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Mowat Lofts 20 Mowat Ave, Toronto, ON Liberty Village Condos

Quick Answer

Mowat Lofts at 20 Mowat Ave is a 140-unit, 5-storey hard loft conversion completed in 2003, on one of Liberty Village's quieter residential streets. One-bedroom lofts rent from $2,180/month — among the most affordable authentic hard loft units in the neighbourhood. The building has exposed brick, original heavy timber, and a community-scale feel that larger buildings cannot replicate.

Key Takeaways

  • Most affordable hard loft rents in Liberty Village at $2,180/month for 1BR
  • Quiet Mowat Ave location away from the East Liberty Street commercial corridor
  • 2003 conversion with original heavy timber and exceptional ceiling heights
  • 140-unit intimate scale with strong long-term community feel
  • Maintenance fees are higher due to age but reflect an established condo corporation

Quick Facts

Year Built

2003

Total Units

140

Floors

5

Type

Loft

1BR Avg Rent

$2,180/mo

2BR Avg Rent

$2,900/mo

Walk Score

87/100

Transit Score

93/100

Developer: Freed Developments

Maintenance Fee: ~$0.79/sqft/month

Amenities

GymRooftop PatioBike StorageParty RoomParking AvailableStorage LockersPet Friendly
Loft

Industrial Heritage

Mowat Lofts was converted from an original industrial building, retaining the authentic character — exposed brick walls, heavy timber structural beams, and factory-original windows — that makes Liberty Village lofts unique in the Toronto market. Unlike "soft lofts" which mimic the aesthetic in new construction, hard loft conversions like this one preserve genuine manufacturing heritage.

The original building date of 2003 reflects the timeline of Liberty Village's transformation from a post-industrial district into Toronto's most creative residential neighbourhood. Maintenance fees at loft buildings are typically slightly higher than comparable new towers, reflecting the cost of maintaining heritage building envelopes.

Residents of Mowat Lofts should note that heritage loft construction typically means concrete slab between floors (excellent sound isolation), but original HVAC systems may be older than in recently built towers. Request the most recent building envelope and HVAC inspection reports before purchasing.

Nearest Local Businesses

Services and amenities within walking distance of Mowat Lofts.

Transit

TTC

504 King streetcar at Dufferin (5 min walk)

Walk Score: 87 · Transit Score: 93 · Bike Score: 79

Pro Tips

  1. 1. Mowat Ave is one of Liberty Village's most protected cycling routes — great for residents who bike commute via the Dufferin corridor.
  2. 2. The building's age means some units have been significantly renovated by long-term owners; always verify whether kitchen and bathroom updates are included in the unit.
  3. 3. Higher maintenance fees ($0.79/sqft) at this building's age warrant a careful reserve fund review — request the most recent engineer's reserve fund study.
  4. 4. The intimate 140-unit scale means neighbour relationships are closer and building culture more communal than in 400-unit towers.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Most affordable authentic hard loft rents in Liberty Village
  • Quiet, residential Mowat Ave character
  • Genuine 2003 hard loft conversion with exceptional industrial bones
  • Pet-friendly building with walking access to Brazen Head and Atlantic Ave
  • Small 140-unit community feel

Cons

  • Highest maintenance fees in its category at $0.79/sqft due to building age
  • Fewer modern amenities than newer towers
  • Building age may require reserve fund top-up for major capital expenditures

Mowat Lofts — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average rent at Mowat Lofts?
One-bedroom lofts at Mowat Lofts (20 Mowat Ave) average $2,180/month — the most affordable authentic hard loft units in Liberty Village. Two-bedroom lofts average $2,900/month. Units with original heavy timber and full ceiling heights command a modest premium.
Is Mowat Lofts a real hard loft?
Yes, Mowat Lofts is a genuine hard loft conversion completed in 2003 from an original industrial building. The conversion preserved original exposed brick, heavy timber structural members, and high ceiling heights that are characteristic of true industrial loft living.
What year was Mowat Lofts completed?
Mowat Lofts at 20 Mowat Ave was completed in 2003 by Freed Developments, one year after Liberty Lofts on Hanna Ave. Both were among the pioneering conversions that established Liberty Village as Toronto's premier loft neighbourhood.
What are maintenance fees at Mowat Lofts?
Maintenance fees at Mowat Lofts run approximately $0.79/sqft/month — the highest in Liberty Village's loft category, reflecting the building's 2003 vintage and ongoing infrastructure maintenance costs. A reserve fund review is strongly recommended before purchasing.
Is Mowat Lofts pet-friendly?
Yes, Mowat Lofts is pet-friendly. Mowat Ave is a quiet, residential street with good dog-walking access, and Brazen Head Irish Pub's patio nearby is pet-friendly for social evenings.
How does Mowat Lofts compare to Liberty Lofts on Hanna Ave?
Both Mowat Lofts (2003) and Liberty Lofts (2002) are authentic hard loft conversions by Freed Developments. Mowat Ave is quieter and more residential in character; Hanna Ave is more centrally located on the heritage loft strip. Mowat Lofts has slightly higher maintenance fees but a similar unit quality and feel.

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