A revised proposal by TRAC Developments Inc. seeks to repurpose the former High Park Alhambra United Church in Toronto's High Park area into a condominium building containing 77 residential units. Designed by Turner Fleischer Architects, the project joins the growing list of church conversions in the city as of late, a number of which are close to this particular subject site at 260 High Park Avenue at Annette Street.

248-260 High Park Avenue looking east, image retrieved via submission to the City of Toronto

The residential set-up of the building includes 10 one-bedroom units, 22 one-bedroom-plus-den units, 23 two-bedroom units, 16 two-bedroom-plus-den units, and 8 three-bedroom units. The developer proposes 96 parking spots in an underground lot, as well as 72 bicycle storage spaces.

While a previous iteration of this project envisioned the demolition of the Sunday School building—a three-storey 1924-built addition on the western edge of the lot—the latest design contemplates the retention of its façade as well as wholly preserving the main church building, which dates back to 1907. A new L-shaped building rising four storeys would surround the church to the south and west and house the large majority of the residential units.

248-260 High Park Avenue looking south from Annette Street, image retrieved via submission to the City of Toronto

Church conversions have become a somewhat common phenomenon in Toronto, where the demand for available land in urban neighbourhoods has led developers to revitalize and repurpose heritage churches into condominium units, oftentimes including newly-built additions. The High Park and Junction neighbourhoods are home to a number of church conversions, two of which are located a short distance away at 152 and 200 Annette Street.

Site plan showing inner courtyard between both buildings, image retrieved via submission to the City of Toronto

While some have raised concerns regarding the negative effects of turning church buildings once meant for social and community enjoyment into condominiums for private use, developers often argue that through condominium conversion these heritage assets can be adequately preserved and protected from decay and abandonment. Furthermore, as urban communities become less reliant on organized religion and the social functions and services they provide, there is an incentive for these assets, which are often located on accessible lots well-served by public transit, to be sold to private developers.

We will continue to update you as 260 High Park Avenue moves along the planning process. In the meantime, you can check out more renderings in our dataBase file, linked below. Feel free to leave your comments in the field provided on this page, or join the conversation in our associated forum thread.