Church conversions to condos create historical havens

The church-conversion and preservation trend is continuing across the GTA in a major way. Here are two of the newest projects: The first, a 111-year-old church in Toronto’s High Park neighbourhood, the other, a condominium that will integrate the façade of a downtown Hamilton landmark church built in 1878.

High Park Church Lofts and Condos retains and repurposes historical building elements

At the corner of Annette St. and High Park Ave. in Toronto, Medallion Capital Group is converting the former Alhambra Church into lofts and surrounding it with a new four-storey condo residence.

The new loft project’s design retains and repurposes the elements of historical value in the heritage building, while introducing a new addition gracefully to the main sanctuary.

The unique Church Lofts feature large stained-glass windows and vaulted ceilings. Top-of-the-line condominium amenities range from a striking courtyard entrance to a chic lobby featuring 24/7 attentive concierge service; a multi-purpose lounge with two-way fireplace, full custom built-in kitchen, private dining room with a walkout to a private outdoor amenity garden; a complete fitness centre with state-of-the-art cardio equipment, yoga studio, sauna and private change rooms; and a custom landscaped rooftop amenity area with lounge barbecue and fire pit.

The Church Lofts are available in sizes from 837 to 3,081 sq. ft., priced from $999,900 to $3 million+. The new condo residences from 632 to 2,567 sq. ft. are priced from $750,000 to $2.2 million. Choices range from one-bedroom to three-bedroom + den layouts. Groundbreaking is slated for this summer. For more info visit 260highpark.com

Connolly fuses historic church façade with contemporary design

After standing derelict for years, the James Street Baptist Church at the corner of James St. S. and Jackson St. W. is being resurrected as a contemporary destination in Hamilton’s downtown core.

Blending the famed church façade with modern architecture, Connolly, by Hue Developments and LCH Developments, will become a marquee, 30-storey mixed-use tower with residential units, a ground-floor commercial space, amenities and one of Canada’s first fully automated parking systems.

Nestled in the Durand neighbourhood, Connolly is steps away from the Hamilton GO Centre Station. The station will also be a stop along the planned Hamilton LRT.

“Having lived in Hamilton, I’ve always admired the heritage buildings preserved in this city, so the church’s façade was a natural draw,” says Allen Le Nam, CEO of Hue Developments. “Connolly presented the perfect opportunity to bring our expertise to Canada by creating a sophisticated building that complements its surroundings.”

One-of-a-kind features integrated into the amenities and commercial space include stained-glass windows, high ceilings, and exposed stones.

With an arched, two-storey high entrance, and modern porcelain and wood finishes, Connolly’s lobby evokes the church’s ambiance and elegance. A backlit wall with rich wood and stone textures emulates a stained-glass window, adding a striking yet subtle feature.

Residents will benefit from over 7,000 sq. ft. of amenity space. Connolly’s most iconic feature, the rose window that spans 30 feet across the façade, will form the centre of the state-of-the-art gym. Other amenities include a co-working space, an entertainment and game lounge that opens up to a landscaped terrace, and a solarium.

Connolly will go on sale this fall. To register for VIP access, visit connollyhamilton.com