History Of The Tip Top (tailor Warehouse) Lofts

Standing at 637 Lake Shore Boulevard West is one ofand Miller for the Tip Top Tailor clothing company, one
Toronto's true tributes to innovation, renovation, andof the largest men's clothing chains in Canada.
high-class living, the Tip Top Loft condominiumClassified as an Art Deco building, the Tip Top
complex. The exclusive lofts that are part of thisstructure was used both for office and warehouse
building's appeal are unique in several aspects inpurposes. At a time when highways and super
comparison to other Toronto condominiums; they arefreeways did not cross the landscape as it is today,
located right on Lake Ontario within local proximity toaccess to the waters and ports of the Great Lakes
the Martin Goodman Waterfront Park and trail system,was a huge commercial advantage, thus the location
as well as all of the excitement that makes up theof the building proved to be invaluable.
atmosphere of the Toronto waterfront. The building isWith the Great Depression, Tip Top Tailors and others
within walking distance to Ontario Place and a quickfell on hard times, and were forced to downsize as
ferry ride from Toronto Island. The condos themselveswell as to review company policy. The company was
are also unique; two stories high on average, they aresold to Dylex, who were interested in the chain and its
spacious and comfortable with a soft loft appeal.potential, rather then any of the buildings the chain
There's no doubt that many aspects of the modernowned. The result was a rejuvenation of the
Tip Top Loft building are unique, but in fact thecorporate side, but this did not extend to the real
singularity of this complex stretches right to the veryestate holdings, and buildings like the warehouse were
foundation of the building itself. The Tip Top Loft condoallowed to degenerate.
complex is not just a testament to the luxury of highThe move to conserve space, the appeal for the
class living, but also to the innovation and ingenuity thatmodern individual of a manageable living area, as well
keep the city of Toronto in the limelight as one of theas skyrocketing real estate prices would all combine,
most cutting edge locations in North America. It is onebringing new life for the building, which was sold to
of the historic buildings in the city that enjoys a longContext Development Inc in 2002. The company
history and a place in the cultural and commercialrenovated the historic structure into the high-end
history of the city.condominium building it is today, registering the complex
Residents of the Tip Top Loft complex can chalk upin 2006.
the incredible location, with its gorgeous view and easyToday, these condos (including the additional three
access to all amenities, to the fact that the buildingfloors of two storey units) are some of the most in
itself was originally commercial in nature. It wasdemand pieces of real estate in Toronto.
constructed in 1929 by contracting company Bishop