Lofty Links

Hello all. Today's update is sort of a follow up to the Q & A session with Netowork Loft's designer Tara Lee. Tara gave us a great start in considering what to do with a new loft living space but, because lofts offer such incredible potential to create grand and unique interiors, a little of your own research into loft design doesn't hurt. I came across two great web pages that examine loft living and offer cool tips on how to customize your loft, optimize its space, and just plain make it look spectacular. The first link, although found on a site targeted to us guys, offers insight into loft living that will appeal to both sexes (I made sure of this by showing it to a couple lady friends of mine). The second link will take you to a section of The Better Home and Gardens website, which is devoted to loft living. On this page you will find slide shows, loft video tours and advice on how lofts can be ideally designed to compliment the particular lifestyles and professions of their dwellers. Enjoy! (And stay blogged for the big announcement regarding the date and time of Network's upcoming exclusive preview event!)

http://www.askmen.com/fashion/trends_100/106b_fashion_men.html

http://www.bhg.com/bhg/category.jhtml?categoryid=/templatedata/bhg/category/data/Decorating_Rooms_Lofts.xml
(I apologize on behalf of the large, annoying pop up that seems to accompany this page, the 'close' button should be on the bottom right of the ad.)


Dan the Intern

Interior Design Q&A: Network Lofts

Welcome to the Network Lofts blog!

Recently we posed some questions to Tara Lee, who is the interior designer behind the Network Lofts.

Tara is designing the model suites (more to come on those later) and the public spaces of the building. Things are really starting to shape up now, and the ulitmate look and feel of our loft building is starting to take shape. It is an exciting time, with fun changes noticable every day.

Tara took some time from her hectic schedule to talk to me about some common design questions, and respond to some of the questions we recreived from the blogosphere.

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Five Fast Design Tips from the Network Lofts


Question: How do I maximize the natural light in my new loft?

Answer: The condominiums at Network Lofts are designed with floor-to-ceiling windows, so natural light is sure to be a popular feature among buyers. There are a number of ways in which to make the most out of a light-filled loft.

A lot depends on the palette of colours you have selected, as well as finishes, window coverings, artificial lighting and even furniture placement.

Certain colours serve to tone down natural lighting, while other colours may seem to subtly shift hue depending upon the time of day and the intensity of the light. We'll be posting some tips at a later update.

We are downsizing from our 4 bedroom house to a 2 bedroom + den loft. How do we decide what to take with us, and what we should/could replace?

Downsizing means making some decisions about how you will live in your new loft. I work with my clients to learn how they actually live, and what needs they will have in their newly designed living space. Without knowing you it is difficult to answer your question. Your new loft space, however, provides space for a number of options.

Your second bedroom can be used as a den, media room, guest room, office, library or whatever else fits your lifestyle. What I recommend you do is sit down and write out how you want to live in your new home. Do you require a dedicated spare room, or will a pullout sofa suffice for overnight visitors? Will your den be a place for a home office, or a television? Do you want to have a dedicated space for electronic equipment?

When you know how you intend to use your new living space you will also know what you will take to the loft, and what you will replace.

In future updates I’ll be addressing the topic of downsizing. In my experience downsizing from one home to another is a great opportunity to create a new home for you and your partner—one that is tailored to your needs and lifestyle.

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Five Fast Design Questions from the Network Lofts

What is your favourite “space saving” tip/hint? (For example, a friend of mine has an upholstered ottoman in her bedroom that opens to provide lined storage for shoes.)

To tell you the truth, I have a lot of space saving hints! One of my favourites, however, is creating spaces that perform “double duty.” A classic space saving technique is a den that doubles as a guestroom. It doesn’t take too much effort to provide a guest with a sofa bed, space in a closet, and some dedicated drawers in a handy chest. Guests will not only feel welcome, but you will have a room that can be both a private refuge for visitors, as well as a den, office or sitting room for you. You will get more value for your dollar, and increase the use of your loft.

There are a number of creative ways to save space without compromising good design. Closets should be well organized and clutter free—you’ll get more use out of your square footage, and the result is both pleasant to look at, easy to use, and tidy.

