On the lengthening list of church-to-condo conversions in Toronto, the 1925-built Temple Baptist Church on Dewhurst Boulevard just steps north of Danforth Avenue between Pape and Donlands subway stations, was largely demolished in early 2019, though its front walls continue to live on in Grid Developments' new Sunday School Lofts project.

Looking southwest to Sunday School Lofts, image by Forum contributor AlbertC

Following the demolition of the back of the church and the shoring up of its character-filled front, the site was prepped for the start of work on a concrete foundation and the first areas of steel installation for the new building's structural skeleton. By late October, 2019, the steel skeleton had reached the fourth and final residential floor, though it would be several more months before structural completion was reached. By May of this year, concrete floors had been poured, interior walls were rising, and the first sections of brick cladding had been applied to the new structure.

Looking northwest to Sunday School Lofts, image by Forum contributor AlbertC

With 2020 now winding down, the building is practically fully-enclosed. Large platform hoists still obscure much of the building as bricklaying is now wrapping up on the uppermost floor, while interior work continues to prep the building for its initial residents.

Cladding details at Sunday School Lofts, image by Forum contributor AlbertC

The latest photos posted to our Forum offer up a clearer picture of the relationship between the George Popper Architect-designed new-build sections and the preservation work overseen by heritage specialists ERA Architects and Giaimo. A mix of red and black brick finishes on the modern section serve as a contextual canvas for the preserved church walls, complementing—while not competing—with the original building's neoclassical design.

Looking southwest to Sunday School Lofts, image by Forum contributor AlbertC

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 below.

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