The interior of the apartment is contemporary and rich in details, integrating artistic elements with industrial ones. The predominant color on the walls and ceiling is white and a dark reflective floor offers contrast along with the dark tones of the side walls that are painted black.

The overall neutral tones create a very elegant ambiance with long white curtains adding privacy and large windows allowing a good view of the surroundings. The lounge area is separated from the kitchen through a large island and the second floor is accessed through a spiraling staircase that also acts as a sculptural element in the living area. Another interesting characteristic of this space is that there is a separate room for the motorcycle so that it also becomes a part of the ambiance.

The Wrigley Lofts are the real deal. This is the type of place you picture when you think of a hard loft. No cookie-cutters here. There are multiple lofts in this former factory – each unit is unique with different finishes and layouts – from the floors to the lighting. The first owners got the space from the developer about as raw as possible so each person put their own stamp on their unit. Because the ceilings are so extraordinary, many units have a mezzanine level and some even have direct freight-elevator access. Like in the movies. Except you are the hero.

Suites feature original industrial windows, 14-foot ceilings, original concrete mushroom-style columns and the exposed pipes and duct work that one would expect in a true hard loft conversion. One of the best things about this building is the uniqueness of individual suites. Original purchasers of this building bought raw space from the developer for about $100/square foot, and each owner made these blank canvasses their own – consequently no two suites in the building are alike.

This triplex in leafy Etobicoke has remained with the same family since 1952. Originally a rental property, it belonged to the present homeowner’s father, a Toronto builder, who maintained it with such care that daughter Carol Carter says “it was always one of the nicest triplexes in the neighbourhood.”

Her father passed away a few years ago, prompting Ms. Carter to want to move into the house herself.

She would live upstairs, with her newly widowed mother occupying the main floor apartment. A brother would take the lower level.

“With dad gone, her own house was too much for her,” Ms. Carter says. “Having her live with us would give us peace of mind.”

Her husband, the architect Ron Carter, drew up some plans with the idea of renovating the original property to suit all their needs. His long-time real-estate agent Ronald Sturino took one look at them and said forget it: “Tear it down!”

Mr. Carter allows that it was the better idea.

“Besides the changes we were going to make, a renovation was going to be more difficult and more expensive than what we had originally anticipated,” says Mr. Carter, whose company builds automotive showrooms across Canada, among other projects.

“It wasn’t going to achieve what we really wanted to do.”

With the blessings of his wife and in-laws, he razed the old property in 2002 before rebuilding a new triplex completely from scratch.

The project called for three distinct apartments, one each for the new occupants who were able to customize their own units according to their individual tastes and needs.

The result is a smorgasbord of a house offering a variety of architectural styles and interior designs under one roof.

The mother-in-law apartment, for example, is traditional and cozy with a formal dining room, accent pillars, frosted-glass windows, an antique fireplace in the living room and a three-piece, white Carrera marble bathroom. The two-bedroom suite has a master with a walk-out to backyard patio, where an old maple provides ample shade in the summer months.

In sharp contrast is son Michael Natan Infuso’s apartment on the lower level, a study in Zen minimalism. This two-bedroom Asian-inspired retreat features an open-concept kitchen with white bulkhead cabinetry, extra-density matte-black granite counters and stainless-steel appliances. The master bedroom has a custom-made Japanese shoji screen concealing a built-in clothes closet and an integrated sound system.

The Carters’ own suite on the upper level is the most ambitious – if not spectacular – of the three.

Inspired by the loft-style apartments of New York and featuring exposed duct work, raw brick, and a chic white-and-black decor, the apartment is spread over two storeys and is hung with original art work and more chandeliers than a boutique hotel.

At 2,800 square feet, it is also double the size of each of the other units. A vaulted ceiling that reaches as high as 18 feet at the peak and a lack of doors and walls creates a feeling of spaciousness as well as grandeur.

“The volume of space makes it feel luxurious,” Mr. Carter says.

Capitalizing on the generous ceiling heights on the first level of the loft, the spaces are linked by many variations in level, the architectural promenade manifesting as ramps and steps evocative of the outdoors. With ebony wood veneer panels the ground floor comprising of kitchen, living, dining, study / guest quarters and ensiute is intentionally dark and chiaroscuro.

Accessed by a bird-cage / tree-like spiral stair, the second level by contrast is bright and airy as if one were to reach the top of a tree. With spectacular views of downtown, a large deck with dining and lounge areas is envisioned as an extension of the master bedroom.

Inside, the minimalist interiors feature white walls and ceilings that bounce light around and light up every corner. Hanging on the clean bright walls, artwork catches the eye and creates an art-gallery atmosphere. Suspended from the industrial-chic two-storey ceiling, three Vitra cloud pendants by renowned Canadian architect Frank Gehry define the dining area in this open concept loft plan. A set of extra wide stairs leads up to an unexpected feature in this urban home – the rooftop garden house indeed has lots of surprises in store!

The Wrigley Building is located in the burgeoning area of Leslieville, a part of the city you’ll see develop more and more as it attracts a greater number of loft-owners, who typically keep pulse with contemporary style.

This historic building was originally a Wrigley’s warehouse before undergoing a true loft conversion. It was built in 1907 and converted into 79 hard loft units in 1998. It’s in the heart of the Film District, and ideally located close to The Beaches, Downtown and an easy walk to The Danforth, the Queen Street streetcar, Shops and Restaurants.

The units are true open concept loft live/work spaces with 13.5′ ceilings, exposed brick and wood beams, concrete floors, large fluted columns and floor to ceiling warehouse windows. Many have metal Spiral Stairs to raised mezzanine master bedrooms. Maintenance fees are low due to limited amenities. Many owners have done considerable renovations and upgrades to their suites. This building is considered great value for a loft conversion.

The penthouse is the crown jewel of the Abbey Lofts, as it is the buildingâ€s most church-like one, with features such as leaded-glass windows and exposed limestone walls. Steps away from High Park, this church-turned-condo complex has a long history. Built in 1911 for a Methodist parish, the structure switched affiliations a few times—United in 1925, then evangelical in 1970—before turning into residences in 2008.

Outside, the 90-foot-high square campanile (bell tower) is clad in light-grey limestone. Inside, many of the original elements of the 1911 Edwardian interior have been retained, like exposed limestone walls, stained-glass cathedral windows and 25-foot ceilings in places.

Beyond the obvious “we live in a bell tower” boast, new residents can show off their books in the many main-floor shelving units. Between the library vibe and the stone walls, the place has a heady, Halloween feel. The rooftop terrace, complete with turrets, provides the perfect place to relive childhood games of King of the Castle.

“Heâ€s got a lot of wit in the decor, which you rarely see,” says listing agent Lynn Tribbling – as the loft is currently for sale. “A lot of these listings … they are so serious. You feel like youâ€ve been to a museum. This one, you walk in and you see these little surprises everywhere.” Like whimsical “wall spirits” – half sculptures protruding from the walls – and visual puns including a “holy cow” and a “sacred lamb.”

Originally a printing press factory, this Toronto building was converted into lofts many years ago. Since then, the units are in dire need of an update, and require a reconsideration for the interaction between original features with comfortable living. The project was an exploration of increasing efficiency and flexibility within an already open-space, as well as introducing elements that will offer a sense of spatial division. The design intent was to accentuate original features, and give attention to the quality of living in a loft.

Photography by John Heineman

via CONTEMPORIST