In a departure from the typical development story, plans for a 27-storey tower, six townhouses and the adaptive reuse of a heritage-designated landmark recently sailed through Toronto and East York Community Council with support from planning staff. The front part of the historic Deer Park United Church will be preserved and likely put to retail use, the middle section will see the roof removed and the space transformed into a publicly accessible courtyard and the Sunday school wing at the south end will be demolished to make way for the tower.
The community-endorsed plan came after months of discussions between the developer, local councillor and residents. Concessions included shifting the condo building closer to St. Clair Avenue and reducing its height by seven storeys. A key feature of the successful application is the provision of the public courtyard.
Deer Park United Church’s presence in the Yonge Street and St. Clair Avenue area can be traced back to the late 1800s, making it the oldest church still standing in the neighbourhood. The current neo-gothic structure was completed in 1912.
Coun. Josh Matlow said that, although he would have preferred to see the local landmark remain undeveloped, he supports the revised plans.
“Unfortunately, we don’t have a policy that has, in my view, the teeth that we need to actually protect heritage-designated buildings in their entirety and have public resources available to keep them in good repair,” Matlow said.
Paul Le Vay, president of the Foxbar Neighbourhood Association, said that, at first, it was difficult for residents to accept that a heritage designation didn’t afford the church full protection from redevelopment.
But, he said, “From our perspective, this best maintains the original spirit of the building as a community gathering place.”
Provided the plans are approved at the March 5 Toronto City Council meeting, construction is expected to begin in spring of 2013.