Why I Love High Park-Alhambra United Church: Or as I know it as the Korean Church with English servi

Why I Love High Park-Alhambra United Church: Or as I know it as the Korean Church with English service at 10:30 a.m. Strolling along AnnetteAnnette Street, between Runnymede and Keele, is my favourite. The roadway is lined with beautiful buildings with homes, a school, a library and four churches. In fact, one of those churches still operates today, while two have been integrated into stunning residential units and one is waiting its turn.The former High Park-Alhambra United Church, or as I remember it as the High Park United Korean Church, went on the market for $8.9 million. It was purchased by TRAC Developments Inc., who recently released a revised proposal to redevelop the church into residential units. While the renderings are appealing, it’s history is intriguing as it is filled with famed architects and an almost century long prohibition.(Courtesy Toronto Public Library)High praiseThe beautiful 1908 building, by famed architectural firm Burke, Horwood and White, has been praised by the city’s chief planner as a “well-crafted example of the Neo-Gothic style.” In 1925 the building saw the addition of a Sunday School on the west side. Both the 1908 and 1925 portion of the building received heritage status 1990 and in May 2016 it was being considered under the Ontario Heritage Act.When the church opened it was a Methodist Church, which is very significant to the Junction. It was the Methodists who played a major role in having the area placed in a legal prohibition until 1998. It’s unknown how long the Methodist Church was operational, but the High Park-Alhambra United Church closed in 1996 before its final incarnation, High Park Korean United Church, took over.Developers vs. HeritageThe redevelopment is set to be spearheaded by Turner Fleischer Architects and host 77 residential units, which will range from one to three bedrooms. The new plans see the restoration of the Sunday School, which was cause for debate by the developers, who noted no redeeming heritage attributes and called it a “prison.” While it does resemble a school gym, both the 1908 and 1925 portion have become part of the community’s DNA. You can’t say “you’ve restored a beloved heritage property” if part of it is missing. The school will now feature what looks to be a one-storey glass structure atop, much like the Massey-Harris building and Argyle Lofts.  (Courtesy of Urban Toronto)The massive parking lot to the south will see a new structure erected. However, with the parking lot gone the developers still promise almost 100 parking spaces.(Courtesy of Urban Toronto) -- source link

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