The former Esso gas station at Church and Dundas streets in Downtown Toronto has been demolished, and a tower crane recently installed for the 53-storey 241 Church. Designed by Turner Fleischer Architects for Graywood Developments, the development was originally launched as Centricity Condos, with initial zoning approval granted in 2022. Since then, the project has shifted to a purpose-built rental, reflecting a downturn in the condominium market and wider market pressures impacting Toronto’s housing sector.

Looking north to 241 Church, designed by Turner Fleischer Architects for Graywood Developments

Now, a Minor Variance application seeks permission for changes required by the shift of tenure, including the reduction of at-grade non-residential space from 235m² to 117m² to accommodate a leasing office and expanded residential lobby, and introduces a resident-only coffee lounge at ground level. The application also proposes a reduction in short-term bicycle parking from 59 to 49 spaces, required to accommodate an elevator machine room for a dedicated bike elevator on the P1 level. In exchange, the applicant is proposing to contribute to the City’s cash-in-lieu program for bicycle parking, currently restricted under transition clauses for older applications.

Initial work was underway by November, 2024, as seen below in this image looking east across Church Street. A hydraulic drilling rig is seen onsite, used for installing soldier piles as part of the shoring system that will support excavation for the tower’s two-level underground garage. The site is fully enclosed by safety fencing.

Looking east to a shoring rig onsite as construction begins, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor citylights

By April, 2025, excavation was all but complete, revealing the full rectangular footprint of the foundation. This view, looking north from Dundas Street East, shows two excavators at the north end, one in the pit and another at grade. Timber lagging and soil-retention systems are visible along the shoring walls, reinforced with tiebacks. On the west side, orange tarp lines the excavation wall beneath the enclosed scaffolded pathway adjacent to Toronto Metropolitan University’s Daphne Cockwell Health Sciences Complex.

Looking north to the excavation, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor skycandy

In May, 2025, this view looking northwest shows rebar and formwork in place for the crane’s concrete foundation, materials staged nearby.

Formwork for the crane base, looking north, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor djb

Days later, the installation of the crane is underway. The concrete pad has been poured, now supporting the first mast sections of the crane. A worker is seen at the uppermost level, while additional crew members prepare tools and components at the base. Surrounding the crane are formwork panels, scaffolding, bundled rebar, and temporary electrical equipment, all staged atop the recently completed slab. 

Construction crews installing initial mast sections for the crane, looking east, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor citylights

Later that day, the fully installed crane is visible from Dundas Street. The white mast rises to support a horizontal orange jib and counterjib emblazoned with the Graywood branding. At grade, construction hoarding encloses the perimeter along Dundas and Church, while an elevated staging platform is along Dundas.

Looking northeast from Dundas Street East to the fully installed tower crane, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor ethan.l.cecc

This month, we see formwork panels, rebar cages, and construction equipment organized around the crane base. To the right are several vertical rebar assemblies. Along the east shoring wall, sections are now lined with black waterproofing membrane. A substantial pile of crushed rock lies along the north elevation. At grade, scaffolding, hoarding, and jobsite trailers support active site operations.

Looking east to staging and formwork surrounding the tower crane, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor skycandy

The 170.7m tower will deliver 591 residential rental units close to Toronto Metropolitan University. If the requested variances are approved, the project will proceed with minor refinements to its ground floor program while continuing active construction toward its Q1 2028 occupancy target.

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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Related Companies:  Bousfields, EQ Building Performance Inc., Grounded Engineering Inc., Platinum Condo Deals, Turner Fleischer, Vortex Fire Consulting Inc.