Thursday, March 8, 2012

Another Laneway House


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!

17 comments:

Paul in Powell River said...

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.

EG CameraGirl said...

I bet they are very attractive inside.

LĂșcia said...

I wonder how big is this building inside!
And terraces are always cool. ;-)

Sallie (FullTime-Life.com said...

I'd never heard the term 'laneway' before, but I knew exactly what it means from the picture. Most interesting.

Deb said...

Yes I can imagine that arched window as a door with a conveyor belt or hoist to move stuff in and out.

Lowell said...

I 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!

RedPat said...

Lowell - 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.

Regina K said...

Cool building, I am liking this stroll.

Halcyon said...

I hope it looks nicer on the inside!

ArtandArchitecture-SF.com said...

Look at all that gorgeous brick, I'll bet the inside is spectacular.

Randy said...

I think it looks great a little roughed up.

Michael Rowland said...

Pat, a pic from the rooftop would be nice,,,M

Sandy said...

Interesting and full of history. Got to love that.

Unknown said...

With that vine on the walls, this house surely will be gorgeous on spring and summer.

Tanya Breese said...

i would love to see the inside and i can imagine roof top dining!

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Such 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.

Melbourne Australia Photos said...

I bet it's really nice inside!