A Toronto city council committee has approved a plan to redevelop a 139-year-old church site in the Garden District as a multi-family rental tower, advancing the proposal along the path to full municipal approval.

The committee approved a proposed 48-storey residential tower despite facing some opposition from neighbourhood residents, Toronto Today reported.

The proposal involves St. Luke’s United Church at 353 Sherbourne Street. Built in 1887, the church is located across from Allan Gardens, and would see a high-rise constructed above the existing heritage structure. The plan calls for about 440 residential units, with 30% identified as affordable housing, while much of the church’s historic façade would be retained and restored.

The application reached the committee after purpose-built rental developer Kindred Works revised an earlier 12-storey proposal. Changes to city planning rules last summer now permit taller buildings near major transit stations, enabling the submission of the significantly larger tower and associated zoning and official-plan amendments.

The opposing nearby residents who argued that the building would overwhelm the historic church, cast shadows over Allan Gardens and its greenhouse, and set a precedent for additional tall towers in the area. Other concerns included potential impacts on heritage features, parking supply and wind conditions.

The Toronto and East York Community Council also approved the necessary planning amendments despite hearing complaints from area residents at a recent meeting, Toronto Today reported.

The proposal will next be reviewed by the Toronto Preservation Board before proceeding to full city council for a final decision.

Pictured: Proposed future 48-storey apartment building above St. Luke’s United Church in Toronto.

Rendering: Kindred Works