A long-anticipated redevelopment at Toronto’s Queen and Church intersection is back in motion, this time with a significantly larger proposal. The project, led by Pemberton Group, would transform a historic strip of pawn shops into a 61-storey condominium tower.
Located at 137-149 Church Street and 18-20 Dalhousie Street, the site has been a recognizable part of the city’s urban fabric for decades. Now, after multiple redesigns and regulatory setbacks, the latest proposal introduces a taller, more vertically ambitious structure.
Site Context and Existing Conditions
BlogTo reports that the development site currently includes a row of long-standing commercial buildings that have historically housed pawn shops, including notable operators such as McTamney’s and H. Williams & Co.
From a construction perspective, the site presents several considerations:
- Dense urban location with limited staging space
- Existing low-rise structures requiring demolition
- Heritage-designated façades requiring preservation
- Proximity to other high-rise developments
The block is already undergoing transformation, with nearby high-rise projects contributing to increased density in the area.
Design Evolution and Regulatory Impact
The current proposal is the result of nearly a decade of revisions. Initially introduced as a 49-storey tower in 2018, the project evolved into a 54-storey design approved in 2022 through an Ontario Land Tribunal settlement.
However, a 2024 Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO) introduced new constraints tied to an expanded air ambulance flight path serving St. Michael’s Hospital. These changes forced the development team to revisit the design entirely.
The revised 2026 proposal reflects:
- Adjustments to podium height and positioning
- Reconfiguration of building massing
- A vertical increase to 61 storeys
- An overall height approaching 201 metres
This redesign demonstrates how external regulatory factors can significantly reshape construction planning and building form.
Building Design and Structural Composition
The tower is being designed by Graziani + Corazza Architects, with a focus on integrating heritage elements while delivering a high-rise residential structure.
Key design features include:
- A reconfigured podium that aligns with flight path restrictions
- A slender high-rise tower rising above the podium
- Retention of heritage façades along Church and Dalhousie streets
- Integration of new structural systems with preserved building elements
Constructing above retained façades requires specialized sequencing and temporary support systems, making façade retention one of the most technically demanding aspects of the project.
Residential Program and Unit Mix
The increased height allows for additional residential density, with the updated plan expanding the total unit count.
Project details include:
- 469 residential units
- Increase of 29 units over the previously approved scheme
- Vertical stacking to maximize usable floor area
This density reflects ongoing efforts to optimize land use in transit-accessible, high-demand urban locations.
Construction Challenges and Considerations
Projects of this nature introduce multiple layers of complexity, particularly in a constrained downtown environment.
Key construction challenges include:
- Managing demolition while preserving heritage façades
- Coordinating deep foundation work in a tight footprint
- Integrating new structural systems with existing retained elements
- Navigating logistical constraints for material delivery and staging
- Ensuring compliance with evolving zoning and aviation-related restrictions
Each of these factors requires careful planning and coordination across trades and project phases.
Trades Involved in the Development
A high-rise, heritage-integrated project like this engages a wide range of specialized trades:
- Demolition contractors
- Heritage restoration and masonry specialists
- Structural steel and reinforced concrete crews
- Façade retention and shoring experts
- Curtain wall and glazing installers
- Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing trades
- Elevator and vertical transportation specialists
- Interior finishing trades
The façade retention component alone adds a layer of complexity that demands experienced restoration and structural teams.
Market Conditions and Project Viability
The proposal arrives at a time when Toronto’s condo market is facing notable headwinds. Slowing sales and shifting investor dynamics have impacted project timelines across the city.
Despite these challenges, the increased scale of this proposal suggests a continued push toward maximizing density on prime urban sites. Whether the project advances as planned will depend on market conditions, financing, and approvals.
Looking Ahead
The Queen and Church redevelopment represents a blend of old and new, combining heritage preservation with high-rise construction. It highlights the evolving nature of urban development, where regulatory changes, market forces, and design innovation intersect.
For contractors and construction professionals, projects like this raise an important question: how do you balance preservation with progress while delivering complex, high-density builds?
If realized, this 61-storey tower will stand as a defining addition to the downtown skyline, reshaping a historic block while maintaining a connection to its architectural past.
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - Dalhousie & Church Mixed Use Development - Toronto (0031062018)
