ADDRESS: 637 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Unit 1007
NEIGHBOURHOOD: Niagara
AGENT: Graham Connaughton, Sotheby’s International Realty
PRICE: $1,399,000
THE PLACE: A two-level penthouse in the Tip Top Lofts. Easily one of Toronto’s most recognizable condos, the U-shaped, Art Deco–style structure has stood by the lake since 1929. When adding six extra storeys in 2006, the developer kept the original rooftop sign but adjusted it to its jaunty new angle.
BRAGGING RIGHTS: Aspiring sommeliers and devoted tipplers will appreciate the wine room off the kitchen, which can hold over 150 bottles. The space was originally meant to be a powder room—there’s still a rough-in for it—but, really, a nook full of wine seems like a way better choice.
BIG SELLING POINT: Frequent flyers can slip out of bed a few minutes before check-in, since the Island airport is five minutes away.
POSSIBLE DEAL BREAKER: The green space and soothing lake views may not make up for the traffic on Lake Shore, or the cut-off feeling that comes with living south of the Gardiner.
BY THE NUMBERS:
• $1,399,000
• Over 1,950 square feet
• $1,225.74 monthly maintenance fees
• 255-square-foot terrace
• 83 years of history
• 12-foot ceilings
• 2 floors
• 2 bedrooms
• 2 bathrooms
• 1 wine room
130084 The Tip Top Tailors building, which housed a clothing manufacturer in the 1920s, was converted into condos in 2006 (Image: James J. Burry) 637 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Unit 1007 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_intro-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_intro.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_intro.jpg 656 430 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/condomonium-637-lake-shore-boulevard-west/slide/apr12hotwlakeshore_intro/ apr12hotwlakeshore_intro 0 0
The Tip Top Tailors building, which housed a clothing manufacturer in the 1920s, was converted into condos in 2006 (Image: James J. Burry)
130073 The kitchen and living areas are on the second level of the two-storey loft (Image: James J. Burry) 637 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Unit 1007 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_10-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_10.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_10.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/condomonium-637-lake-shore-boulevard-west/slide/apr12hotwlakeshore_10/ apr12hotwlakeshore_10 0 0
The kitchen and living areas are on the second level of the two-storey loft (Image: James J. Burry)
130067 The living space has access to the 255-square-foot terrace (Image: James J. Burry) 637 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Unit 1007 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_16-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_16.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_16.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/condomonium-637-lake-shore-boulevard-west/slide/apr12hotwlakeshore_16/ apr12hotwlakeshore_16 0 0
The living space has access to the 255-square-foot terrace (Image: James J. Burry)
130071 The condo has hardwood floors throughout (Image: James J. Burry) 637 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Unit 1007 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_12-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_12.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_12.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/condomonium-637-lake-shore-boulevard-west/slide/apr12hotwlakeshore_12/ apr12hotwlakeshore_12 0 0
The condo has hardwood floors throughout (Image: James J. Burry)
130069 Living space and wine room, second level (Image: James J. Burry) 637 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Unit 1007 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_14-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_14.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_14.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/condomonium-637-lake-shore-boulevard-west/slide/apr12hotwlakeshore_14/ apr12hotwlakeshore_14 0 0
Living space and wine room, second level (Image: James J. Burry)
130068 What was originally slated to be a powder room is now a wine room with space for 150 bottles (Image: James J. Burry) 637 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Unit 1007 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_15-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_15.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_15.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/condomonium-637-lake-shore-boulevard-west/slide/apr12hotwlakeshore_15/ apr12hotwlakeshore_15 0 0
What was originally slated to be a powder room is now a wine room with space for 150 bottles (Image: James J. Burry)
130072 The house-sized kitchen boasts granite counters, a gas stovetop and stainless steel appliances (Image: James J. Burry) 637 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Unit 1007 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_11-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_11.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_11.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/condomonium-637-lake-shore-boulevard-west/slide/apr12hotwlakeshore_11/ apr12hotwlakeshore_11 0 0
The house-sized kitchen boasts granite counters, a gas stovetop and stainless steel appliances (Image: James J. Burry)
130066 Bathroom, second level (Image: James J. Burry) 637 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Unit 1007 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_17-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_17.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_17.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/condomonium-637-lake-shore-boulevard-west/slide/apr12hotwlakeshore_17/ apr12hotwlakeshore_17 0 0
Bathroom, second level (Image: James J. Burry)
130074 A solid oak staircase leads down to the bedrooms on the condo’s first level (Image: James J. Burry) 637 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Unit 1007 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_9-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_9.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_9.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/condomonium-637-lake-shore-boulevard-west/slide/apr12hotwlakeshore_9/ apr12hotwlakeshore_9 0 0
A solid oak staircase leads down to the bedrooms on the condo’s first level (Image: James J. Burry)
