Image: Toronto Public Library Archive
We’ve already discussed how living in a renovated church can be an unique and exciting home option. This week I thought I’d give you a profile of an excellent example of this sort of work, even if it is out of the reach of most Realty Kitchen readers.
The church renovation is a former Baptist church in Toronto that was built in 1888. Its massive, red brick facade is an easily identifiable landmark at the corner of College and Palmerston, in Toronto’s Little Italy neighbourhood. The developer – Matthew Kosoy – is restoring the church’s exterior while converting the interior of this beauty into four freehold homes.
The largest section of the church – 10,000 square feet – will take up the front of the church, including the enormous rose windows and bell tower. The other half of the church will be a slightly smaller home – it will only have 8,000 square feet. But a standout in its one-of-a-kind amenities is an entire floor for the owner’s large vintage wine collection.
The final two homes in the renovation will divide up the school that is adjoined to the church. Although less spectacular than the first two, they will be 5,500 square feet each and both will have high ceilings and breathtaking windows.
The designer of the interior, Joe Brennan, liked the apartments so much that he decided to buy the one fronting College Street. Although he will be using it as his home, he will work out of an office in the tower. For Brennan, it is more than just a home – it is a showpiece of his design skills. His company is working to restore the rain-damaged carvings, the worn windows and leaky roof to resurrect the building’s original glory.
As well, like the other owners, he hopes that his efforts to create one of the most unique residences in the city will spur more rejuvenation of the area. College and Palmerston used to be one of the key addresses for the upper-middle class of Toronto; the new owners hope that work like this will continue to push the area back to where it should be.
If you were interested in buying one of the units, three of the units have been sold, but the fourth remains on the market. The developer is not saying for how much. As they say, if you have to ask, you probably can’t afford it.
Nelson Goulart
Broker of Record with Signature Service GMAC Real Estate
www.ssgmac.ca
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