Buzzing with a youthful energy, Liberty Village emits a spirited and creative way of life that is especially attractive to Gen Z’s and Millennials. This 43-acre campus-style community combines retailers, commercial space and residential townhomes & condos.
Liberty Village boundaries stretch North to King St. W, South to the Gardiner, West to Dufferin St. and East to Strachan Ave. Let’s take a stroll into what attracts consumers, agencies, and residents alike.
History
In the 1850’s both the Toronto Grey Bruce Railway and the Great Western Railway laid tracks across the community, cutting it off from the rest of the city and became home to several institutions.
Once the site of Toronto’s first Central Prison and the Andrew Mercer Reformatory for Women, the name “Liberty Village” comes from an urban myth. It is said that freed prisoners were released along Liberty St. to embark on their newfound “liberty”.
The areas proximity to the railway tracks led to its growth as an industrial area. The industry flourished during the 19th and 20th century.
During the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, manufacturing operations began to decline due to a shift in rail to road shipping. Building began to demolish and in 1990 the, now land marked, Toronto Carpet Manufacturing plant shut down and ceased operations.
In the early 2000’s the Liberty Village Business Improvement Area was founded and soon the remaining industrial buildings, like the Irwin Toy Factory, turned to residential, commercial and/or retail space.
Architecture
Now knowing that this area housed a number of institutions and factories, it is no secret these gritty 19th turn-of-the-century, red brick structures are in fact, industrial. Nowadays these buildings have been repurposed as hard loft condos, and others as commercial space hosting some of Toronto’s most technically advanced production facilities, tech firms and media agencies. Retailers that offer an eclectic and edgy taste also occupy these Liberty Village landmarks.
An attractive contrast is also prevalent in Liberty Village, a modern-contemporary age of soaring concrete and glass condo buildings built in the mid-2000’s bring this neighbourhood to life.
Lifestyle
Due to it’s campus-style layout, Liberty Village offers grocery stores, pet shops, eateries, shopping, cafes and more, all within walking distance! Populated mostly by a younger generation, residents find the perfect balance between live, work and play.
Common among residents, as well, is pet-ownership. Rest-assured there are many dog parks and green spaces for your furry friends to frolic around in!
✢ Find out where else young professionals are choosing to live in this blog.
Recreation
Joggers, walkers, and cyclists rejoice! Liberty Village resident’s take advantage of the proximal location to the waterfront trail. You are also minutes from the TFC pitch, and world-class sporting venues such as Scotiabank Area and the Rogers Centre.
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Transportation
Accessing this vibrant neighbourhood is effortless through the streetcar lines along Queen St. and King St. For additional convenience and accessibility, GO Transits Exhibition Station is within walking distance.
Car owners, there are a multitude of car park lots that offer single use and monthly passes. Some street also offer permit parking.
Has this Liberty Village neighbourhood guide made you seriously consider Liberty Village as your next home? If so, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or inquiries you may have. I would love to show you all that this lively neighbourhood has to offer.
