Interventions to Protect
West Ellesmere United Church, 1958
Craig & Zeidler, Architects
This unique building features parabolic glulam arches with a north-facing clerestory at the intersection of the two roof planes. The facade is finished with natural stones quarried from Napanee and is perforated with small glass openings.
In late October 2021, 37 Marchington Circle was put up for sale for $7 million and marketed as a residential development opportunity. Part or all of the property's existing structures, which have no heritage designation status, could be demolished once the sale goes through.
January 24, 2022: a letter sent by Amanda Large for ACO Toronto to Councillor Michael Thompson noted:
[West Ellesmere United Church] is not currently Heritage Listed or Designated, however this does not discount its historic value, The City should work with the current and future owners to encourage its reuse or incorporation into any future development and unlock its potential. Not only would the demolition of the building be a loss to the community and the City as a whole, it would contribute to further building demolition waste and loss of quality materials.
Our recommendation comes on the basis that there is an opportunity for the site to be incorporated into a development in a manner that could appease both the developers and the wider community. We believe this is an opportunity to expand, progress, and diversify our definition of and processes for heritage conservation of cultural places and spaces in Toronto.