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
120050 The rooftop deck, complete with barbecue (and a dance floor?) 686 Richmond Street West https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_28-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_28.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_28.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/office-space-686-richmond-street-west/slide/feb12hotwrichmondst_28/ feb12hotwrichmondst_28 0 0
The rooftop deck, complete with barbecue (and a dance floor?)
120049 A women’s bathroom with plenty of reading material 686 Richmond Street West https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_27-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_27.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_27.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/office-space-686-richmond-street-west/slide/feb12hotwrichmondst_27/ feb12hotwrichmondst_27 0 0
A women’s bathroom with plenty of reading material
120048 A small kitchen on the lower level 686 Richmond Street West https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_26-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_26.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_26.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/office-space-686-richmond-street-west/slide/feb12hotwrichmondst_26/ feb12hotwrichmondst_26 0 0
A small kitchen on the lower level
120047 On the lower level, a workshop with nine-foot ceilings 686 Richmond Street West https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_25-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_25.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_25.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/office-space-686-richmond-street-west/slide/feb12hotwrichmondst_25/ feb12hotwrichmondst_25 0 0
On the lower level, a workshop with nine-foot ceilings
120046 A private office with a lot of paperwork 686 Richmond Street West https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_24-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_24.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_24.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/office-space-686-richmond-street-west/slide/feb12hotwrichmondst_24/ feb12hotwrichmondst_24 0 0
A private office with a lot of paperwork
120045 A second office (we’re not sure about that chocolate milk campaign) 686 Richmond Street West https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_23-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_23.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_23.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/office-space-686-richmond-street-west/slide/feb12hotwrichmondst_23/ feb12hotwrichmondst_23 0 0
A second office (we’re not sure about that chocolate milk campaign)
120044 More cherrywood workstations 686 Richmond Street West https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_22-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_22.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_22.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/office-space-686-richmond-street-west/slide/feb12hotwrichmondst_22/ feb12hotwrichmondst_22 0 0
More cherrywood workstations
120043 Yup, that’s a printer 686 Richmond Street West https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_21-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_21.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_21.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/office-space-686-richmond-street-west/slide/feb12hotwrichmondst_21/ feb12hotwrichmondst_21 0 0
Yup, that’s a printer
120042 The receptionist’s desk and waiting area (we love ourselves an Eames shell chair) 686 Richmond Street West https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_20-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_20.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_20.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/office-space-686-richmond-street-west/slide/feb12hotwrichmondst_20/ feb12hotwrichmondst_20 0 0
The receptionist’s desk and waiting area (we love ourselves an Eames shell chair)
120041 Built-in shelves house reference materials 686 Richmond Street West https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_19-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_19.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_19.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/office-space-686-richmond-street-west/slide/feb12hotwrichmondst_19/ feb12hotwrichmondst_19 0 0
Built-in shelves house reference materials
120040 How come the head honcho gets the worst chair? 686 Richmond Street West https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_18-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_18.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_18.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/office-space-686-richmond-street-west/slide/feb12hotwrichmondst_18/ feb12hotwrichmondst_18 0 0
How come the head honcho gets the worst chair?
120039 An open boardroom means no secrets 686 Richmond Street West https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_17-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_17.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_17.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/office-space-686-richmond-street-west/slide/feb12hotwrichmondst_17/ feb12hotwrichmondst_17 0 0
An open boardroom means no secrets
120038 On the main floor, an office space has several workstations and a receptionist’s desk 686 Richmond Street West https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_16-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_16.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_16.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/office-space-686-richmond-street-west/slide/feb12hotwrichmondst_16/ feb12hotwrichmondst_16 0 0
On the main floor, an office space has several workstations and a receptionist’s desk
120037 A second bathroom relinquishes some real estate to the washer and dryer 686 Richmond Street West https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_15-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_15.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_15.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/office-space-686-richmond-street-west/slide/feb12hotwrichmondst_15/ feb12hotwrichmondst_15 0 0
A second bathroom relinquishes some real estate to the washer and dryer
120036 The third bedroom has a built-in nook for the bed 686 Richmond Street West https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_14-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_14.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_14.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/office-space-686-richmond-street-west/slide/feb12hotwrichmondst_14/ feb12hotwrichmondst_14 0 0
The third bedroom has a built-in nook for the bed
120035 A pair of windows lets in ample light (though clearly not enough to keep those plants looking healthy) 686 Richmond Street West https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_13-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_13.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_13.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/office-space-686-richmond-street-west/slide/feb12hotwrichmondst_13/ feb12hotwrichmondst_13 0 0
