Like many Toronto neighbourhoods, when you're in Liberty Village, you know it. It has a distinct look and feel that vanishes as soon as you step outside its borders.
Most of Liberty Village is made up of old brick buildings that once housed factories that produced goods ranging from carpets to billiard tables. Since then, these buildings have been converted for other use. Seen here are the Irwin Toy Factory lofts located in the centre of the village.
But Liberty Village is far more than just a residential neighbourhood. It's also full of companies looking to take advantage of these creative spaces. Even tucked away down alleyways like this, you'll find century old sites now occupied by marketing agencies, art and design firms and various other businesses.
And there is plenty of retail to serve residents and workers alike. There is an impressive Metro grocery store, an LCBO and two banks in the heart of the village. But there are also several smaller shops scattered throughout, like those located along the sides of this covered outdoor walkway.
Aside from the character of its buildings, one of Liberty Village's strongest features is its location. It offers close proximity to the waterfront, Gardiner Expressway and Exhibition GO Station. It's also just a short cab or streetcar to the downtown core and walking distance from the thriving Queen West and Ossington areas.
But area residents don't have to leave their own hood to have a good time. Within the village, there are a number of bars and restaurants just steps away from home. One local favourite is School Cafe and Bakery, where the clocks are all stuck at 3:30 to ensure that school's out, forever.
Close by is the charming Liberty Bistro, which offers live music on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for those of us who just can't wait for the end of the week.
And then there is the Brazen Head. A popular hangout for TFC fans that always seems to be busy.
A fairly recent addition to the neighbourhood is the series of high rise condominiums that have sprung up in the past few years. Fortunately, these towers are mostly confined to the eastern end of Liberty Village and the area far from resembles the condoland seen closer to the lake.
At least for now. Construction cranes are still aplenty in the area and we've seen how hard it can be for developers to resist cramming these things into every nook and cranny. The neighbourhood is still growing and relatively young. Only time will tell if Liberty Village will stay true to its current charm and mixed use nature. But so far, I like what I see.
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