Community
In the Neighbourhood: Liberty Market Village
July 3, 2024
.
Flexday Team

Nestled in the heart of Toronto's Liberty Village, Liberty Market Village stands as a testament to the city's dynamic evolution. This vibrant neighbourhood is a blend of history, modernity, and creativity, offering a unique urban experience to its residents and visitors. From its rich history and distinctive architecture to its bustling businesses and lively community, Liberty Market Village - and Liberty Market Building, at its heart - is a must-visit destination in Toronto to work for a day or two.

The heart of Liberty Market Village, with Liberty Market Building centred, showcases a vibrant neighbourhood with historical buildings and factories converted into residential lofts and workspaces conveniently next to retail establishments - a great neighbourhood to live and work in.

A Not-So Brief History: Liberty Village as An Early Destination for Work

Liberty Market Village traces its origins back to the late 19th century when it was an industrial hub. It, literally, was a workspace in the truest historical sense, with blocks of factories and industrial buildings humming with manufacturing processes. The area was home to factories, warehouses, and various industrial operations, contributing significantly to Toronto's economic growth. The name "Liberty Village" is believed to have been inspired by Liberty Street, which runs through the neighbourhood, and the concept of freedom and opportunity that attracted many workers and entrepreneurs to the area.

Liberty Village was once the site of Toronto’s Central Prison in the late-1800s. It's also believed that the name "Liberty Village" is historically derived from the prisoners' first taste of "freedom" upon serving their prison sentence, hence the monicker "Liberty Village".

At the turn of the century, the neighbourhood underwent a feverish pace of industrial changes that supported the manufacturing and production of everything from war efforts to home appliances and even toys, making Liberty Village not just a Toronto industrial jewel, but a national hub for manufacturing heavy steel products.

Bombs line up the streets for war efforts, and made right in the heart of Liberty Village, during the early-20th century.

Liberty Market Building as a warehouse in the 1980-1990s, just before the beginning of Liberty Village's revitalization of old buildings and redevelopment and conversion of industrial spaces into mixed hubs where people can live, work and play in the same district.

In the early 2000s, the neighbourhood underwent a significant transformation. The old industrial buildings were repurposed into modern lofts, offices, and commercial spaces, giving rise to the contemporary Liberty Market Village. This revitalization preserved the area's historical charm while infusing it with a fresh, modern vibe.

A retail walkway with preserved historical window frames, mural art and retail establishments where forklifts, machinery and pallets of products used to lay within Liberty Market Building.

Factory building steel frames at Liberty Market Building, and converted mixed use spaces with modern lamps, preserve the old charm and architecture of the space while infusing new purpose and life for the 21st century.

Architectural Highlights: Key Historical Buildings in the Neighbourhood

Blend of historic buildings (foreground) now converted into residential lofts, workspaces and retail establishments, and condo towers (backgorund) in Liberty Village.

One of the most striking features of Liberty Market Village is its architecture. The neighbourhood seamlessly blends historic industrial buildings with modern developments, creating a unique urban landscape. Key architectural highlights include:

- Liberty Market Building: Originally a factory, this iconic building now houses a variety of businesses, from creative studios to boutique shops and restaurants. Its brick exterior and large windows retain the industrial charm of the past.


- Toy Factory Lofts: Once a toy factory, this building has been transformed into residential lofts. The conversion maintained the original character, with exposed brick walls and wooden beams, offering residents a unique living experience.


- The Tower at King West: A modern residential high-rise, this building adds a contemporary touch to the neighbourhood's skyline. Its sleek design and luxurious amenities make it a sought-after address in Liberty Village.

Liberty Market Building campus lot with lively restaurants and retail outlets, and where residents and work teams can enjoy "off-the-clock" time together.

The Neighbourhood's Flavour and Personality

Liberty Market Village is a melting pot of creativity, innovation, and community spirit. The neighbourhood is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, studios, and performance spaces. The residents are a diverse mix of young professionals, artists, and entrepreneurs, creating a dynamic and energetic atmosphere.

Mural art "Hustle, Hustle, Hustle" harkens back to Liberty Village's original DNA as one of the oldest industrial hubs in Toronto.

The village is also home to a variety of businesses, ranging from tech startups and design firms to artisanal shops and trendy cafes. This eclectic mix gives Liberty Market Village a unique flavour, attracting both locals and tourists.

Top Things to Do in Liberty Market Village

Whether you're a resident or a work visitor, there's always something to do in Liberty Market Village. Here are some top activities and attractions:

Summer-time lunch hours and weekend community spots where people can dine and hang abound in Liberty Market Village.

- Explore the Art Galleries: Liberty Market Village is home to several art galleries showcasing contemporary works by local and international artists. Spend an afternoon exploring these creative spaces and discovering new talents.


- Dine at Trendy Restaurants: The neighbourhood boasts a diverse culinary scene, with restaurants offering everything from gourmet burgers to international cuisine. Popular spots include Mildred's Temple Kitchen and the Liberty Commons.


- Shop at Boutique Stores: Browse the unique shops and boutiques for one-of-a-kind finds, from fashion and accessories to home decor and gifts.


- Attend Community Events: Liberty Market Village hosts various events throughout the year, such as art shows, farmers' markets, and live performances. These events foster a sense of community and provide entertainment for all ages.


- Relax at a Café: Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea at one of the many cozy cafes in the neighbourhood. Balzac's Coffee Roasters and Local Liberty Village are local favourites.

- Work at Liberty Market Building: Book flex offices for your team at the heart of Liberty Market Village. Distributed teams can now meet in-person when they want with fractional offices that are available to book by the day or for short term (less than 6 month) leases.

Flexday Suite - Liberty Market Building is a bright, spacious fractional office for flex (remote, distributed) teams that need to meet in-person only on ad hoc days. Book online - the way you would a hotel room - at Flexday.com.


Accessibility

Liberty Market Village is easily accessible by both public transit and private vehicles. The neighbourhood is served by several streetcar and bus routes, connecting it to downtown Toronto and other parts of the city. The nearby Exhibition GO Station provides convenient access to regional train services.

For those driving, Liberty Village is well-connected to major roads and highways, making it easy to reach from different parts of the Greater Toronto Area. Ample parking options are available, including street parking and dedicated parking lots.

Liberty Market Village is a vibrant and dynamic neighbourhood that encapsulates the essence of Toronto's urban lifestyle. With its rich history, distinctive architecture, and thriving community, it offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking to explore art galleries, dine at trendy restaurants, or simply soak in the creative atmosphere, Liberty Market Village - and its jewel campus, Liberty Market Building - is a must-visit destination in Toronto.