Walk-in closets can be turned into well-designed spaces and the range of options available will meet any budget. With the right elements, a walk-in closet can be transformed into a snappy dressing room keeping you organized, clutter free, and on budget.

If you are planning to use an ottoman in your loft—for either seating, or covered with a tray for a cocktail table—it should be designed to open for more storage.

Stay tuned; we’ll add more space saving solutions to the blog.

We like the idea of polished concrete floors because of the look and the authenticity. Can we still have some “traditional” elements in our loft with such a hip, funky floor?

I love the look of a polished concrete floor; the look is contemporary and complements the authentic loft details at Network Lofts. There's no need to cower from introducing a traditional element to your loft because the mix of contemporary flooring with, say, an antique breakfront or other classic piece, looks great. The juxtaposition of old and new seems tailor-made for a loft space.

Loft living is perfect for creating a space where different design elements can peacefully co-exist. The model suites will be ready in the next few weeks; I encourage you to visit them to learn more about the many options available to you.

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Thanks for stopping in to check out the blog. We have received requests for more images from the model suites, so this intern will be making that happen soon.

We have also scheduled another interview with Tara for next week. We will try and answer any questions that we receive from readers, but we cannot answer individual emails in person; all responses will be posted on the blog.

Dan the Intern and the blog team

Music and wine in the Kingsway...

Hello again. This is just a quick update describing my encounters during a Monday afternoon visit to the Kingsway. First, allow me to provide some Dan the Intern trivia facts: I play guitar and my background is Italian. Therefore, the winery and music store nestled within the the Bloor West strip could not go long without my visiting each.

Located on the north side of Bloor West, and a couple of blocks east of Network, is Kaos Music. The minute I noticed the wall of guitars through the window, my antsy fingers took command and guided the rest of me into the store. The staff was friendly and accommodating as they did not have a problem with my 'testing' out five guitars over the hour long browse. Needless to say, I will likely frequent Kaos when in the Kingsway area, as it is a local haven for six string addicts such as myself.

My next stop, five minutes west of Kaos and on the south side of Bloor, was Bacchanal Wines. As I opened the door and stepped into Bacchanal, I was immediately greeted with the smooth aroma, emanating from the wooden casks that hold some of the world's finest reds and whites. After speaking with one of the shop's owners, I decided to return in the near future to pick my poison and bring it home to enjoy. I will let you know how it turns out!

To cap off my Monday afternoon visit to the Kingsway, I took a quick peek at the 11th floor model suites. My eyes welled up as I remembered the early September days when Network's model loft units were merely a giant room of steel frames. The suites are coming along great and are right on schedule for the exclusive preview event set for later this fall. I am hoping to post some updated suite pics soon, so stay blogged!

Dan the Intern

Sunday Evening

Just a fast update from Dan the Intern:

Recently the blog received an email from someone who asked if the model suites at the presentation centre were actual suites, or special models that were unavailable.

The model suites are, in fact, actual apartments that will be available for sale once they and the Presentation and Welcoming Centre are complete. Located high up on the 11th floor, the model suites are not only showcases for Network Lofts, they are actual lofts that will ultimately be purchased. (Fully decorated, I might add.)

The suites are designed to provide shoppers with ideas about different loft layouts, styles, sizes and design choices. As a result, all of the model suites are unique.

Check back soon for the latest news and updates from Network Lofts. I am hoping to start interviewing some people for the blog this week.

Friday Night Update

For a long time I have been waiting to post an update about a Friday night in the Network Lofts neighbourhood. It turns out that tonight was the perfect night out.

I arranged to meet some friends at the local "Firkin" pub on Bloor West, just east of Network Lofts. We stayed long enough to say meet some of the people who were there, saying hello to the neighbours.

Having already told about my great meal at Le Petite France (see archives), the plan for tonight was to stroll down Bloor Street, eventually stopping somewhere for supper. We had some time to kill, since we did have a few snacks at the pub.

New friends at the Firkin had already given us some suggestions, but we determined that the steak house supper would be reserved for a celebration. This is the type of restaurant where tradition counts, and where the meals are legendary. (Perhaps a future blog update?)

