Historic Toronto Chapel One Step Closer To Rental Apartment Retrofit

A historic chapel in Toronto's Wexford/Maryvale neighborhood is set for a significant transformation. Developer Kindred Works has submitted a Site Plan Approval application to convert the site at 2102 Lawrence Avenue East into a residential complex with 148 rental units, while preserving the historic Wexford Heights United Church.

Originally, plans from 2022 proposed an 11-story rental building and two rows of three-story townhomes, totaling 100 units. This design included the partial demolition of the 1925 chapel, which has roots dating back to 1842 when parishioners attended services in a log chapel known as Twaddles Chapel.

After consultations with city officials and community members, the plans were revised in April 2024. The updated design adds a story to the rental building, reconfigures the townhomes into a six-story rental building, and fully preserves the historic chapel for use as residential amenity space. The on-site cemetery will remain undisturbed.

Kindred Works emphasizes sustainability in their projects. The development will feature a low-carbon design with high-efficiency, all-electric mechanical systems, electric vehicle charging stations, and on-site renewable energy production. Their goal is to create "beautiful, low-carbon" homes that offer lasting comfort for residents.

The approved plan includes a 12-story rental apartment building connected to the historic chapel along Lawrence Avenue. Adjacent to the chapel will be the six-story rental building. Amenities such as a playground, communal garden, and visitor parking are also part of the design.

Designed by KPMB Architects, the development will use light brick masonry to complement the chapel's exterior and incorporate green roofs, aligning with Kindred Works' eco-friendly principles. This project marks a significant step in providing much-needed housing while preserving a piece of Toronto's history.