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Designed by KPMB Architects for Collecdev-Markee Developments, Cielo Condos has been approved for its minor variance application to reach new heights in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood. Since UrbanToronto's last update three months ago, which marked the completion of the ground floor staging slab, the tower crane has been erected as sub-grade work continues at the site of the Bloor Street United Church at 300 Bloor Street West. This development follows the Toronto Local Appeal Body's (TLAB) minor variance approval in July, 2024, which approved the increased height to 34 storeys, housing 349 residential units.
In August, 2024, looking southwest two months after the previous update, excavation and shoring operations continue at the northeast corner of the site, adjacent to the George C. Pidgeon House. The Richardsonian Romanesque building, dating back to the late 19th century, is being preserved as part of the site's heritage retention. In the background, the historic Bloor Street United Church continues to stand enveloped in protective Tyvek wrap to safeguard its venerable facade. This enclosed area is marked by red safety fencing, while a red tracked excavator sits at grade around the excavation.
This view from early September 2024, looking northeast, provides a clear view of the ongoing sub-grade work. Central to the site is the newly installed white tower crane mast at the north end of the deep excavation. At the northwest corner, the stability of the excavated walls is reinforced by horizontal rakers — steel beams angled against the wall — with tiebacks visible underneath. Vertical I-beams are seen further south. On the right, concrete columns support the ground floor staging slab adjacent to the church walls. Visible preparations for vertical construction include extensive vertical rebar setups on the ground, with concrete forming underway, and red netting installed behind the church facade for protection. Excavators maneuver around the base of the tower crane.
This recent northward view of the site highlights significant advancements at the base of the excavation pit. Dominating the scene is the luffing-jib tower crane, used to lift heavy loads vertically and horizontally across the site. Below, three square pits are mapped out for the installation of elevators, with architectural plans indicating there will be three elevators for the residential tower, and two additional elevators serving the podium levels. The shoring wall is reinforced with tiebacks along the west side. An operational white excavator navigates the area beneath the steel rakers.
As part of the TLAB’s approval of the minor variance, Cielo Condos will rise to its height of 120.35m on the condition of a cash contribution to the City to be used for community benefits. The sense of community at the site was reinforced by the announcement earlier in the summer that the Presbyterian, Anglican, and United Churches of Canada have entered into a collaborative leasing agreement that will see them share national office spaces within the church.
UrbanToronto will continue to follow progress on this 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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