The weather was terrific tonight, and anyone who is in Toronto reading this blog will agree that this Friday night was a good night for a walk. The group decided that there was something nice about a neighbourhood that boasted its own animal hospital, close to a yoga studio.

We kicked the tires on a new car, browsed in some shops, and picked up a coffee from Starbucks. Exploring your own city is rather fun, actually, and the vibe on Bloor West (between Islington Avenue and Prince Edward Drive is where we were tonight) is worth checking out.

If you want to visit by subway the best route is to exit at Islington Station and walk west. If you are driving there is abundant parking, both on Bloor Street itself and in numerous parking lots located off-street. Most of the parking lots are unobtrusively located behind the shops and offices, so look for the signs. Bike riders also have numerous choices, with a lot of park and greenspace besides broad avenues and interesting side streets.

The neighbourhood is going to be gorgeous when the leaves start to turn (SFX: Gasp) colour. It is truly a leafy enclave located right in the city.

We wanted to try something new for supper so we decided to visit a local restaurant famous for tapas.

Stay tuned for more details.

Oh--. I almost forgot. This coming week the blog is proud to host an interview with the interior designer for Network Lofts. The model suites and the visual design of Network Lofts is a project that takes time, creativity, talent, craftsmanship and vision to accomplish. In the next few days we'll be introducing you to the woman behind the design.

Do you have a question about decorating a loft? We can't answer questions individually (although we would like to) but we will try and post some Q&A with the help of Network Lofts' own designer. Just click on "Send Us an Email" to send us a question and we'll do our best.

Thanks for stopping by the blog!

Dan (the Intern) and Friends

Model suites are looking sweet.

This is Dan-the-Intern reporting from the Kingsway:

I made a visit to Network Lofts yesterday to take another tour of the ever-changing model suites that are now being built on the 11th floor.

There has been so much progress since my last visit. Each of the three model suites is already framed (note my use of "builder's lingo") and the interior walls are also in place. The kitchens and windows are on the work order, but not until the new floor-to-ceiling windows are installed. This is a painstaking task that involves deconstructing the old windows and then installing the newer, bigger and better windows that will adorn the building.

Fun Facts about Windows:
Windows do more than provide gorgeous views. Windows enable light-filled lofts to inspire us, and they also can be an important part of the energy efficiency of a building. The windows at Network Lofts are also specially designed to act as sound guards, while maximizing the energy efficiency of the entire building.

Many of the questions we receive here at the blog have to do with the model suites. Well, since the model suites are starting to come to life we have arranged an interview with the interior designer responsible for the look and feel of the actual models.

Do you have a question you would like to ask to our designer? Are you considering a move to a loft, but still have a query or two about how to decorate a loft space? Send your question in to us (see the link on our main page) and we will do our best to get it answered.

Until then, keep blogging!

Dan-the-Intern

Big Brave Blog Update

Hello from the blogsophere

The blog has been hearing from bloggistes with inquiries about floorplans, details and info about the model suites. I haven't been able to get my hands on any actual 411, but I did manage to arrange a Q and A session with Network Lofts' interior designer. There "might" be some more info on the model suites after I speak to the creative spark behind the design.

The "Bloggers-That-Be" thought my restaurant review idea was (and it is) a great idea! So popular was the idea that this particular intern (and accomplice) will be wining, dining, snacking, sipping, tasting and supping our way through the Kingsway neighbourhood.

A quick update about this past week: our "working stroll" through the neighbourhood did involve stopping for a wonderful supper at a restaurant on Bloor Street, a short walk from Network Lofts. Unsure about the netiquette of posting the actual name, I decided to check with HQ before dropping any names. Permission was cheerfully granted, and future posts will have more information about the neighbourhood and the people we meet there.

Accomplice and I had supper at Le Petite France* a short walk (about 2.5 blocks) from Network Lofts. Determined to carry out diligent research we agreed to sample as much from the menu as we could.

True, there is a prix fixe menu offering a tempting selection of bistro-fare, but we had already pledged to live life a la carte for the evening.

