The local developer that's planning to turn the site currently houses drag bar Crews & Tangos into a condo has released a preliminary drawing of the proposed building, indicating that there might still be a future for the beloved neighbourhood establishment after all.
506 Church Street
Proposed for the site at 506-516 Church Street, the illustration shows a mid-rise, mixed-use building set back from the street and incorporates the Crews & Tangos heritage building facade into the front. There are also retail spaces on either side.
READ: Public Rallying to Save Beloved Bar in Gay Village from Turning into Condos
The architecture firm behind the building is Diamond Schmitt, and heritage architecture firm ERA Architects will lead the retention and preservation of the heritage building. According to the project's website, the developer has yet to submit an application to the City but once that happens, the City will conduct public consultations on the proposal.
506 Church Street Condo Development
"We recognize the symbolic importance of this historic neighbourhood to many people, particularly the LGBTQ2S+ community," reads the project's website. "Graywood Developments is proud to honour the rich, cultural heritage of the Village and this address."
The developer says, for the time being, it has extended the bars' lease for two years and that it's actively working with the owner of Crews & Tangos, Michael Ramawad, with regards to the future development.
This news comes just four months after it was announced that the developer was planning on turning the site into a condo, which sparked an outcry of support from Toronto's LGBTQ2S+ community. Subsequently, an online petition was launched to save the popular bar, which has since garnered over 31,000 signatures.
Graywood says it's hosting an online information session about the development on Thursday, July 16. There will not be a live Q&A at the session but interested parties can submit questions in advance and answers will also be posted on the project’s website.
