice or roller-skating, tennis, baseball, and of course sunbathing or picnicking.

Along Queen and Dundas, residents can find independent boutiques, cafés, bakeries, and restaurants. Once the sun goes down, these streets get a second wind as they come alive with bar-hoppers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.

In Kensington Market, things take a turn for the funky. Residents exploring this eccentric (and infamous) pocket of the city can expect to find everything from fresh produce and imported cheeses to vintage clothing and furniture and plenty of local art.

And while food is the driving force behind the Little Italy neighbourhood, residents might want to head up to college to catch a film at the Royal Cinema. Built in 1939, this theatre still shows 35mm films, and for those who want to get really nostalgic the theatre plays cartoons and serves up all-you-can-eat cereal on Saturday mornings.

Those in need of groceries have their pick: a walk over to Kensington Market or Chinatown for organic fruit or imported spices is a great choice, while those in need of a one stop shop will love the expansive Loblaws at the corner of Queen and Portland or the Metro on College at Crawford.

It should be no surprise that living so close to Bathurst Street, and equidistant from Queen and Dundas as well, means that traveling to and from the Oxford Lofts is a breeze. Streetcars along Bathurst carry passengers down toward Queens Quay and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, or north toward Bathurst Station on the Bloor-Danforth line.

Those heading east and west can either take a nice stroll over to Osgoode or St. Patrick Station, while someone in a rush will want to forgo the 25-minute walk in favour of a streetcar ride.

Drivers living at 75 Markham also have it quite good, as Bathurst, Dundas, and Queen are all major arterial roads that run right through the downtown core. Alternatively, the Gardiner Expressway is not too far off, and can be accessed via Jameson Avenue or Spadina.