888 Dupont St

Once upon a time, this building was a yarn-spinning factory, then a broom factory employing blind veterans (?). But most will know the four-storey warehouse at Dupont and Ossingon as a derelict artists residence with some of the cheapest rent and most illegal conditions in the city.

Though it was never legally zoned for live-work, it was an open secret that artists lived in the studios. One acquaintance lived on the third floor with 18ft windows, but had to wear coats indoors in the winter and suffered inhumane water temperatures. There are very few bathrooms, and the ones that exist are in bizarre configurations (toilet on top of a staircase, anyone?). By all accounts, the building was falling apart at the seams, but bursting with a vibrant creative community. “We paid just $1000 a month for the biggest space I ever called home in Toronto".

Sold to developers with all the artists evicted. Lots of graffiti inside and leftover art and supplies in studios. Hurry over. Word on the street is that this will soon be the city's rave capital before its impending demolition.