A hard loft is a classic loft apartment that is designed within an old, repurposed, and renovated commercial or industrial building, such as a factory or warehouse. Also known as conversion lofts, these spaces tend to have original, exposed infrastructure like exposed brick walls and wood beams, which gives them a unique historical charm. If hard lofts are your thing, be sure to keep an eye out for the latest authentic loft listings in the following buildings.

1.  Candy Factory Lofts - 993 Queen Street West

Built/Converted: 1907/1999

# of Units: 121

Storeys: 6

Building Amenities: exercise room, party/meeting room, guest suite, visitor parking

Interesting Points: One of Toronto's first major loft conversions that made history and was originally a sweets production facility for 25 years.  Producing the candy we all know - Rockets.

2.  Toy Factory Lofts - 43 Hanna Ave

Built/Converted: 1900's/2008

# of Units: 218

Storeys: 8

Building Amenities: Gym, Party Room, Rooftop Deck, Sauna, Guest Suites, Concierge, Visitors Parking & More

Interesting Points: Low maintenance fees per square foot, High ceilings throughout building, located in the buzzing Liberty Village area.

3. Broadview Lofts - 68 Broadview Ave

Built/Converted: 1914/2007

# of Units: 154

Storeys: 6

Building Amenities: Party Room, Rooftop Deck, Concierge, Visitors Parking & More

Interesting Points: Originally a warehouse for the Rexall pharmacy, a drug distribution company. Two additional floors were added atop of the heritage structure. Each unit has an open concept layout and 12-ft ceilings!

4. The Merchandise Lofts - 155 Dalhousie

Built/Converted: 1910-1949/1999

# of Units: 480

Storeys: 13

Building Amenities: Pool, Sauna, Gym, Party Room, Rooftop Deck, Concierge, Visitors Parking & More

Interesting Points: The Merchandise Lofts boasts rich history. Built in various stages from 1910-1949 for the Simpson's department store, and later owned by Sears Canada after Simpson's demise, the Merchandise Building at over 1,000,000 square feet (93,000 m²) is one of the largest buildings by floor area in downtown Toronto.

5. The Brock Lofts - 27 Brock Ave

Built/Converted: 1900's/2003

# of Units: 2

Storeys: 24

Building Amenities: Rooftop Deck, Concierge

Interesting Points: Once home to the Eureka Refrigerator Factory, a bakery and the Canadian Symphonola Talking Machine Company.

6. Imperial Lofts - 90 Sherbourne St

Built/Converted: 1910/1998

# of Units: 65

Storeys: 6

Building Amenities: Gym, Party Room, Rooftop Deck, Concierge

Interesting Points: The Imperial Lofts is the rebirth of the old Imperial Optical Warehouse and Office Building. The complex consists of two historic buildings; one served as a warehouse for coffee and spice merchants, and  the other an Art Deco factory and office building for the Surgical Supply Co., later Imperial Surgical.

7. Chocolate Company Lofts - 955 Queen St W

Built/Converted: 1907/2005

# of Units: 144

Storeys: 6

Building Amenities: Gym, Party Room, Rooftop Deck, Concierge

Interesting Points: Formerly the Paterson Chocolate factory in the Queen West neighbourhood.  All units have exposed duct work, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and 10.5 ft concrete ceilings and polished concrete floors.

8. Tip Top Lofts - 637 Lakeshore Blvd W

Built/Converted: 1929/2006

# of Units: 256

Storeys: 11

Building Amenities: Pool, Sauna, Gym, Party Room, Rooftop Deck, Concierge, Visitors Parking & More

Interesting Points: Housed the manufacturing, warehousing, retail and office operations of Tip Top Tailors Ltd., a menswear firm founded in 1910 by Polish immigrant David Dunkelman.

9. Feather Factory Lofts - 2154 Dundas St W

Built/Converted: 1919/2008

# of Units: 44

Storeys: 5

Building Amenities: Party Room.

Interesting Points: Served as home to a down duvet manufacturer among other light manufacturing purposes. Most floors have 11 foot ceilings while the penthouse level is distinguish by its soaring 14.5-foot ceilings.

10. Argyle Lofts - 183 Dovercourt Rd

Built/Converted: 1873/2007

# of Units: 86

Storeys: 6

Building Amenities: Visitors Parking.

Interesting Points: Served as home to the Ideal Bread Company, each level has its own unique large windows design, reflecting the original separation - by factory floors - of the processes of bread production. Was later used as a bakery until 1957.

To browse the latest lofts for sale and rent, visit Dwelly and get in touch with our team for any questions and viewing requests.