130082 Hallway, first level (Image: James J. Burry) 637 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Unit 1007 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_1-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_1.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_1.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/condomonium-637-lake-shore-boulevard-west/slide/apr12hotwlakeshore_1/ apr12hotwlakeshore_1 0 0
Hallway, first level (Image: James J. Burry)
130080 The master bedroom has a walk-in closet and a view over the lake, the yacht club and Coronation Park (Image: James J. Burry) 637 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Unit 1007 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_3-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_3.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_3.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/condomonium-637-lake-shore-boulevard-west/slide/apr12hotwlakeshore_3/ apr12hotwlakeshore_3 0 0
The master bedroom has a walk-in closet and a view over the lake, the yacht club and Coronation Park (Image: James J. Burry)
130079 Master bedroom, first level (Image: James J. Burry) 637 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Unit 1007 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_4-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_4.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_4.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/condomonium-637-lake-shore-boulevard-west/slide/apr12hotwlakeshore_4/ apr12hotwlakeshore_4 0 0
Master bedroom, first level (Image: James J. Burry)
130076 Master ensuite, first level (Image: James J. Burry) 637 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Unit 1007 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_7-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_7.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_7.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/condomonium-637-lake-shore-boulevard-west/slide/apr12hotwlakeshore_7/ apr12hotwlakeshore_7 0 0
Master ensuite, first level (Image: James J. Burry)
130075 Bedroom or sitting room, first level (Image: James J. Burry) 637 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Unit 1007 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_8-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_8.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_8.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/condomonium-637-lake-shore-boulevard-west/slide/apr12hotwlakeshore_8/ apr12hotwlakeshore_8 0 0
Bedroom or sitting room, first level (Image: James J. Burry)
130065 The terrace faces west and has the same views over the lake and Coronation Park as the master bedroom (Image: James J. Burry) 637 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Unit 1007 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_18-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_18.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_18.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/condomonium-637-lake-shore-boulevard-west/slide/apr12hotwlakeshore_18/ apr12hotwlakeshore_18 0 0
The terrace faces west and has the same views over the lake and Coronation Park as the master bedroom (Image: James J. Burry)
130064 The terrace also has gas and water hookups for outdoor entertaining (Image: James J. Burry) 637 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Unit 1007 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_19-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_19.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/apr12HOTWLakeShore_19.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/condomonium-637-lake-shore-boulevard-west/slide/apr12hotwlakeshore_19/ apr12hotwlakeshore_19 0 0
The terrace also has gas and water hookups for outdoor entertaining (Image: James J. Burry)
Way to ruin a loft by designing the interior like a suburban detached McMansion from decades ago.
I’m not sure why the owners chose to live in a loft when the decor style is more akin to many of our city’s houses.
Likey.
Wow…. did I just view a loft @ the original Tip TOp Lofts or a house in forest hill ?! GTFOH! and what sup with the bedrooms on the first floor and everything else on the 2nd floor ? Does your guest enter from the 2nd floor or from the first floor pasing through the bedrooms to the entertainment area upstairs ?!! Bizarre!!!!!!!
Potential buyers are thinking, wow The Tip Top ‘LOFTS’ and they either see the picture or get there and then think ‘oh, it’s a house’.
Don’t get me wrong it is a beautiful space. But why buy a LOFT space in one of the nicest conversions (albeit on one of the new soft loft floors) only to make it look like a house. Embrace the space for what it is, make it unique, not like any other new reno in the city or suburbs. And yes it is weird that the entrance is on the bedroom floor. This unit has been on the market forever and you can clearly see why, might take a large price reduction to see this thing moved.
To some a loft with the feel of a house seems like a major design faux pas, however many are dying for the cozy comfort of a real home without any of the hassle/upkeep. Every loft in the city can’t (and shouldn’t) feature reclaimed barn wood and edison bulbs, which have become just as predictable.
I think in this case the term “loft” is a bit of a misnomer (this unit is a new construction, and not part of the conversion). It looks like a nice penthouse in a luxury condo building so the furniture is quite appropriate (but definitely not my taste–too blah and without personality).
Definitely beautifully detailed and finished, but my impression is they blew their brains out on the details. If they drop the price, someone’s going to get a good deal. An open kitchen? When are designers going to stop this? As a foodie and cook I get the social element they’re trying to create, but it’s a utilitarian function that shouldn’t be open. p.s. I do agree with the other posters that it’s kind of conservative for a loft.
Did I really just view a $1.4M 2 story condo that is 1 + den?
Vive la difference! Do we all have to conform to modernism?Loft, house – whatever, it’s THEIR home. I love it. It’s warm and elegant. I get bored of every condo having to be concrete and cold and full of hard-as-a-rock Italian leather furniture. But I can appreciate when its done well.
The design of bedrooms on the lower level was a choice made by Peter Clewes & Architects Alliance at Tip Top, District, MOZO and Radio City. The design allows for floor to ceiling windows on both sides of the suite and access to the Terrace from the living room, dining room and kitchen with the bedrooms being private.