Neighborhood Overview
Nestled at the southeast corner of Sherbourne and Carlton Streets in Toronto’s historic Cabbagetown and Moss Park area, 353 Sherbourne Street is the site of the iconic St. Luke’s United Church, a heritage building dating back to 1887. Recognized for its Romanesque Revival architecture by Langley & Burke, the church has been a cornerstone of the community for over a century and remains on the Toronto Heritage Register and provincial registry.
The site spans 26,027 sq. ft and sits within the College Subway Station Protected Major Transit Station Area, ensuring excellent connectivity and making it ideal for transit-oriented development. Kindred Works, in collaboration with KPMB Architects and ERA Architects, is spearheading a mixed-use heritage redevelopment that preserves the church while introducing modern residential and community spaces. The project also builds on a 2022 approval that initially allowed for 12 storeys and 100 units, now expanded to a 48-storey tower with over 400 rental units and 15,639 sq. ft of institutional and community space (storeys.com).
Nearby amenities include Allan Gardens, shops, cafes, theaters, and cultural spaces in downtown Toronto. This project is designed to blend heritage preservation, modern urban living, and community programming, creating a vibrant hub for residents and local organizations.
Transportation
Residents of 353 Sherbourne Street will benefit from unmatched transit connectivity. The 506 Carlton streetcar runs directly in front of the church, providing seamless access to College Station (Line 1) and Main Street Station (Line 2). The neighbourhood is also highly walkable, with nearby bike lanes connecting to Sherbourne Street, Carlton Street, and the downtown cycling network.
Car commuters have convenient access to Queen Street East, Bloor Street, and the Don Valley Parkway, while transit users enjoy multiple bus routes and streetcar options. Proximity to Toronto’s core ensures residents can walk or cycle to nearby cultural hubs, restaurants, and entertainment venues, making it a perfect balance of connectivity and community.
Education
Cabbagetown and Moss Park provide access to a variety of educational options. Nearby public schools include Market Lane Public School and Jarvis Collegiate Institute, while St. Michael’s Choir School and other private institutions offer specialized education. Post-secondary options like Ryerson University and George Brown College are accessible via streetcar or subway.
The project also benefits families with community spaces and local programs offered in partnership with Ontario Coalition Against Poverty, Workers’ Education Program, and various arts and support groups. These integrations enhance both educational and social programming for residents and neighbours.
You can also check our blogs about Scarborough Centre Subway Station: Transforming Toronto’s East End with Bold Vision and Ontario Trillium Benefit September 2025 Payment Details.
Highlights
- 2-minute walk to 506 Carlton streetcar stop
- 5-minute walk to College Subway Station (Line 1)
- 7-minute drive to downtown Toronto
- Nearby Allan Gardens, restaurants, and boutique shops
- Walking distance to Jarvis Collegiate Institute and Market Lane Public School
- 48-storey tower with 440 rental units, 20–30% affordable
- 15,639 sq. ft institutional/community space including event hall, cafe, and rooftop terrace
- Indoor and outdoor amenities totaling 17,265 sq. ft
- 39 vehicle parking spaces and 484 bicycle parking spaces
- 2,432 sq. ft POPS (Privately Owned Publicly Accessible Space) along Sherbourne Street
Final Thoughts
The redevelopment of 353 Sherbourne Street is a model for combining heritage preservation, modern urban living, and community engagement. By maintaining the original 1887 church façade and the 1912 addition, Kindred Works ensures that the site remains a cultural anchor while offering 440 contemporary rental units for diverse households.
Residents will enjoy studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, with 20–30% designated as affordable housing. Extensive amenities, including indoor and outdoor community spaces, a rooftop terrace, a cafe, and POPS, create a vibrant environment that promotes social interaction. The podium and tower design respect the surrounding community while introducing contemporary architectural elements to enhance the skyline.
With excellent transit access, nearby schools, and local amenities, 353 Sherbourne Street is poised to become a cornerstone of Cabbagetown and Moss Park, offering both residents and the wider community a blend of history, convenience, and modern living. Its adaptive reuse model provides a roadmap for sustainable urban redevelopment in Toronto, balancing density with cultural preservation.
