In a testament to the city’s architectural evolution, a historic Toronto church has been transformed into two stunning modern homes, each carrying a price tag of $10 million. This unique transformation is a part of Toronto’s long-standing tradition of repurposing old churches into liveable spaces, including condos, co-working spaces, lofts, and retail stores. The case of 722 Lansdowne Ave., however, stands out due to its unique history and the architectural ingenuity involved in its conversion.
Unfinished Church Turned Modern Homes
What’s interesting about the St. Dunstan’s Anglican Church, located at 722 Lansdowne Ave., is that it was never a fully completed church in the traditional sense. Established in the 1920s, the congregation could only afford to construct the basement with plans for a sanctuary above, which unfortunately never materialized. The “temporary” structure became permanent, and the church operated for decades as a basement church with seating for about 250 people.
The open-concept living, dining and kitchen in one of the semi-detached homes.
A New Lease on Life
By the 1950s, attendance had dwindled and plans for completion were shelved. The parish was officially disestablished in 1982. A year later, the building found a new purpose, serving as the Gandhi Bhawan Hindu Temple, catering to a different community within the same modest physical footprint. In the early 2020s, the City of Toronto approved the building’s conversion from a place of worship to residential use, and the property was sold for $2,800,000.
Architectural Reinvention
The award-winning architecture firm StudioAC stepped in and viewed the incomplete church not as a limitation, but as a unique opportunity. Instead of forcing the building to become something it was never intended to be, they embraced its history, transforming the unfinished church into a pair of serene semi-detached homes. The result is 5,000 square feet of calm, architectural confidence that feels both monastic and deeply livable.
The living room which opens to an interior courtyard.
Modern Homes with a Rich History
From the street, the building’s double-gable roofline and pale Maibec wood siding give it a contemporary edge, while still acknowledging its historical roots. The interiors feature limewashed walls, microcement floors, and solid white oak millwork, creating a tactile, monochromatic palette that lets light and texture take center stage. Original brickwork and exposed rafters subtly reference the building’s layered history, while modern stone surfaces and meticulous detailing ground it firmly in the present.
Each of the two residences features three bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, and a flexible layout that accommodates multigenerational living, co-ownership, or a live-together-apart situation. This incredible transformation is a testament to the potential of architectural restoration and the value of preserving the city’s past. Both homes at 722 Lansdowne Ave. are listed for $9,750,000, or you can rent one of the houses for $14,000 a month.
A view of the back of the property.
Photos by KiaNikan Studio
