766 King Street W

The quaint Tecumseth Lofts might be home to only 28 Toronto lofts, but it sure packs a punch in terms of history and charm. While converted industrial buildings are aplenty in the King West neighbourhood, the hard lofts at 766 King Street West have been carved from a former commercial warehouse, allowing them to stand out from the crowd.

At the time of its renovation, however, there was less of a crowd to stand out from. The conversion of 776 King West began in 1998, when authentic hard lofts were still climbing in popularity. Harhay Construction Management was in charge of this process, and with only four storeys to deal with these developers had ample opportunity to focus on quality.

Today, retail storefronts occupy the ground floor, with satisfied residents above. And while the red brick is classic as can be, small details like concrete cornices and white window bars make for an interesting overall architectural design.

The developers behind the Tecumseth Lofts probably understood the varied needs and tastes of Toronto buyers, as this foresight is reflected in the range of sizes for King West condos for sale available at 766 King Street West. One-bedroom suites start at approximately 700 square feet, while larger ones can span upwards of 1,200.

While even some of the smaller lofts span 2 floors, the penthouse units are the real showstoppers here. These three-storey homes boast three bedrooms, spacious terraces, and ceiling heights of up to 20 feet.

Some nods to the building’s past are noticeable as well, such as the exposed ductwork and metal spiral staircases. The average ceiling height may be closer to 11 feet, but this is still a sufficient height for making the lofts feel large and airy.

Maple flooring can also be found throughout the lofts at 766 King Street West, with some exceptions depending on the loft, of course. Yet another variable subject to change is the outdoor space: some homes boast terraces, while others feature more modestly sized balconies.

766 King Street West may be situated in the core of a metropolitan city, but its immediate surroundings offer the best of both worlds. While residents step out of their front doorsteps and onto King West, a short walk west lands one in between two parks, Stanley Park North and South. Here, dogs can roam free in the off-leash area, while neighbours can gather for a dip in the outdoor swimming pool during summer months.

The lofts at 766 King Street West are also surrounded by a number of unassuming, yet impressive contemporary art galleries. Set back on less-trafficked streets like Niagara and Tecumseth, don’t expect the same kind of lineups or ticket prices as you’ll find at the Art Gallery of Ontario.

Only a few blocks north is the famed West Queen West, an area that has become even more hip since Vogue named it the world’s second coolest neighbourhood in 2014. Here, boutiques, galleries, and a seemingly endless selection of dining options awaits.

Other areas within reach include Liberty Village, where former factories have been repurposed to please modern urbanites. Yet another walkable spot is Kensington Market, filled with eclectic shops, independent and organic groceries, and even a number of cheese boutiques. Since this spot has become a tourist attraction (for good reason), visiting on a weekday is a wise choice when one’s schedule allows for it.

As previously mentioned, the lofts are located in the heart of Toronto. Thanks to this prime real estate, residents can move about the city with ease.

Those without cars can ride the King streetcar that heads toward St. Andrew Station on the University-Spadina line. In terms of north-south travel, the TTC service along Bathurst Street even runs 24 hours a day. Even making a quick getaway is possible, as Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is only 10 minutes away via the Bathurst streetcar, while Pearson International can be reached in under one hour by using the UP service from Union Station.

Residents taking to the streets on wheels are also well situated, whether this means horsepower or pedal power. Richmond and Adelaide are great east-west routes with one-way traffic and bicycle lanes on each.

While cyclists may want to sit this one out, the Gardiner Expressway will come in handy for drivers living at 766 King Street West. This highway can be accessed via Jameson or Spadina Avenue, to the west or the east, respectively. Those traveling by bike can, however, use the Martin Goodman Trail, which hugs the southern edge of the city for a scenic ride along the shore of Lake Ontario.