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Graywood Developments has formally submitted Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw Amendment applications to permit a 15-storey condominium at 506-516 Church Street, one week after an online information session revealed the massing concept. Located just south of O'Grady's pub at the southwest corner of Church and Maitland Streets in Church-Wellesley Village, the development would replace a surface parking lot and retain the street-facing sections of two row houses currently occupied by the popular Crews & Tangos bar.
The 13,780 m² building would meet the street with a three-storey podium containing a mix of commercial retail and residential uses, with a 12-storey tower element rising behind. Two retail units fronting Church, totalling 791 m², are proposed. The largest unit measures 613 m², requiring an amendment to Zoning Bylaw 569-2013 which currently limits cabaret, clubs and eating establishments to a maximum size of 440 m².
The second and third floors of the podium are occupied by residential and commercial spaces, while the rear of the retained building would host a 110 m² courtyard and a surrounding U-shaped indoor amenity space. On the fourth level a 73 m² amenity room and a 134 m² outdoor terrace are proposed.
Although none of the existing buildings on the property are listed on the Heritage Register, ERA Architects has identified 508 and 510 Church Street—where Crews & Tangos is located—as holding historical/associative value due to the bar's connection to the LGBTQ+ community.
At a stage of the design where only massing is being considered at this point, Diamond Schmitt Architects, following City of Toronto requirements for angular planes, has employed multiple step backs on the eastern elevation to propose a terraced building form. A total of 173 units are envisioned, comprised of 15 studios, 72 one-bedrooms, 65 two-bedrooms, and 21 three-bedrooms.
Two underground parking levels containing a total of 40 vehicular parking spaces are proposed. Spots for 174 bicycles would be located on the P1 level with an additional 10 spaces provided on the ground floor.
A website for the development proposal was launched prior to the submission to the City, providing the community with opportunities to give feedback and ask questions about the proposal. While the project makes its way through the planning process, Graywood Developments has extended the lease of Crews & Tangos for two years.
Additional information and images can be found in our Database file for the project, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum thread, or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.
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| Related Companies: | Bousfields, Counterpoint Engineering, Diamond Schmitt Architects, EQ Building Performance Inc., HGC Noise Vibration Acoustics, U31 |
