Printers Row Lofts
A 1911 Bell Telephone exchange on Logan Avenue by Bell's chief architect, William J. Carmichael, enlarged in 1925, where operators once connected Riverdale's calls. Converted by Bob Mitchell around 2001 into 12 south-facing two- and three-storey lofts with gardens and roof terraces.
History of Printers Row Lofts
William John Carmichael, chief architect of the Bell Telephone Company, designed nearly a hundred telephone exchanges in five provinces; this one opened on Logan Avenue in 1911, and Bell added to it in 1925. A 1912 photo shows rows of operators connecting calls under steel ceiling beams that you can still see in some lofts. Only 2 of Carmichael's 16 Toronto buildings survive, the other being the 1899 Parkdale exchange on Cowan Avenue.
Bob Mitchell, the developer behind many of Toronto's early lofts, converted it into 12 stacked two- and three-storey lofts, six on the lower level with walled gardens and six above with roof terraces, all facing south toward downtown and the lake. The over-built original floors, 18 inches of terracotta and concrete, make them unusually quiet. Ceilings reach 17 feet, every unit has a fireplace, and there is secure parking below.
Stories you'll hear
“It was a printing plant.” It was a telephone exchange; the name may come from Chicago's Printers Row loft district.
Printers Row Lofts: quick facts
Where is Printers Row Lofts?
Printers Row Lofts is at 525 Logan Avenue, Toronto, near Logan & Gerrard E, in North Riverdale.
When was Printers Row Lofts built, and what was it originally?
It was built in 1911. A 1911 Bell Telephone exchange on Logan Avenue by Bell's chief architect, William J.
What kind of loft is Printers Row Lofts?
Printers Row Lofts is a hard loft: an older industrial or commercial building converted into homes, keeping features like brick, beams and big windows.
How many units are in Printers Row Lofts?
Printers Row Lofts has 12 units.
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