Location: 80/90 Sherbourne is located in a fairly central part of downtown Toronto, which is a big plus for convenience. However, the area itself can be a bit of a mixed bag. While you're close to everything downtown has to offer, just north of the building, the neighborhood around Richmond/Sherbourne and Queen/Sherbourne can feel a bit rougher and less desirable. So while it's great to be in the heart of the city, the surrounding area might not appeal to everyone.
Amenities: One of the biggest drawbacks of living at 80/90 Sherbourne is the lack of amenities. There is no concierge, gym, pool or other shared facilities (other than a rooftop patio), which is somewhat surprising for a building of this size. The maintenance fees are quite high, almost $1 per square foot, which feels steep given that there are no amenities to justify the cost. The high fees are likely due to the fact that it’s a mid-rise building with fewer units, meaning the costs have to be spread out among fewer people. If you’re someone who values amenities or the convenience of a concierge, this building might not be the best fit.
Unit Layout: The building is an authentic hard loft, which is a major selling point for many. The high ceilings and exposed beams give it a unique and industrial feel that you can’t find in newer buildings. However, the loft conversion means that many of the 1-bedroom units are on the larger side, which, while spacious, can feel a bit impractical for everyday living. There’s a sense that the space is more for aesthetics than functionality, and not all layouts make the most sense for modern living. Some of the 2bedroom conversions are just sliding doors..... Additionally, some of the units on the first floor can feel quite dark due to minimal window sizes, which might be a dealbreaker for some.
Building Features: One elevator serves the entire building, and it’s definitely showing its age. It looks like the original from when the building was constructed in 1997. It’s small and has a metal wire gate in front of it, which gives it an outdated, industrial feel, but it also means that getting around the building can sometimes feel less convenient. Moving furniture is not easy!
Overall Experience: After living here for two years, I’d give 80/90 Sherbourne a 6/10. The loft style is great for a while, but once the novelty wears off, the lack of amenities and some of the building’s aging features make it feel less appealing. If you love the charm of a hard loft and don’t mind the lack of modern conveniences, this could be for you. But for someone who values amenities and more practical living spaces, it might not be the best option.
