289 Sumach Street

Sometimes when the terms exclusive or intimate are used, they imply buildings that are just cozy enough for neighbours to recognize one another in the lobby. The 289 Sumach Lofts, however, is much more special than that.

The entire building is broken up into only 10 Toronto lofts, and ones that also happen to sell extremely fast: one home that came up on the market in 2014 was sold within a mere 24 hours.

The two-storey, Romanesque Revival building was constructed in 1890, and has since achieved a well-deserved heritage status. What is now a stunning hard loft conversion was originally home to the Ontario Medical College for Women, an institution with quite the history.

This was the locale where women doctors were trained during turn of the century, after Dr. Emily Stowe established the College. Stowe also happens to be the first Canadian woman doctor (and also a suffragist). The college functioned until 1905, when women were finally allowed to study medicine at the University of Toronto, and from 1906 to 1980s it served various industrial purposes.

Bob Mitchell developed the edifice in 1985, at which time he created 10 modern homes. He was able, thankfully, to preserve the majority of original façade in the process. While the only amenity at 289 Sumach is parking, residents have yet to complain, thanks to the idyllic locale and vintage aesthetics. And to top it all off, those with furry friends will be glad to learn that 289 Sumach is a pet-friendly community.

With only 10 units to choose from, it’s a good thing most of the Toronto condos for sale here are around the same size. Each hovers at around 1,000 square feet, perfect for competitive buyers who easily become jealous.

Beyond their size, however, there are still some less than subtle differences between the units. The hard lofts at 289 Sumach span either one or two levels each, and some boast patios or terraces. They feature one or two bedrooms, and some come equipped with offices, working fireplaces, lockers, or garages as well.

What all these homes have in common, however, are the original elements that have been preserved for over 100 years now. These include exposed brick, wooden beams, hardwood flooring, skylights, and vaulted ceilings. The result is a small collection of warm and nostalgic lofts that feel more like homes than condominiums.

The lofts at 289 Sumach are positioned between the residential Cabbagetown neighbourhood and the recently revitalized Regent Park area. Also nearby is Riverdale Park and the laid-back Riverdale neighbourhood.

Generally, the area is tranquil and charming, all the while not far off from busy intersections like Yonge and Dundas, or attractions such as the Eaton Centre.

Active types living at 289 Sumach will love living so close to Riverdale Park, which boasts over 100 acres of green space to explore, plus facilities like a swimming pool and skating rink, and even a fully functioning farm.

Foodies, on the other hand, will love living so close to East Chinatown. The smaller, lesser-frequented Chinatown than that on Spadina Avenue, this stretch of Gerrard East is home to some of the city’s best (and most affordable) Pho and Banh Mi. Beyond this, epicurean explorers will find Little India, with countless restaurants and shops ready and waiting.

Grocery shopping will also feel like less of a chore for residents, thanks to Cosimo’s No Frills, which is just a 7-minute walk away. Those looking for specialty items, on the other hand, can always take a quick drive or TTC ride down to St. Lawrence Market.

Living so close to Gerrard Street East has its perks, including easy access to the 306 and 506 streetcars. From here, residents can ride over to College Station on the Yonge subway line in just over 10 minutes. Castle Frank Station, on the Bloor-Danforth line, can also be reached in about 15 minutes via the 65 Parliament bus. From here, passengers can hop onto a subway train heading east or west.

Drivers can use River Street to access the Bayview Extension, which will carry them all the way uptown. Alternatively, the Don Valley Parkway and the Gardiner Expressway are also both close at hand.

Cyclists are also in luck, at least until the weather gets the best of them. Sumach, Sackville, and Wellesley are all bike-friendly routes, while those using two wheels to commute can also head south in order to connect with Shuter, Richmond, or Adelaide Streets.