[ad_1]
\n<\/p>\n
The former Esso gas station at Church and Dundas streets in Downtown Toronto has been demolished, and a tower crane recently installed for the 53-storey 241 Church<\/a>. Designed by\u00a0Turner Fleischer Architects<\/a> for\u00a0Graywood Developments<\/a>, the development was originally launched as\u00a0Centricity Condos<\/a>, with initial zoning approval granted in 2022. Since then, the project has shifted to a purpose-built rental, reflecting a downturn in the condominium market and wider market pressures impacting Toronto\u2019s housing sector.<\/p>\n Now, a Minor Variance application seeks permission for changes required by the shift of tenure, including the reduction of at-grade non-residential space from 235m\u00b2 to 117m\u00b2 to accommodate a leasing office and expanded residential lobby, and introduces a resident-only coffee lounge at ground level. The application also proposes a reduction in short-term bicycle parking from 59 to 49 spaces, required to accommodate an elevator machine room for a dedicated bike elevator on the P1 level. In exchange, the applicant is proposing to contribute to the City\u2019s cash-in-lieu program for bicycle parking, currently restricted under transition clauses for older applications.<\/p>\n Initial work was underway by November, 2024, as seen below in this image looking east across Church Street. A hydraulic drilling rig is seen onsite, used for installing soldier piles as part of the shoring system that will support excavation for the tower\u2019s two-level underground garage. The site is fully enclosed by safety fencing.<\/p>\n By April, 2025, excavation was all but complete, revealing the full rectangular footprint of the foundation. This view, looking north from Dundas Street East, shows two excavators at the north end, one in the pit and another at grade. Timber lagging and soil-retention systems are visible along the shoring walls, reinforced with tiebacks. On the west side, orange tarp lines the excavation wall beneath the enclosed scaffolded pathway adjacent to\u00a0Toronto Metropolitan University<\/a>\u2019s\u00a0Daphne Cockwell Health Sciences Complex<\/a>.<\/p>\n In May, 2025, this view looking northwest shows rebar and formwork in place for the crane\u2019s concrete foundation, materials staged nearby.<\/p>\n Days later, the installation of the crane is underway. The concrete pad has been poured, now supporting the first mast sections of the crane. A worker is seen at the uppermost level, while additional crew members prepare tools and components at the base. Surrounding the crane are formwork panels, scaffolding, bundled rebar, and temporary electrical equipment, all staged atop the recently completed slab.\u00a0<\/p>\n Later that day, the fully installed crane is visible from Dundas Street. The white mast rises to support a horizontal orange jib and counterjib emblazoned with the Graywood branding. At grade, construction hoarding encloses the perimeter along Dundas and Church, while an elevated staging platform is along Dundas.<\/p>\n This month, we see formwork panels, rebar cages, and construction equipment organized around the crane base. To the right are several vertical rebar assemblies. Along the east shoring wall, sections are now lined with black waterproofing membrane. A substantial pile of crushed rock lies along the north elevation. At grade, scaffolding, hoarding, and jobsite trailers support active site operations.<\/p>\n The 170.7m tower will deliver 591 residential rental units close to Toronto Metropolitan University. If the requested variances are approved, the project will proceed with minor refinements to its ground floor program while continuing active construction toward its Q1 2028 occupancy target.<\/p>\n UrbanToronto will continue to follow progress on this development, but in the meantime, you can learn more about it from our Database file, linked below. If you’d like, you can join in on the conversation in the associated Project Forum thread or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.<\/p>\n * * *<\/p>\n UrbanToronto has a research service,\u00a0UTPro<\/a>, that provides comprehensive data on development projects in the Greater Golden Horseshoe \u2014 from proposal through to completion. We also offer\u00a0Instant Reports<\/a>, downloadable snapshots based on location, and a daily subscription newsletter,\u00a0New Development Insider<\/a>, that tracks projects from initial application.<\/p>\n <\/imgx><\/imgx><\/imgx><\/imgx><\/imgx><\/imgx><\/imgx><\/div>\n