Down the same laneway as the coach house from a couple of days ago is this much larger building which also seems to have been converted into a dwelling. Most of these laneway buildings in the older, downtown parts of Toronto were originally built in the early 1900s as commercial structures such as dairies, bakeries, mechanic's garages, etc to serve their neighbourhoods. Trying to get permission to construct new spaces in the lanes/alleys is almost impossible so these buildings demand top dollar when they become available. People often leave them looking a bit rough so as not to attract the attention of vandals, etc since they are rather isolated!
I like the look of this one, you could probably do something quite nice with all that space on the roof. I see the taggers found it though.
ReplyDeleteI bet they are very attractive inside.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how big is this building inside!
ReplyDeleteAnd terraces are always cool. ;-)
I'd never heard the term 'laneway' before, but I knew exactly what it means from the picture. Most interesting.
ReplyDeleteYes I can imagine that arched window as a door with a conveyor belt or hoist to move stuff in and out.
ReplyDeleteI wonder why someone would pay high prices to live in a dangerous neighborhood ... an area in which your home is a target for thieves and graffiti artists? From that roof terrace, I'd guess this place has been extensively renovated and is very nice inside!
ReplyDeleteLowell - these aren't dangerous neighbourhoods - anything but. In fact they are all really desirable areas indeed.It is just that these buildings are in the laneways/alleys running behind the houses and between the streets where the garages are so they aren't very visible. Houses in this block sell for $2 Million and up! You need big bucks for a house downtown in Toronto.
ReplyDeleteCool building, I am liking this stroll.
ReplyDeleteI hope it looks nicer on the inside!
ReplyDeleteLook at all that gorgeous brick, I'll bet the inside is spectacular.
ReplyDeleteI think it looks great a little roughed up.
ReplyDeletePat, a pic from the rooftop would be nice,,,M
ReplyDeleteInteresting and full of history. Got to love that.
ReplyDeleteWith that vine on the walls, this house surely will be gorgeous on spring and summer.
ReplyDeletei would love to see the inside and i can imagine roof top dining!
ReplyDeleteSuch an interesting building Red, I see an arched window on the side there, it would be so very interesting to see what it looked like inside.
ReplyDeleteI bet it's really nice inside!
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