Network Lofts

Dining with an Intern

French Onion Soup

Watercress & Endive Salad with Walnut Oil Vinaigrette

Bajun Crab Cakes with
"Aunty May's" Hot Sauce & Mango Salsa
(we shared the crab cakes)

Traditional Steak Frites (Dan-the-Intern)

Braised Chicken with Honey Ginger Sauce (Accomplice)

Home Made Gateau au Chocolat
(we shared this, too)

Decaf Cafe Latte (Accomplice)

Espresso (Dan-the-Intern)

Mindful of being on a budget, we each had one glass of house wine; a red and a white. Red wine was a great mix with my steak-frites, and Accomplice paired the house white with her chicken main course.

The bistro is awesome and the proprietor hails from France, where his love and appreciation for bistro style food and atmosphere started. He makes all the desserts himself, and they are terrific. Judging by the other tables (we looked) the dessert bar takes a hit each night. Nothing bland or ordinary here.

Our next neighbourhood walk is already planned and we have a few other spots to check out. We spent today strolling along Bloor street, with a Starbucks in hand, starting our journey each time from the Network Lofts.

Thanks for stopping by the blog-

Dan-the-Intern

* Le Petite France is located a short stroll west of the Network Lofts, on the south side of Bloor Street West. 416-234-8783

A night out in the neighbourhood.

Life as an intern has some interesting twists and turns. My tasks include photography--both with a digital camera and a photocopier--as well as writing, editing, making coffee, and--well, the list is growing.

I am learning a lot along the way, and there have been some interesting "perks" to the job.

Just today I was assigned to do some research in the West Kingsway neighbourhood for the blog. The idea was that I would spend the afternoon in the neighbourhood; taking pictures, meeting merchants, dropping in on professional offices--generally getting to know some of the people in West Kingway. I was looking forward to an afternoon of "sleuthing" through the area, and reporting back on the people, places, and things I encountered.

I skillfully managed to turn that task into a "restaurant review" (from the valuable "intern" perspective) and obtain an expense account for the evening.

I called a friend and arranged to meet at the Islington subway station with a plan to grab some coffee t0-go and stroll down Bloor West, and through some of the leafy side streets. We would later stop for supper in one of the restaurants we passed.

Here is the report thus far:

The restaurant was great, the service was both attentive, professional and informative (we learned some things about food and cooking from the chef) and we also enjoyed the wine and conversation.

What we didn't get, I realize now, is permission from the "Bloggers That Be" to mention any names of the places we visited.

Stay tuned...

Dan the Intern--and friend--reporting from West Kingsway

Can we offer you a lift?

Convenience is one reason--of many--that people list as a reason to move into a condominium home. The abiltiy to "lock and leave" their residence enables people to take weekend or longer trips, without worrying about the responsibility of home maintenance.

Network Lofts will also have a concierge available 24 hours a day to admit visitors, plus accept packages and deliveries.

Another convenient aspect of our loft is the number of elevators that already exist at the building. There are five elevator cars, off of which are being rejuvenated for Network Loft residents.

Elevators Under Rejuvenation

While the elevator cars will be designed to match the style and architecture of Network Lofts, steps are being taken to preserve some of the elements that already exist. Doors and walls are covered and secured from damage, while interior embellishments (buttons, lighting) will be updated and changed.

Dan the Intern,
Reporting from Network Lofts

Hello, my name is Dan the Intern, and I am the official Digital Photographic Artist for Network Lofts. Layman's terms aside, the title sounds pretty good for a guy who simply takes digital pictures and posts them onto the blog site for all to view as Network's development progresses. I have also enjoyed hearing from people who have stopped by the blog.

My very first visit to the site was earlier this summer, where I toured the neighbourhood, visited shops and restaurants, stopped for lunch with some friends, ending up at Number 2 Fieldway Road for a tour of the Network Lofts under rejuvenation.

My tour began in the lobby, where I saw the remnants of the building's old industrial kitchen, a part of the former cafeteria and social space on the ground floor. I then got to choose, from a total of five elevators, which one I would photograph and then ride up to the 8th, 11th and 12th floors.

It was really cool to see the creation of the model suite and the first stages of construction on the upper floors. Nothing could beat, however, the views of Toronto's skyline that left me with a gaping jaw and trigger-happy camera finger. I felt as though I was looking at a "Toronto Unlimited" poster we might use to tempt our neighbours to the south to come on up and hang out.

