Toy Factory Lofts

Even if the skeleton is already in place, the redevelopment of an existing building is no simple feat. Take the hard lofts at 43 Hanna Avenue, in Liberty Village neighbourhood, for example. For this building’s conversion from a factory to a condo, both an architectural firm and a developer worked together to renovate, demolish, and create.

Lanterra Developments and Quadrangle Architects were the tag team behind the Toy Factory Lofts, which Torontonians have been able to call home since 2008. The original structure, however, was built nearly a century earlier. Back in the day, the Toy Factory Lofts was just that — a toy factory.

To be precise, 43 Hanna housed a paper production factory first, for Hinde and Dauch. It wasn’t until 1940 that the building was purchased by the Irwin family, who would then manage the largest toy company in Canada for the next half century. Until 2001, when the company was sold to private investors, the building was responsible for churning out Care Bears, Easy Bake Ovens, Hula Hoops, and other childhood favourites.

While the sale of Irwin Toys meant one thing for that industry, Torontonians certainly benefited from the factory’s closure. Liberty Village had, at the time, been experiencing a massive growth — in businesses, in homes, and in popularity. It only made sense, then, that Lanterra would opt to bestow the neighbourhood with 213 additional residences.

The Toy Factory Lofts is a prime example of how the old and the new can coexist in harmony with one another. The building’s red brick, industrial-style exterior allures passersby with its historical charm. The modern sign, with its bold white lettering, lets everyone in on a little secret: authentic hard lofts lie within.

Plus, the building is like a toy store for adults: a wide array of amenities is available for residents to enjoy, including a business centre, guest suites, a concierge, a party room, and a modern fitness centre. And while loads of amenities can often equate to hefty monthly fees, the board of trustees is among the city’s most competent. This means that residents can enjoy the amenities described above, as well as some of the lowest monthly fees in the city.

For their efforts, readers will be glad to hear that Lanterra and Quadrangle were duly rewarded. On top of seven awards for its design, the building received an award for Project of the Year from the Greater Toronto’s Homebuilders Association. What better way to celebrate a building’s centenary than ensuring it will last for yet another lifetime?