Tannery Lofts

Anyone who becomes elated by that new car smell will feel very much at home at 736 Dundas Street East. Conversely, scents from these lofts’ days as a tannery are nowhere to be found, because the structure was never actually used to produce leather. Instead, the name given to the Tannery Lofts might simply be a ploy to evoke thoughts of Toronto’s industrial history.

The building at 736 Dundas East has, however, functioned as some sort of factory since its construction in 1913. Before being converted to Toronto lofts in 2007, this building was home to the Adam Beck Cigar Box Manufacturing Company. As of late, the structure has obtained its status as a heritage building, for its historical implication as well as its architectural style.

As more than simply a designer of structures, Lyle once helped to advance entire cities as well. The architect and urban planner was an active constituent of the City Beautiful Movement, a late 19th century attempt to revamp the aesthetics of North American cities. Most notably for Torontonians, Lyle was the architect behind the Royal Alexandra Theatre on King Street West.

Today, 45 homes known as the Tannery Lofts inhabit Lyle’s early 20th century construction at 736 Dundas East. This intimate group of hard lofts span 7 storeys, making for a truly boutique feel. Turn of the century industrial masonry, spread with slightly curved warehouse windows, offers a character-rich backdrop for contemporary homeowners to make a life in.

And while there may be no crazy maintenance fees here, the catch is a similar lack of amenities. Many resourceful urbanites can get by without common services built right in, however for others this might be a strike against the development.