Photos: James Bombales
The Rose Corporation officially launched its much anticipated King George School Lofts and Town Homes project with a grand opening celebration last week. BuzzBuzzNews was there at the presentation centre where visitors got a first look inside the historic King George School and the stylish new model suite. Guests were also able to browse through the floorplans and finishes while snacking on some delicious treats from local restaurants including The Maid’s Cottage, Snackmrkt and Ground Burger Bar.
The unique loft conversion centres around a century-old red-brick building designed by architect O.E. Trench in 1912. The historic two-storey structure served as King George School until 1993, but has since been used for a variety of educational purposes, making it Newmarket’s oldest public learning institution.
“The response from the community has been amazing,” says Andrew Webster, Vice President of Development at The Rose Corporation. “We’ve had a few former students and even teachers pass through, so it’s really exciting to be revitalizing this community icon and hearing from people who know the building.”
The Rose Corporation has previously worked on other heritage conversions, including The Toy Factory Lofts, The Merchandise Building in downtown Toronto and The Tannery District in Kitchener. For King George School Lofts & Town Homes, the Toronto-based developer has partnered with renowned architecture and interior design firm, AUDAX Architecture.
The exterior of the building will maintain its classic architecture which was commonly found on public schools built in the early 20th century. Its red brick facade, concrete quoins and ornamental projections will be restored, giving it new life as a residential building.
Inside, the former schoolhouse will be converted into 11 lofts ranging in size from 640 square feet to 1,250 square feet. Suites boast dramatic 13-foot ceiling heights, expansive windows while some even feature exposed 100-year-old brick. Standard finishes include wide plank hardwood floors, high efficiency windows, stone and marble countertops and a stainless steel appliance package.
Surrounding the building will be 14 new two-storey freehold town homes measuring around 2,100 square feet with two- or three-bedroom layouts. Prospective homebuyers can choose between two distinct collections to suit their style.
The Botsford Collection consists of six homes that incorporate a contemporary interpretation of Edwardian architecture with gables, large box-style windows and an elegant brick facade.
On the Northeast corner of the site, the Church Collection features Victorian-inspired architecture designed to complement the existing homes along Church Street. The exteriors are characterized by oversized floor-to-ceiling windows framed in dark metal which contrasts nicely with the premium clay brick facade.
Both collections offer spacious, open concept layouts, soaring 10-foot ceilings and gourmet kitchens with Caesarstone countertops, subway tile backsplashes and modern cabinetry finished in a premium Italian laminate. The suites also offer two car garages and plenty of outdoor living areas.
While the finishes are well above the standard industry offerings, purchasers will have the opportunity to work with an interior designer to customize their homes and upgrade features and finishes to achieve their desired vision. Optional upgrades include heated bathroom floors, upgraded mouldings, bench seats in showers and finished basements in the town homes.
To learn more about King George School Lofts & Town Homes, be sure to register online and visit the newly opened presentation centre and model suite located at 400 Park Avenue in downtown Newmarket. Hours are Monday to Thursday from 1pm to 7pm and weekends from 12pm to 5pm.
For more information call 905 235 6566 or visit LiveAtKingGeorge.com.
