383 Sorauren Avenue

While Sorauren Street may be notorious for its remaining industrial structures, for some it’s refreshing to be surrounded by these buildings, without living directly inside one of them. This must be what the developers behind 383 Sorauren had in mind when creating contemporary soft lofts nestled between historic edifices.

And thanks to its more recent construction date, those opting for a soft loft at 383 Sorauren are afforded a number of first-class amenities. Especially beneficial for residents living a hectic metropolitan lifestyle, these include exercise facilities and shared barbecues in the courtyard. Making life even easier for homeowners in the loft is the modern security system and underground parking available to them.

Not one, not two, but three brains were behind the building of 383 Sorauren: Gairloch Developers, Centrestone Urban Developments Inc., and Peter Clewes. Together, these three managed to create a set of homes that embody innovation in architectural style, while still paying homage to the surrounding area and its past.

The cube-like brick structure is simple and understated, with balconies incorporated, yet set slightly back, so as not to disturb the façade’s industrial look. The building contains 142 modern Toronto lofts, allowing trendy buyers a good chance to see one on the market every now and then. Anyone sold on the building better keep their eyes peeled, however, as the development was sold out before its completion — so these Toronto condos for sale are certainly in demand whenever they're listed.

Sitting at a comfortable 10 storeys high, the soft loft is not too big, yet not too small. Thanks to its mid-rise stature, residents living on the uppermost floors benefit from sprawling views of the city. Balconies, French balconies, and terraces can be found scattered throughout the building.

From inside, the 9 to 10 foot ceilings and large windows allow sunlight to flow freely throughout the entirety of the homes. With almost 150 lofts to play around with the developers were able to include a variety of unit sizes at 383 Sorauren.

While none may be referred to as enormous, those looking for a place for the family will be more than comfortable in the 1,500 square foot units. Those who value spending money over floor space, on the other hand, might opt for the homes closer to 500 square feet.

With elements like engineered hardwood flooring, aluminum-framed sliding doors, and top-of-the-line kitchen appliances, even residents living in the smallest of units will love spending time in their lofts.

Along with the main building, four townhouses are a part of the same complex for those looking for some additional legroom. Other sizable options include the penthouse units, which span two levels and contain up to three bedrooms.

Even three decades after fashionable families began saturating the Roncesvalles neighbourhood, moving in to join the longstanding Polish residents, the appeal has yet to decline. What could be better than tree-lined streets and locally owned businesses, all in the heart of Canada’s foremost urban centre?

Actually, we might be able to top all of that. 383 Sorauren is also less than a 10-minute walk from Toronto’s largest green space: High Park. Here, one can spend an entire day exploring the park’s 400 acres, or visit one of its many recreational facilities. High Park boasts a zoo, gardens, off-leash dog area, swimming pool and splash pad, ice hockey rink, tennis courts, and more. In the summertime, those interested in theatre can even catch a Shakespeare in the Park production here.

And while this area might not be as bustling as, say, Yonge and Dundas, that’s all part of the draw for the locals living in Roncesvalles. Bakeries, bookshops, movie theatres and more can all be found here, plus the businesses in the area tend to come with a friendliness that simply cannot be found elsewhere.

Residents living at 383 Sorauren benefit from their homes being set far from the gridlocked core of the city. Drivers can cruise along Dundas Street West in order to reach other neighbourhoods, while others might choose the TTC — especially because that means never having to find a parking space.

The Bloor-Danforth subway line is also only 12 minutes away on foot, where travelers can reach Dundas West Station, as well as the Bloor GO/UP station. This way, those heading out of the city can reach Pearson International Airport in less than an hour — and that’s without a car.

As for those who prefer to take to the streets on two wheels, the Martin Goodman Trail is an excellent way for cyclists to traverse the width of the city: this car-free route hugs the shores of Lake Ontario for a staggering 56 kilometers.