When people picture condo amenities in Toronto, they often think of swimming pools, 24-hour concierges, golf simulators and sprawling fitness centres. The Forest Hill Lofts at 1001 Roselawn Avenue takes a different approach. As a converted industrial building, it has a relatively simple collection of amenities, including a gym, party room and shared rooftop terrace. There are no pools or elaborate amenity floors here.
As both an owner in the building and a Realtor who has worked with buyers and sellers at 1001 Roselawn, I actually see that as part of its appeal. You get the amenities you’re likely to use without necessarily having to pay for a long list of extras.
A Shared Rooftop Terrace
One of my favourite amenities at the Forest Hill Lofts is the shared rooftop terrace. Located on the fifth level, it gives residents a large outdoor space with tables, seating, sun loungers and BBQs. During the warmer months, it’s a great extension of the building, whether you’re having dinner outside, meeting up with neighbours or just looking for somewhere to sit in the sun.
It’s also worth pointing out that some suites have their own private outdoor spaces in addition to the shared rooftop terrace. Depending on the unit, these can include private rooftop or ground-level terraces. That’s one of the interesting things about 1001 Roselawn: because it was converted into residential lofts rather than built as a conventional condo, the layouts and features can vary quite a bit from suite to suite.
The Gym and Party Room
The building also has a fitness room on the ground floor. It’s not an enormous commercial-style gym, but it covers the essentials with a mix of cardio and strength-training equipment, including kettlebells and a rowing machine. For a boutique loft building, I think it strikes a good balance. You have somewhere convenient to get a workout in without dedicating a huge portion of the building (and ultimately residents’ maintenance fees) to an amenity that may or may not get used.
There’s also a large party room available for residents to book, which is particularly useful when you want to host a larger gathering without trying to fit everyone into your loft. While the suites at 1001 Roselawn can feel impressively spacious thanks to their open layouts and approximately 13-foot ceilings, having a separate entertaining space downstairs is still a nice option.
Why Fewer Amenities Can Actually Be a Good Thing
One thing that’s important to understand about Toronto hard lofts is that they often don’t have the extensive amenity packages found in newer, purpose-built condos. These buildings started life as factories, warehouses, churches, schools and other commercial or institutional spaces, so carving out room for a resort-style amenity floor wasn’t exactly part of the original plan.
But there’s another side to that equation, and it’s something I think buyers sometimes overlook. Pools, elaborate fitness facilities, golf simulators and other specialty amenities don’t just take up space… they also need to be maintained, repaired and eventually replaced. Those costs ultimately have to be paid by the condo corporation and, by extension, the owners.
At the Forest Hill Lofts, the amenity package is comparatively straightforward. There’s enough to make the building more enjoyable without a long list of expensive extras. As an owner myself, I appreciate that. It’s also something I discuss with buyers when we’re comparing buildings. A flashy amenity can look great during a showing, but I always want to know what it costs to maintain and whether it’s something the buyer will actually use.
All Utilities Are Included
Technically, this isn’t an amenity, but it’s one of the more unusual perks of living at the Forest Hill Lofts: all utilities are included in the monthly maintenance fees. That includes water, heat, air conditioning and electricity.
This can be particularly valuable in a building like this one. Many of the lofts have approximately 13-foot ceilings and large, open living spaces, which are part of what makes them so appealing, but that’s also a lot of cubic footage to heat and cool. Having those utilities included means owners aren’t receiving a separate electricity bill every time Toronto decides to give us a February cold snap or a week of 30-degree summer weather. It’s a small detail on paper, but in day-to-day ownership, it’s one I’ve come to appreciate.
A Different Kind of Amenity Package
The Forest Hill Lofts isn’t trying to compete with a brand-new downtown tower with multiple floors of amenities, and that’s not really what this building is about. Instead, you get a shared rooftop terrace, gym and party room, along with practical perks like visitor parking and utilities included in the monthly fees. Select suites take things a step further with their own private terraces.
For me, it fits the personality of the building. You get the character, high ceilings and individuality that come with a true hard loft conversion, while still having a handful of amenities that make everyday life a little more convenient. And you aren’t paying to maintain a swimming pool you’ll use twice a year.
Thinking About Buying or Selling at the Forest Hill Lofts?
I’ve had the somewhat unique experience of knowing 1001 Roselawn from both sides: I own a suite here myself, and I work as a Toronto Realtor helping clients buy and sell lofts. That gives me a different perspective on the building. From understanding the various layouts and terraces to the maintenance fees, amenities and little quirks that come with living in a converted loft.
If you’re considering buying at the Forest Hill Lofts, thinking about selling your suite, or simply want to know what a particular unit might be worth, get in touch with the Toronto Livings team. We’d be happy to help!
