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Lofts have sense of place
Wrigley Lofts is not fancy, but has a sense of place
CHRISTOPHER HUME
It'll be a long time before the east-end warehouse district becomes fashionable, but make no mistake about it — the process has started.
Take, for example, the loft renovation at 245 Carlaw Ave., the former Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. building.
Though this five-storey brick box can't be described as beautiful, it's a thoroughly urban structure that lives up to its civic responsibilities.
It contributes to the streetscape and helps establish a strong sense of place.
Wrigley Lofts isn't fancy, but it's interesting to see how even secondary industrial buildings such as this were once taken seriously enough to be decorated.
Here that translates into a façade enlivened with masonry detailing and large windows.
The bulk of the complex is a one-storey structure running along the east side of Carlaw.
The four-floor section on top matches a similar structure to the south.
This symmetry makes the ensemble considerably more imposing than it would otherwise be.
The renovation, more internal than external, leaves the building intact while bringing it new life.
GRADE: B
RICHARD LAUTENS/TORONTO STAR
The Wrigley lofts at 245 Carlaw Ave. are in the former Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. building. The renovation leaves the industrial façade intact.
Wrigley Lofts is not fancy, but has a sense of place
CHRISTOPHER HUME
It'll be a long time before the east-end warehouse district becomes fashionable, but make no mistake about it — the process has started.
Take, for example, the loft renovation at 245 Carlaw Ave., the former Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. building.
Though this five-storey brick box can't be described as beautiful, it's a thoroughly urban structure that lives up to its civic responsibilities.
It contributes to the streetscape and helps establish a strong sense of place.
Wrigley Lofts isn't fancy, but it's interesting to see how even secondary industrial buildings such as this were once taken seriously enough to be decorated.
Here that translates into a façade enlivened with masonry detailing and large windows.
The bulk of the complex is a one-storey structure running along the east side of Carlaw.
The four-floor section on top matches a similar structure to the south.
This symmetry makes the ensemble considerably more imposing than it would otherwise be.
The renovation, more internal than external, leaves the building intact while bringing it new life.
GRADE: B
RICHARD LAUTENS/TORONTO STAR
The Wrigley lofts at 245 Carlaw Ave. are in the former Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. building. The renovation leaves the industrial façade intact.