Skip to content
Sponsored Content

Loft-style live/work residences in the heart of downtown

New Oakleigh development has modern interiors and a heritage feel

Realtor Kaleb Streeter knows the Matchedash Lofts development very well. In fact, he’s been looking at it daily—his office is right across the street.

The building is located on the corner of Mississaga Street and Matchedash Street South. “It’s just a couple of blocks from Lake Couchiching, right up from the water. You couldn’t get any more downtown Orillia,” says Streeter.

Historic downtown Orillia already has it all: great restaurants and cafes, a host of mom-and-pop shops, every kind of business or professional service you could ever need. You’re also on the shores of beautiful Lake Couchiching, close to the Port of Orillia and Centennial Park.

This particular development has a decidedly cool, urban feel. The mixed-use, industrial-style, brand-new building blends in effortlessly with the existing architecture. Streeter has even overheard passers-by commenting on how well it fits in, how it looks as if it has always been there.

There are 76 residential lofts in total and a handful of live/work units. Because of its mixed-use designation, there will be some retail on the bottom and some commercial space available for rent on the 2nd and 3rd floors. 

The development is pretty much sold out, but there are a couple of units left, which range in size from just under 1,000 to nearly 2,000 sq ft. Construction is nearing completion and Streeter expects all residents to be fully moved in by fall.

The building boasts an impressive WalkScore of 97®, making it ideal for active living and outdoor enthusiasts. You are just steps from the water, with immediate access to parks, green space and 29 km of trails. There are gyms close-by, and pools. The city also hosts over 25 cultural events annually, so there is often a fun street festival going on.

“Orillia’s gastronomy culture is awesome,” explains Streeter. He’s quick to name a bunch of must-try spots, including the Couchiching Craft Brewery Co (a new microbrewery that is already a huge attraction; it’s on the opposite corner of the development), Mariposa Market (“probably Orillia’s most famous place to visit if you’re coming through”), and high-end coffee shops like Apple Annie’s and Lone Wolf Café. Keep in mind that new retail will be added to the main floor too, giving residents even more shopping and dining options in the neighbourhood.

Because of its prime location, Matchedash Lofts offers limited internal amenities. “The building itself is very low key. They didn’t put any amenities in it because they’d rather offer low maintenance fees and have people be able to walk to everything,” says Streeter. “It’s an attractive quality—that’s why the maintenance fees are so affordable at only 35 cents per sq ft. Everything you need is right here.”

The project was guided by the principles of new urbanism and Orillia’s Downtown Tomorrow waterfront revitalization plan. The site itself dates back to 1850, when it was known as Temperance Hall; it has an absolutely fascinating history.

Developer Oakleigh’s mission is to build for the future while respecting the past. The company focuses on urban restoration and renewal projects in historic city centres. They have a passion for heritage and sustainable development, which is evident in their work. 

“Because of their love of Orillia, they’ve done an amazing job of seamlessly stitching this in to make it look like it’s always been here,” says the realtor, pointing to the black window frames and red brick, which are common exterior finishes in the area. “They didn’t just come in and plop down a structure that was an eyesore, they accentuated what downtown Orillia already was by keeping it historical-looking. It blends in very nicely.”

Over 66 of the 76 units are already occupied and all units will be moved into by July. For more information on this exciting development and units for sale, visit the Streeter Team or call 705-323-9212.