The Church is a loft conversion carved from a century-old neo-gothic church, a rare commodity in the current Toronto real estate landscape. The keys to its strong street presence are its two impressive and symmetrical towering steeples that face onto Dovercourt Road.

Exterior materials and details will be retored to their original glory and complemented by a new urban front garden to reinforce The Church‘s neighbourhood roots. The architect pays homage to the breathtaking interiors by converting them into a central atria focused around a restored octagonal stained glass skylight, guiding residents to their suites. Interiors will contrast contemporary finishes and spaces with the timeless craftmanship of the restored stained glass windows, massive brick walls and soaring steel trusses.

This authentic hard loft church conversion will create only 28 contemporatry heritage lofts, each one as unique as the next. Features will include the original stained glass windows, original brick, steel trusses, cornice mouldings and vaulted ceilings up to 17 feet. The selection includes one and two-storey authentic lofts ranging in size from 614 to 1,484 square feet. Modern interiors will comprise of european kitchens with stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors and contemporary fixtures. Balconies, terraces and rooftop decks are offered with some lofts and there are 23 parking spaces available.

In 1891, Centennial Methodist Church established the original brick building at 701 Dovercourt Road with seating for 400 members. By the early 1900s the congregation’s membership grew rapidly and required the construction of a new church. The current church was completed in 1906 and the neo-gothic structure has stood proudly in the quaint neighbourhood south of Bloor, on the east side of Dovercourt near Hepbourne Street. Joining the Hepbourne Hall Lofts and the (hopefully soon to be completed) Westmoreland church loft conversion project, The Church makes this area a mecca for converted church loft lovers.

Dovercourt was originally a streetcar-only road, with a large right-of-way and grand trees. Stately homes of generous proportions were built between Bloor and College Streets. In 1925, The Church was renamed the Centennial United Church. To provide additional room for sunday school, a two-storey rear annex was added in 1927.

The Church exterior is composed of brown brick, trimmed with complementary white limestone, under a gentle sloping roof. The striking symmetry of The Church front consists of twin towers on opposite sides of a central frontspiece. At street level, entry is provided by a set of wooden doors, accented by a pointed tripartite arched transom under each of the towers. Surrounding the doors and transome is a stone hood mould. The magnificent tudor-arched stained glass windows on the front face are highlighted with a decorative course of stone corbelling. The church has retained its strong presence and is an important landmark in the west end of Toronto.

Inspired by opportunities to recycle marginally used buildings in Toronto’s urban core, Dovenco and BWA Architect are committed to long range re-adaptive use with creative and original conversion options based on sustainable solutions. The challenge of converting this century-old church into 28 unique and authentic hard lofts is guided by its solid urban presence in a fully developed residential neighbourhood and by the timeless spirit of its materials and the quality of their craftmanship. This framework, combined with BWA Architect’s thorough understanding and sensitivity to contemporary living requirements, will translate into unique and beautifully functional living spaces in a desirable location.

Make sure to reserve a spot with us immediately to get a priority appointment when sales begin. With the impending release of these loft conversions to the public, they will not last long. Completion is likely scheduled for around 2009-2010.

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Contact Laurin Jeffrey for more information