A 28-story mixed-use development has been proposed in Church Wellesley Village

The proposed development at 68 East Wellesley Street in Church Wellesley Village will bring vertical and high density to one of Toronto's most vibrant and historically significant neighborhoods. Known for its strong LGBTQ2S+ community ties, the village's central location and proximity to Yonge Line 1 stations has led to increased redevelopment activity. The proposal, presented by KingSett Capital and developed by BDP Quadrangle, seeks to add to the neighborhood's vertical growth.

Northeast aerial view of 68 Wellesley Street East (center) by BDP Quadrangle for KingSett Capital

At the north-east corner of Church and Wellesley Streets, this site of approximately 1,300 m² is a collection of 68 to 78 East Wellesley Street and William McBean Terrace, a two-and-a-half storey building built in 1878. recent (and heavily modified) low-rise retail fronts that speak to the city's evolution over time. Apartments for rent are located on the upper floors.

Image sent to the city of Toronto, looking northeast at the current site

The proposed official plan and zoning bylaw amendment applications, along with site plan approval, demolition and conversion and replacement permit applications for rental housing, envision a 28-story tower combining residential, commercial and community-oriented functions. The project has a height of 91.9m, a gross floor area (GFA) of 17,523m² and will replace 258 dwellings, including 17 rental units.

Aerial view of the site and surrounding area, image submitted to the City of Toronto

The ground floor will feature 388m² of retail, enhancing the streetscape. The design of the building incorporates the William McBean Terrace by retaining heritage elements and incorporating them as its foundation. Supervised by ERA Architects, the facade and attic roof will be restored and integrated into the new structure.

Looking north at the podium designed by BDP Quadrangle for KingSett Capital

In addition, the project includes the creation of 232 m² of public space on the second floor, designated as an extension of the adjacent 519 community hub. The lobby of the 519 expansion space will be south of the existing 519 building along Church Street.

519 Community Hub entrance, photo submitted to the City of Toronto

There will be 435.4 m² of indoor and 158 m² of outdoor amenities. The development includes two elevators, resulting in approximately one elevator for every 129 units, which means longer wait times, especially if one of the two elevators is down for move-in/out or maintenance.

Ground floor plan designed by BDP Quadrangle for KingSett Capital

In response to the City of Toronto's initiatives to reduce reliance on automobiles in transit-well-served neighborhoods, one level of the underground garage will not provide car parking, but will accommodate 223 long-term bicycle spaces, as well as 52 short-term and 10 parking spaces. additional spaces complete with bicycle maintenance facility.

There are plenty of public transport options in the area, with Wellesley Metro Station on Yonge 1 just 215m west of the site offering quick access across the city. In addition, the site is served by the 94 Wellesley bus route, which is part of the TTC's 10-minute line, increasing connectivity to greater Toronto. Cycling infrastructure is strong, with east-west bike lanes along Wellesley Street and connecting routes along Yonge and Sherborne Streets.

Transit and Cycling Map, City of Toronto image when posted

The village, which generally consists of two- to five-story buildings, is experiencing vertical growth and increasing density. To the northwest, 572 Church Street, a 12-story building looms on the horizon. To the south of the site, Eighty-One Wellesley, due for completion in 2023, displays its vertical ambition with 28 floors. Meanwhile, across the street to the west, a project called Church and Wellesley is proposing a 31-story tower. A stunning 45-storey tower is proposed to the north-east at 2 Cawtra Square. There are more offers nearby. Together, these developments reflect a trend toward higher-density living, some of which incorporate heritage elements into their foundations to preserve community character.

Distant view looking north at 68 Wellesley Street East by BDP Quadrangle for KingSett Capital

UrbanToronto will continue to monitor progress on this development, but in the meantime you can learn more about it in our Database file linked below. If you like, you can join the conversation in the related project forum or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.

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