700 King Street W

The Clock Tower Lofts (formerly the "Westside Lofts") may not have an industrial chronicle like some of its neighbours, but these authentic hard lofts still conjure up nostalgia for residents and their guests. In fact, the most noticeable of vintage elements at 700 King Street West can be viewed without stepping foot inside the building at all.

In front of the more muted, yellow brick edifice, the front entrance and storefronts below are built of a prominent copper hue. Gazing upwards, one’s eye immediately freezes on the circular clock faces on either side.

The clock tower that has told time for a passersby on Bathurst and King Streets is nothing new; the Toronto lofts within, however, are a modern addition to the King West neighbourhood. The Clock Tower Lofts were carved of a former office building in 2001, at which time the clock faces were even replaced by windows for one fortunate homeowner to enjoy.

Contemporary amenities were also bestowed upon the building: residents can enjoy a gym, sauna, rooftop terrace, underground parking, and party room without ever leaving 700 King West.

Throughout the 14 storeys, 216 downtown Toronto condos can be found. These lofts range from approximately 700 to 2,700 square feet, and contain one to three bedrooms each. The lofts benefit from their former lives as office spaces, especially when it comes to the ceiling heights that reach to 11 feet tall.

Broad hallways and oversized windows are other nods to the structure’s past exploits that are greeted with a warm welcome by homeowners today.

Each unit at the Clock Tower Lofts is bright and spacious. However, while other lofts lure buyers with their open concept layouts, these distinctive homes provide privacy that is a rarity in loft living.

One unit within the clock tower itself takes advantage of those round windows, which reach from floor to ceiling to usher in warm sunlight as well as plenty of compliments from guests. Thanks to their variations in size and style, there are King West condos for sale at the Clock Tower Lofts for everyone — from a cozy first home for a newlywed couple to a residence fit for a family, complete with office, walk-in closet, and laundry room.

In the King West neighbourhood, ultra-hip restaurants and bars are abundant. Residents can dress up and head out for a steak dinner at Jacobs and Co., or throw on a pair of blue jeans and grab a pie at Pizzeria Libretto. From casual bites to fine dining, one thing is for certain here: establishments know that without providing quality service they simply cannot survive here.

Around Niagara, things become a little less chaotic. This mostly residential neighbourhood is scattered with a number of intimate contemporary art galleries. Parks are plentiful as well, with Stanley Park and Victoria Memorial Park each a few blocks from the Clock Tower Lofts. Alternatively, Trinity Bellwoods Park is not far off either — a Toronto favourite for tennis, fetch, and of course picnics.

In terms of provisions, Fresh & Wild Food Market and the Kitchen Table are both just around the corner on King Street West. For more choice, a massive Loblaws is also in close proximity, at the corner of Queen and Portland.

With its prime location in the midst of downtown Toronto, many residents of the Clock Tower Lofts will be pleased to walk and cycle around the neighbourhood. For farther journeys, however, the TTC is ready to assist: streetcars with service along King and Bathurst Streets both make stops right outside the front doors of 700 King West. The King Streetcar offers connections to St. Andrew station on the University-Spadina subway line, while Bathurst streetcars will carry passengers to Bathurst station on the Bloor-Danforth line.

Drivers can access the nearby Gardiner Expressway in minutes, from which they can travel around the southern edge of the city and beyond. Bathurst Street is also a quick-moving route for north-south travel, especially handy for those looking for access to the 401.