New 40-Storey Rental Tower Proposed at 736 Bathurst Street Following Turbulent History

📅 3 days ago

MOD Developments and Montez Corporation have submitted a proposal for a 40-storey rental tower at 736 Bathurst Street, with plans for 386 residential units and preservation of the historic church on the site.

The landscape of real estate in Toronto has witnessed numerous insolvencies in recent years, yet the site at 736 Bathurst Street stands as a testament to renewal and potential. MOD Developments, in collaboration with Montez Corporation, has put forth a new development application aimed at constructing a 40-storey purpose-built rental tower on this significant location, which is currently home to the Randolph College of Performing Arts. This site has a storied past, having originally housed the Bathurst Methodist Church, established in 1888.
In 2024, the property was put on the market by ONE Development, which had previously drawn up plans for a 49-storey mixed-use tower. However, less than a year later, Timbercreek Mortgage Servicing Inc. successfully sought the intervention of the Ontario Superior Court, resulting in the property being placed into receivership due to alleged mortgage defaults by the owner. Following this, a court-appointed monitor, MNP, facilitated the marketing of the site, leading to its eventual sale and the emergence of MOD Developments' current proposal.
The planning proposal submitted by MOD outlines the construction of 386 residential units, comprising 36 studios, 158 one-bedroom apartments, 153 two-bedroom units, and 39 three-bedroom residences. This unit distribution highlights a significant allocation of approximately 50% towards larger, family-oriented accommodations, which are in high demand in Toronto. Notably, the new development will not include on-site vehicle parking but will offer an impressive 454 bicycle parking spaces, benefiting from its proximity to Bathurst subway station, located just a four-minute walk away.
As of July 2026, the proposed tower is set to reach a height of 40 storeys, measuring 444 feet, excluding the mechanical penthouse. The total gross floor area for residential use is projected at 324,940 square feet, while non-residential space is anticipated to be around 14,003 square feet. The development also includes indoor amenities covering 8,309 square feet and outdoor amenities of 4,768 square feet.
In addition to residential units, MOD’s plans incorporate commercial and cultural spaces within the restored church structure, featuring an outdoor patio at the intersection of Bathurst and Lennox streets. The planning report emphasizes the suitability of this site for increased density, as it falls within a Protected Major Transit Station Area, conveniently located near Bathurst Station and adjacent to the ongoing Mirvish Village redevelopment, which is transforming the neighborhood with buildings ranging from eight to 26 storeys.
The application is being processed as a Zoning By-law Amendment, and interestingly, it does not require an Official Plan Amendment since the site is already classified as Mixed Use Areas, allowing for both residential and commercial developments. Importantly, the architectural plans drafted by Diamond Schmitt exhibit a sensitivity to the site's heritage, as the church was designated under the Ontario Heritage Act in 2023. The design aims to harmonize a modern high-rise structure with the historical significance of the church, using contemporary materials to create a visually striking contrast with the traditional buff brick masonry of the church while preserving its essential features.
This proposal is part of a broader trend of redevelopment in the Bathurst and Bloor area. Directly to the north, the former Honest Ed's site is being transformed into Mirvish Village, which is set to include a five-building mixed-use community featuring heights between 13 and 26 storeys, promising hundreds of rental homes, new retail spaces, public areas, and the restoration of heritage buildings that will enhance the neighborhood's character.

Related Posts