Loft Living in a School House

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Unfortunately, the term "Loft" is often used loosely today... more as a real estate marketing tool than anything else.

Unlike most of the condo apartments sold as "Lofts" in downtown Toronto or Vancouver, the true Loft is an area in an old commercial, industrial, or warehouse building that has been converted into residential use. Older automobile dealerships and schools can be suitable provided they retain the necessary architectural features... Lofts usually have large open spaces, columns, brick walls, and large windows.

Lofts became popular in New York City in the 60's and 70's by artists illegally making living spaces in obsolete warehouse buildings. Since then, the large true loft has become a lifestyle for the wealthy who invest millions into lavish, comfortable interiors surrounded with a commercial facade. 

Architectural Characteristics of Lofts  

Large Open Spaces
Lofts in former manufacturing buildings often have big open spaces. Open concept living rooms in a prestige loft can be over 30 feet deep and up to 50 feet or more in some cases. The spectacular main living area of the Old Volks Home, featured here with its enormous floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, measures 40 feet deep by 50 feet long.

High Ceilings
Lofts may have high ceilings which can easily be over 12 feet tall depending on the building. The ceiling height of the main loft in the Old Volks Home is over 16 feet high. The master bedroom ceiling is over 12 feet and all remaining living areas exceed 9 feet in height.

Exposed Brick and Block
Exposed Brick and Block is one of the most common and sought-after features in a genuine loft. The exterior walls of the Old Volks Home are two layers of 8" masonry blocks, separated by an insulating air gap, encased by red clay brick exterior siding.The block interior surfaces in the Old Volks Home have been painted and left exposed to preserve the characteristics of a true loft.

Large Loft Windows
Large windows are one of the best features in a loft, bringing warmth and light into the exceptionally deep portions of the large living areas. As you explore the rooms of the Old Volks Home, it becomes abundantly clear that the Old Volks Home has a wealth of large windows... even its three featured garage doors in its "Buggy Corral" are completely glass-paneled.