156 Portland Street

Thanks to Toronto’s booming popularity in the recent past, plenty of modern residences have materialized — some more aesthetically remarkable than others. As for the prominent soft loft building at 156 Portland in the Queen West neighbourhood, this is one of those structures that constantly causes pedestrians to stop and stare.

Whether intended to mimic the blue skies above, or the waves of Lake Ontario just to the south, the geometric pattern of blue glass encasing the façade of Queen and Portland Lofts and Condos is exciting, to say the least. It’s no wonder that the firm behind 156 Portland is Tribute Communities, known for their inventive and ultramodern designs such as Residences at RCMI and 1717 Avenue Condos.

The 2011-built structure is exciting, yet never overbearing, thanks to its status as a mid-rise. Sitting at a comfortable seven storeys tall, the soft loft houses 96 contemporary Toronto lofts.

And thankfully for residents, the style isn’t the only thing that is progressive Queen and Portland Lofts and Condos. Prospective buyers are wooed by the array of amenities available, including a swimming pool, a common rooftop terrace with barbecues, a concierge, and security, not to mention the colossal retail space downstairs, inhabited by Loblaws, Winners, Joe Fresh, and the Bank of Montreal. Likewise, it’s these perks that may mean units at 156 Portland appear on the market rather infrequently.

156 Portland is outfitted with just the right amount of units: the building feels intimate and neighbours are given the chance to get to know one another, yet a variation of size and style is still available to prospective buyers. Simple soft lofts start at around 550 square feet, appealing to individuals and couples alike. Families, on the other hand, might be more interested in the more spacious units, which can reach to approximately 1,250 square feet.

Regardless of square footage, all of the Queen West condos for sale in the building feel roomy thanks to their 9-foot ceiling heights. And those living in cozier spaces needn’t worry about overcrowding their living spaces, as lockers are available for storing those belongings that are less frequently used.

As with the exterior, the interiors of the homes at Queen and Portland Lofts and Condos employ glass, glass, and more glass. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow natural sunlight light to illuminate the sleek interiors, highlighting laminate flooring and modern appliances. Certain units even contain private outdoor spaces, where those with green thumbs can garden away, and those without can dine al fresco once springtime rolls around.

Living on charming Portland Street hardly means that amenities and entertainment are far off. On the contrary, the busy intersection of Bathurst and Queen Street lies just around the corner, serving as an access point for anything a homeowner’s heart may desire.

Regardless of which direction one chooses to explore, Queen Street West functions as an endless source of amusement. Heading west will land explorers at the galleries, boutiques, and cafés in the West Queen West and South Parkdale neighbourhoods. To the east, things start to look slightly more mainstream: global brands and illustrious restaurants inhabit most of the retail spaces here.

Plenty of green space also surrounds Queen & Portland Loft + Condo Residences, perfect for outdoorsy types, pet owners, and parents. A short walk will land residents at Toronto’s beloved Trinity Bellwoods Park, where visitors can partake in a round of tennis, a pickup game of baseball or Frisbee, and others may opt to settle down with a blanket and picnic basket.

Alternatively, Lake Ontario is within close reach as well: cyclists can ride along the car-free Martin Goodman Trail, while those looking to get their feet wet can try their hand at paddle boarding, sailing, canoeing, or simply head to the beach. Down by the water, plenty of other parks are ready to be explored, such as Garrison Common, Coronation Park, and the Canoe Landing.

With its location so close to Queen and Bathurst Streets, those living at Queen and Portland Lofts and Condos can make their way around the city with ease. Residents without vehicles of their own will love their close proximity to the streetcars that run along both of these arterial roads. The Bathurst service transports passengers north toward the Bloor-Danforth subway line, or south to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. The Queen streetcar is ideal for those heading east or west, and provides access to the Yonge-University-Spadina subway line at Osgoode Station.

Homeowners who also happen to be car owners can also zip around Toronto in no time, thanks to 156 Portland’s central location. The Gardiner Expressway is a short drive away, and hugs the southernmost curves of the city, along the lakeshore. From here, drivers can connect with the 427 to the west or the Don Valley Parkway to the east.