A pair of windows lets in ample light (though clearly not enough to keep those plants looking healthy)
120034 One of the bedrooms has been converted into a den, with yet another cowhide rug 686 Richmond Street West https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_12-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_12.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_12.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/office-space-686-richmond-street-west/slide/feb12hotwrichmondst_12/ feb12hotwrichmondst_12 0 0
One of the bedrooms has been converted into a den, with yet another cowhide rug
120033 A glass-tile shower and heated floors are nice extras in a bright, modern ensuite 686 Richmond Street West https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_11-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_11.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_11.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/office-space-686-richmond-street-west/slide/feb12hotwrichmondst_11/ feb12hotwrichmondst_11 0 0
A glass-tile shower and heated floors are nice extras in a bright, modern ensuite
120032 The master bedroom has a vaulted ceiling, an ensuite bathroom and cowhide 686 Richmond Street West https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_10-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_10.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_10.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/office-space-686-richmond-street-west/slide/feb12hotwrichmondst_10/ feb12hotwrichmondst_10 0 0
The master bedroom has a vaulted ceiling, an ensuite bathroom and cowhide
120031 We hope C & A won’t mind if we take a look in their bedroom 686 Richmond Street West https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_9-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_9.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_9.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/office-space-686-richmond-street-west/slide/feb12hotwrichmondst_9/ feb12hotwrichmondst_9 0 0
We hope C & A won’t mind if we take a look in their bedroom
120030 The kitchen has a Liebherr fridge, a Jenn-Air stove and a prominent home for the pots and pans 686 Richmond Street West https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_8-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_8.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_8.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/office-space-686-richmond-street-west/slide/feb12hotwrichmondst_8/ feb12hotwrichmondst_8 0 0
The kitchen has a Liebherr fridge, a Jenn-Air stove and a prominent home for the pots and pans
120029 Pendant lighting over the table for dinnertime (or impromptu interrogations) 686 Richmond Street West https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_7-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_7.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_7.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/office-space-686-richmond-street-west/slide/feb12hotwrichmondst_7/ feb12hotwrichmondst_7 0 0
Pendant lighting over the table for dinnertime (or impromptu interrogations)
120028 A dividing wall with a chest-height fireplace 686 Richmond Street West https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_6-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_6.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_6.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/office-space-686-richmond-street-west/slide/feb12hotwrichmondst_6/ feb12hotwrichmondst_6 0 0
A dividing wall with a chest-height fireplace
120027 Cherrywood finishes and rust-coloured paint warm up the dining area 686 Richmond Street West https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_5-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_5.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_5.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/office-space-686-richmond-street-west/slide/feb12hotwrichmondst_5/ feb12hotwrichmondst_5 0 0
Cherrywood finishes and rust-coloured paint warm up the dining area
120026 Look closely for the dog butler 686 Richmond Street West https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_4-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_4.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_4.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/office-space-686-richmond-street-west/slide/feb12hotwrichmondst_4/ feb12hotwrichmondst_4 0 0
Look closely for the dog butler
120025 A wee spiral staircase winds its way up to a rooftop deck 686 Richmond Street West https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_3-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_3.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_3.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/office-space-686-richmond-street-west/slide/feb12hotwrichmondst_3/ feb12hotwrichmondst_3 0 0
A wee spiral staircase winds its way up to a rooftop deck
120024 The third-floor apartment features reclaimed hardwood floors, exposed ductwork and pot lighting 686 Richmond Street West https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_2-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_2.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_2.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/office-space-686-richmond-street-west/slide/feb12hotwrichmondst_2/ feb12hotwrichmondst_2 0 0
The third-floor apartment features reclaimed hardwood floors, exposed ductwork and pot lighting
120023 Space for four cars to park, as long as they’re in the correct order 686 Richmond Street West https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_1-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_1.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_1.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/office-space-686-richmond-street-west/slide/feb12hotwrichmondst_1/ feb12hotwrichmondst_1 0 0
Space for four cars to park, as long as they’re in the correct order
120051 There’s nothing like an understated sunflower mural 686 Richmond Street West https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_intro-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_intro.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb12HOTWRichmondSt_intro.jpg 656 425 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/office-space-686-richmond-street-west/slide/feb12hotwrichmondst_intro/ feb12hotwrichmondst_intro 0 0
There’s nothing like an understated sunflower mural
Wow – that rooftop deck just screams lawsuit. No railings whatsoever?!?
Some of your rich people freak me out. If you are trying to sell a 2 million dollar property maybe hire an interior decorator. I’m sure it would be worth every penny. The interior is dreadful and the colours – gag. Seriously, it would even looking better if you just plainted everything cloud white and chucked all the futuriture. Then people could maybe imagine the possibilities.