TAS has shared the conceptual design for a project involving the Walmer Road Baptist Church at 38 Walmer Road in The Annex neighbourhood of Toronto. Working with the church, the developer is proposing to add a 20-storey condo designed by ZAS Architects at the west end of the property. 

The existing church was founded in 1889, and since then has hosted not only religious services, but also a food bank, a theatre initiative, and Canada’s first co-located daycare.

Walmer Road Baptist Church in its current form, image retrieved from Google Street View

Under the supervision of ERA Architects, the new 162-unit residential building would be integrated into the church building, which would feature a refurbished sanctuary along with new meeting space for the Walmer Road Baptist Church congregation, and a new commercial community hub.

20-storey condo to rise above the church, image courtesy of TAS

The commercial community hub in the base is proposed as a place to maintain the sanctuary’s historical role as a centre for the community, social connection, and also social innovation.

Base of the new building, with church integrated, image courtesy of TAS

Also part of the plans is a publicly accessible gh3-designed courtyard for residents and members of the local neighbourhood to enjoy. The landscaped courtyard would feature a sheltered seating area.

Courtyard of 38 Walmer, image courtesy of TAS

The proposed development is located a short walk from Spadina subway station on both University Line 1 and Bloor Line 2. 

We will continue to follow progress on the development, but in the meantime, you can learn more about it from our Database file, linked below. If you'd like, you can join in on the conversation in the associated Project Forum thread, or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.

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Related Companies:

Bousfields, EQ Building Performance Inc., gh3, Hariri Pontarini Architects, Jablonsky, Ast and Partners, LEA Consulting, TAS