TORONTO — A major redevelopment has been proposed for Toronto’s historic Saint Luke’s church building, located at the northeast gateway to Cabbagetown.
Developer Kindred Works has submitted a zoning bylaw and Official Plan Amendment application to the City of Toronto, seeking approval to transform the site into a vibrant mixed-use community hub.
The proposal includes 440 new purpose-built rental units, 1,453 square metres of community space, an event hall, and a redesigned public realm along Sherbourne Street.
According to the release, the project will retain and revitalize key heritage elements of the 1887 Romanesque church and 1912 schoolhouse, while building upward in a transit- and cycling-friendly location.
Planned features include:
- A barrier-free entrance by removing the narthex addition
- A reimagined forecourt along Sherbourne for public gatherings
- A social-purpose café and a second-floor terrace overlooking Allan Gardens
- A flexible public event hall and spaces for community gatherings
The design team includes KPMB Architects as lead architects and ERA Architects as heritage architects.
“We approached the adaptive reuse of Saint Luke’s as a chance to honour its legacy while transforming it into a community-focused space,” said Kevin Bridgman, partner at KPMB Architects.
Community engagement has been ongoing since 2020 and will continue throughout the planning process, including an upcoming open house. Once complete, the redeveloped Saint Luke’s site will serve both the United Church congregation and the broader community, offering expanded arts, culture, and social programming.