The city stretches out in all directions, with showcase stretches of city, lake, trees and more.

The view was spectacular, to say the least. I will be continually adding pictures to the blog site with my commentary.

Stay blogged on for more digi-pic updates!
Dan The Intern

Friday at Network Lofts

The progress on the model suites is really picking up pace! Designed to be more than a showcase of what the lofts will offer, the model suites at the Network Lofts will be real, true lofts that visitors can not only tour--they can buy them! Our model suites will be available for sale (after completion) and are not just "representations' of the final lofts. They are lofts.

In response to the emails we've had (thanks for asking) we are today taking more"sneaky" images of the model suites as they are being constructed.

Intrepid bloggistes will note that most of the images also show the ceiling heights, classic concrete columns, and some other authentic elements.

Oh, and we have managed to book time with the interior designer for Network Lofts so that we can interview her next week. Stay tuned for more!

The Network Lofts Blog Crew

2 Fieldway Road

Our loft has a history, and we've been hearing from people who used to work in the building. One correspondent (hello, Karen) emailed to tell us that she commuted to the building via subway, and remarked about her stroll through the park to reach the front door. We thought that Karen would appreciate this image of the front door before it is changed during the rejuvenation of the building.

The Current Front Entrance Before Rejuventation

We also have an image (or three) of the park that is located right next to the building. This is the same greenspace that Karen crossed to get to work. In the near future this is the park that residents will enjoy.

Greenspace on the East Side of Network Lofts

Roof Top View

The views from the Network Lofts benefit from an interesting streetscape feature of the Fieldway Road address. The street is not *exactly* aligned to the city's grid, but has a gentle difference that sees the street veer slightly to the south. The result is that Network Lofts is positioned to offer gorgeous views--from each individual loft--of two different directions, sweeping arcs that encompass vast tracts of the city skyline, the lake, or the leafy neighbourhoods surrounding the Network Lofts. An authentic feature we are proud of.

Today we thought we would showcase both the talents of our resident digital archivits (Dan The Intern) and the view from the roof. As time goes on we will update the image to show the changing colours of the trees as autumn starts. Stay tuned.

From the Team behind the Blog

CN Tower and City Skyline

Network Lofts "final look" Revealed!

Oh, we can be a pretty sneaky bunch here at the Network Lofts Blog. We are always looking for a great picture, or a juicy bit of news to post. Just today for instance we found something that will make an interesting update to our blog: an artists' rendering of what the building will look like after it has been completely rejuvenated.

The image was on someone's desk (we aren't telling who) and it looked so fresh and crisp that we thought, "Let's share it with the world!"

We did, however, ask if we could have the drawing--. So here it is.

Network Lofts will be transformed--as this image shows--from its current look today (see previous blogs) to a sleek envelope of glass and steel accented with stucco. The windows will make maximum use of the ultra-high ceiling heights, and the building will truly be reborn.

Images from a Loft

We have received some emails from people asking if we would provide a little more information (and perhaps a picture or two) of the model suites in development.

We dispatched Dan The Intern to the site and he managed to snap a few digital images of the model suites as they are being created. These are actual lofts that will be available for purchase.

If you want to be kept informed or learn more about Network Lofts, just click here and we'll keep you current.

In the meantime, here is an updated, "spy" image of work on one model suite.

This is a shot down the hallway of Model Suite #1. Note the high ceiling heights, and the windows in the distance. These windows will be replaced with floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize the long views.

Next Up: We are going to interview the interior designer and learn 5 smart tips for living in a loft. Stay tuned!

The Network Lofts Blog Team

The View from Here

We assigned the task of updating the digital archive to Dan the Intern. We turned him loose with a digital camera, a hard-hat and a guide with instructions to "have fun" and to return with some real images for the blog.

We have received requests--some from quite far away--for an image of the building as it is now.

The original structure (that you see here) was designed by an architectural firm with an international roster of clients and projects. Build in 1971 for commercial use, the building is now being completely rejuvenated into loft apartments.

The new exterior will be a sleek envelope of steel and glass, accented by stucco. The new windows will be floor to ceiling, to capture the magnicient views the stretch out in every direction.