No. 8 289 Sumach Lofts

Slip off the alley into the built-in garage (reminiscent of Dad’s), up stairs, around a corner hall with nothing to prove – then a jolt as No. 8’s door opens. It’s the smallest unit in this clandestine Cabbagetown conversion, and the proudest. Chelsea Hard Loft features echoed in exposed beams, raw brick, soaring ceilings, overlooks, skylights, wall-to-wall windows and a terrace that transports you from the city.

Through the gates, gardens and up to main doors, little has changed since suffragist women doctors learned their trade just north of Toronto’s original General Hospital. The condo is managed by its smart and prudent unit owners that keep the fees low and reflect the spirit of activism that reigns supreme in Cabbagetown and preserves the architecture and has created some of Toronto’s best parks and only working farm!

The Community
A Lot Has Changed Since Proud Irish Immigrants Grew Cabbage In The Front Yards Of This Cluster Of Victorian Houses. Established In The 1840’s, Cabbagetown Is A Far Cry From The Poverty That Struck Those Early Settlers Yet Through Its Strong Sense Of Community Cabbagetown Has Successfully Preserved The Architectural Heritage, Gardens, Lanes, Secret Spaces And Nurtured A Strong Sense Of Community Activism.

Also available: Floor Plans, Features Sheet and Status Certificate

Sumach Loft Features:
Main Level:
Modern Hearth
Wood-Burning Fireplace (WETT Inspection Recommended)
California Shutters And New Living Room Window
Exposed Beams
Expose Brick Wall
Double Closet In Entry
Mechanical Room
Washer/Dryer Closet
Dishwasher
Undermount Blanco Double Sink
Corian Counters
Filtered Drinking Water System
Electronic Air Filter
Vented Hood
Track Lighting
Heat Pump/Ductless AC
Terrace With New Membrane and Decking Plus Shed
Master Bedroom:
Ceiling Fan
Multiple Closet
Closet Organizers
Plant Shelf
Opening Skylights with Blinds
Track Lights
Walk Out Sliding Door To Terrace
Multilevel
Plywood Subfloor Under Broadloom
Full-Size En Suite Bathroom
Granite Tile
Massive Soaker Tub
General:
Parking Garage With Easy Access To Lockers
Bike Storage
Soaring Ceilings
Natural Light
Small Condo Community

Inclusions:
Washer
Dryer
Dishwasher
Fridge
Stove
Ductless A/C, Heat Pump
Furnace
California Shutters
Blinds/All Window Coverings

Exclusions:
Rental Gas Hot Water Tank

Other:
Size: 842 SF Interior, 193 SF Exterior
Originally Built: 1890
Converted: 1985
Tax Year 2016 $2,504.23
Special Assessments: None Pending, None Owning.

Errors And Omissions Can Happen,
Please Confirm Any Critical Information.

The History of Sumach Lofts

Three decades ago, the cavity of an over-century-old heritage building once home to the Ontario Medical College for Women was converted into 10 private and unique lofts featuring original exposed brick walls, posts and beams. The former Ontario Medical College for Women at 289 Sumach looks much as it did when it was first built, most of the original 1890 facade has been maintained. These lofts on Sumach are located just north of Gerrard Street East, in Cabbagetown. In the Sumach Lofts, the ceilings are very high (up to 15 feet).

On June 13, 1883, Dr. Emily Stowe – a suffragist and first Canadian woman licensed to practice medicine in Canada – led a group of her supporters to a meeting at the Toronto Women’s Suffrage Club. At that meeting, the group tabled a resolution stating “that medical education for women is a recognized necessity, and consequently facilities for such instruction should be provided.” The motion was seconded adding “that the establishment of such a school was a public necessity and in the interests of the community.”

A new building was constructed and opened on 25 April 1890, equipped with the best medical apparatus of the day. It is a plain, functional example of Romanesque Revival style, attributed to architects Smith and Gemmell. In 1891 there were twenty-four lecturers and demonstrators on the faculty. In 1905 women were admitted to study medicine at the University of Toronto. This college then closed, but the name is still recalled by present Women’s College Hospital.
Smith Gemmell Lane (located north of Gerrard Street East, between Nasmith Avenue and Sumach Street) is named after the architectural firm of Smith and Gemmell), who designed The Ontario Medical College for Women building at 289 Sumach Street, now the Sumach Lofts.

In 1906, the University of Toronto opened its doors to permit women to study medicine, and the Ontario Medical College for Women closed. The dispensary remained open and continued to prosper in the city. Today, Women’s College Hospital continues what Dr. Emily Stowe began in 1883. And, interestingly enough, both of my children were born in the old building on Grenville, which has since been demolished.

Why was the Ontario Medical College for Women built in what is now a residential neighbourhood? From 1856 to 1914, the block bounded by Spruce, Sackville, Gerrard and Sumach Streets was the site of the Toronto General Hospital. Nothing really remains from that time but for a building at No. 41 Spruce Street, one of only two in the area originally associated with the hospital. Built in 1871, it served until 1903 as the Trinity College Medical school. Now it has also been recycled as part of a residential development and its history is outlined on the Toronto Historical Board plaque on its front lawn. 289 Sumach would literally have been across the street from the Toronto General Hospital.

After 1906, the building was used mainly by Apec Packaging. They moved in in 1907 and stayed until the 1980s. The historically significant and now heritage-designated Romanesque Revival building had fallen on hard times by the early 80s, enduring a series of industrial uses, most recently as a machine shop.

Purchased in 1983 by Bob Mitchell, the facade was restored according to 1898 photographs from a medical calendar discovered behind the original baseboards, and the interiors were transformed into ten multi-storey lofts, internally maintaining elements of both historical and industrial precedents. MLS resales start in 1984, so builder sales must have been prior to that.

Living at the Sumach Lofts is an immense opportunity, not just because of the exclusivity of the building itself. Indoor parking and low maintenance fees (I mean REALLY low) are definite bonuses. That and being located in Cabbagetown, there are plenty of amazing amenities within walking distance such as the Riverdale Farmer’s Market.

Thanks to, Laurin Jeffrey (Author)