A photo tour of the newly opened presentation centre and model suite at Matchedash Lofts in Orillia
Photos: James Bombales
The excitement continues to build for Orillia’s highly anticipated Matchedash Lofts by Oakleigh. Located in the city’s historic downtown core, the five-storey mid-rise promises to add a touch of urban character to Ontario’s heartland with a mix of residential suites, retail, and commercial spaces. BuzzBuzzNews recently visited the brand new presentation centre and model suite at 21 Matchedash Street South that the developer opened last month.
Inside, the former Pontiac car dealership has been transformed into a full-sized one-bedroom plus den modelled after the Simcoe floorplan. The fully furnished model is decorated with warm tones and contemporary furniture while pops of industrial decor provide a nod to the building’s warehouse-style architecture. Those with a keen eye may also notice several works by renowned Canadian artist Charles Pachter who just opened a new studio and gallery down the street on Western Avenue.
Boasting up to 1,035 square feet — depending on the unit — the spacious floorplan opens to a bright foyer with a closet, three-piece guest bathroom and laundry closet. The main entryway features clear sightlines towards the rear of the home where the open concept kitchen, dining and living room areas are located. The expansive space is accented with soaring ceilings, gleaming hardwood floors and bright industrial-style windows.
In the kitchen, two tone cabinets add visual interest while providing plenty of storage space and the white stone countertop is clean, elegant and classic. For added flexibility and work space, a counter-height dining table overlooks the living room and doubles as a kitchen island. The model suite also displays an upgraded Panasonic appliance package with stainless steel fridge, microwave, stovetop, dishwasher and wall oven.
Situated off the main living room is the generous master suite complete with a walk-in closet and a luxury ensuite fitted with a designer marble-topped vanity, upgraded chrome fixtures and porcelain tiled bath enclosure with subway tile detailing.
Opposite the bedroom is a large den space which can easily be used as a library, lounge, or an extra guest room.
“The units at Matchedash Lofts have been designed to be large and liveable,” said Geoffrey Campbell, Managing Partner at Oakleigh. “The dens, for example, are true separate rooms making it feel like a home, as opposed to the small box in the sky found in major cities.”
Envisioned by the in-house architecture team at Oakleigh, the building design was guided by the principles of new urbanism and Orillia’s ‘Downtown Tomorrow’ waterfront revitalization plan. The ambitious project calls for urban design approaches that strengthen the links between the downtown core and the Lake Couchiching waterfront while putting an emphasis on healthy living and community.
Inspired by the charm and character of the city, the exterior is meant to look like two industrial warehouses linked by a modern glass stretch above the entrance to the garage. Characterized by a red brick facade and large warehouse style windows, the design blends well within the existing community.
To keep maintenance fees low, in-house amenities are limited to a rooftop terrace overlooking the lake and main floor retail spaces. However, with so many local amenities and attractions close at hand, residents will have everything they need within walking distance including the charming shops and cafes along Mississaga Street East, Couchiching Beach Park and the Orillia Museum of Art & History.
“Matchedash Lofts provides a quality of living that is hard to beat,” explained Campbell. “With a Walk Score of 97 the amenities of downtown Orillia are right at your doorstep. From the historic shopping district and restaurants, recreation facilities, Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, the Opera House, the waterfront park and even a golf course, there is no shortage of things to do within walking distance.”
The “Sunshine City” is also known for its rich arts and cultural community and for hosting popular events and festivals, such as the Mariposa Folk Festival, Festival of Banners and the Scottish festival, just to name a few.
“Orillia prides itself on being an active community with over 25 scheduled events and festivals in the downtown core as well as a bustling arts and music scene,” adds Campbell. “There really is an incredible depth to the community that rivals a big city but all within a small condensed core.”
The suites at Matchedash Lofts start from $249,900 and range in size from 632 square feet to 1,734 square feet. To learn more about the community, be sure to visit the newly opened presentation centre and model suite, open Thursday and Friday from 4pm to 8pm and weekends from 11am to 4pm.
