This five-storey apartment building, located on the corner of Roncesvalles and Fermanagh, is one of the few low-rises of its kind scattered throughout downtown Toronto. As a renter who is currently on the hunt for a new place (in a landlord's market) I know that apartments in these buildings hardly ever become available.
Built in the early-to-mid 20th century, these buildings were designed, based on the European model, as a permanent home -- not as a temporary place to stay until one could afford to purchase a house. Well designed for private, civilized, quiet and functional living in the city, these buildings, in my opinion, trump the more pervasive poorly-divided-up houses, converted factory lofts, and contemporary condos. The architects and planners valued space, utility, longevity and beauty over economy. I hope the remaining buildings of this kind are well maintained for centuries to come with a sensitivity to a past standard of living.
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