A long-stalled redevelopment proposal in Toronto’s Church and Wellesley Village neighbourhood may finally be gaining traction after nearly a decade of evolving plans. A new developer has stepped in with a revised vision for the site at 64–66 Wellesley Street East and 552–570 Church Street, signaling a potential turning point for a project first introduced in 2017.
The development is now being led by MOD Developments, which has submitted an updated application that significantly reshapes the project. The latest plan replaces an earlier condominium concept with a purpose-built rental tower, reflecting changing market conditions across Toronto’s residential sector.
Architectural Vision and Design Team
The updated tower has been designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects, bringing a new architectural identity to a site that has undergone multiple design revisions over the years.
BlogTo reports that the project originally featured a bold concept created by Danish design firm 3XN. However, as development proposals evolved under previous ownership, the design was gradually simplified. The new iteration seeks to reintroduce some of the visual character that earlier concepts had lost while aligning the building with current development realities.
The proposed tower will rise 36 storeys and reach 120.56 metres in height, representing a notable increase over earlier approvals granted in 2023 that allowed for a 31-storey structure measuring 104.5 metres.
Shift from Condominiums to Rental Housing
One of the most significant changes in the revised plan is the shift from condominium units to purpose-built rentals. This adjustment reflects broader trends in Toronto’s housing market, where developers are increasingly pivoting toward rental projects as condo demand slows.
The updated proposal includes 431 rental apartments, an increase of 26 units over the previously approved scheme.
The residential program will consist of:
- 366 market-rate rental units
- 65 replacement units required under Toronto’s rental housing demolition policy
The inclusion of replacement housing ensures that existing rental supply removed during redevelopment is replaced within the new building.
Ground-Floor Retail and Urban Integration
The revised development also expands its commercial component. Ground-floor retail space has increased from 770 square metres to approximately 870 square metres, strengthening the building’s street presence and supporting pedestrian activity along Church and Wellesley streets.
Retail buildouts at the base of high-rise residential towers typically require structural coordination for large storefront glazing, reinforced slab systems for tenant flexibility, and dedicated service corridors for deliveries and mechanical systems.
These features are essential for maintaining active urban streetscapes in dense downtown environments.
Parking and Mobility Infrastructure
Below grade, the building will include an underground parking garage with 107 vehicle spaces. Excavation and foundation work for underground parking structures in downtown Toronto often require deep shoring systems, waterproofing membranes, and reinforced concrete construction.
The project also incorporates a substantial bicycle parking component, with 432 bicycle spaces planned. Integrating this level of bicycle storage requires careful planning of circulation areas, security systems, and ventilation in enclosed parking environments.
Structural and Construction Considerations
A tower reaching more than 120 metres in height requires complex structural engineering systems. High-rise residential construction typically involves:
- Reinforced concrete core structures
- Structural slab systems designed for vertical load transfer
- Wind load resistance and lateral stability systems
- High-capacity elevator cores and service shafts
Mechanical and electrical infrastructure must also support hundreds of residential units, requiring extensive vertical distribution of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems.
Construction Trades and Workforce
A high-rise residential tower of this scale typically engages a broad range of skilled construction trades, including:
- Excavation and deep foundation contractors
- Shoring and structural concrete specialists
- Tower crane operators and rigging crews
- Structural steel and reinforcement installers
- Curtain wall and façade installation teams
- Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing contractors
- Fire protection installers
- Elevator installation specialists
- Interior finishing trades including drywall, flooring, and painting
- Landscape and public realm contractors
A Project Reaching a Critical Stage
After years of shifting proposals and stalled progress, the revised plan marks a significant milestone for the long-anticipated redevelopment. By transitioning to rental housing and increasing density, the project reflects broader changes underway in Toronto’s housing market.
If approvals proceed smoothly, the development could finally move from planning to construction after nearly a decade of evolving visions.
For the construction industry, the proposal represents another example of how developers are adapting to changing economic conditions by reshaping projects to align with new housing demands.
