West 833 Lofts
The 1934 Charles Henson Laboratory Building on King West, a buff-brick streamlined Art Deco factory by Earle L. Sheppard, later home to Norda, a perfume and flavour maker. Converted by Triloft Developments around 1997–98 with a larger new building alongside, across from Stanley Park.
History of West 833 Lofts
Houses stood on this stretch of King between Walnut and Niagara in the 1920s. In 1934 the architect Earle Leonard Sheppard designed the Charles Henson Laboratory Building here, one of the first streamlined modern commercial buildings in Toronto. Sheppard had worked for Albert Kahn in Detroit and supervised the Pantages Theatre for Thomas Lamb before opening his own office in 1925; he later invented a plastic glass block called Bloxolite. Who Charles Henson was is a mystery.
From at least 1960 into the 1980s the building was a factory of Norda, a large wholesale producer of perfumes, cosmetics and food flavours; a 1984 photo still shows its name over the Art Deco entrance. The city listed the building as heritage in 1973 and designated it in 2007.
The building was sold in the mid-1990s, and Triloft Developments converted it around 1997–98, joining it to a new, larger building. Most lofts are in the new part; they run from about 645 to 1,614 square feet, with exposed concrete, ceilings up to 18 feet, floor-to-ceiling windows and some balconies. Stanley Park is across the street.
Stories you'll hear
“It was a perfume factory.” Partly true: Norda made perfumes here from at least 1960, but who built it in 1934, and for what, is unknown.
West 833 Lofts: quick facts
Where is West 833 Lofts?
West 833 Lofts is at 833 King Street West, Toronto, near King W & Niagara, in King West / Niagara.
When was West 833 Lofts built, and what was it originally?
It was built in 1934. The 1934 Charles Henson Laboratory Building on King West, a buff-brick streamlined Art Deco factory by Earle L.
What kind of loft is West 833 Lofts?
West 833 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 West 833 Lofts?
West 833 Lofts has 52 units.
Get alerts for West 833 Lofts
Units here don't come up often. Leave your email and Alex will send you new listings and sold prices in this building as they happen.
Alex knows this building inside and out — current inventory, pricing history, and what to watch for.