Office Space: $2 million for the 4,500-square-foot “Sunflower Building” on Richmond West
ADDRESS: 686 Richmond Street West
NEIGHBOURHOOD: Niagara
AGENT: Lee Taylor and Donald Mulholland, Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage
PRICE: $2,095,000
THE PLACE: Unlike many of the boldly emblazoned buildings scattered throughout the city, this off-the-beaten-track freehold would go unnoticed were it not for the large countryside mural adorning the north wall. Divided into three storeys, the “Sunflower Building” consists of a lower-level workshop with a large storage area, his-and-hers bathrooms and a kitchen, while a 1,500-square-foot main floor office includes a reception area, a boardroom and workstations for eight. Upstairs is a lofty three-bedroom, two-bath apartment with a rooftop deck.
THE STORY: Mystery seems to surround the namesake mural on this otherwise ordinary building. Originally a mannequin warehouse, the building has also served as an art gallery and most recently a woodwork shop, where the construction of a 17-foot mahogany boat forced renovations that included installing a trap door in the main floor boardroom and widening the doorway on the side of the building to get the bloody thing out. Though the mural is signed, not much else is known about the idyllic scene (perhaps it’s an ode to the sunflower woman).
THE IDEAL TENANT: The combined workshop and workspace would be ideal for architects, designers, craftsmen or artists in need of a sizable studio.
THE DETAILS: • $2,095,000 • $15,640 in combined commercial and residential taxes (2011) • 4,500 square feet • 1,500-square-foot lower level (with workshop, two bathrooms, storage and kitchen) • 1,500-square-foot commercial space (with reception, boardroom, two offices and five built-in workstations) • 1,500-square-foot three-bedroom, two-bath apartment • 4-car tandem parking • 3 storeys • 1 rooftop patio • 1 original hand-painted mural
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