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Guest
Religious attention to conversion
CHRISTOPHER HUME
Once a church meeting hall and manse in Toronto's west end, Hepbourne Hall has found a brilliant new life as a condo complex.
This early 20th-century Gothic fantasy has outlived its Presbyterian origins and become a wonderful example of how buildings can be recycled and re-used by succeeding generations according to their needs.
Located at 110 Hepbourne St., west of Dovercourt Rd. and south of Bloor St., this 2 1/2-storey structure dates from a time when the city and its denominations took architecture seriously.
With its stone turrets and window frames, this building is an excellent example.
Now fully restored, these marvellous features stand out more than ever. Indeed, they are irresistible.
Interestingly, with a couple of artworks installed in front of the building and signs of domesticity showing above, the religious feeling has been replaced by something entirely secular.
Too bad the new brickwork on top doesn't match the red masonry below but, otherwise, everything about this conversion is admirable.
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Grade: A
CHARLA JONES/TORONTO STAR
Critic's Eye columnist Christopher Hume gives an A rating to Hepbourne Hall, the "admirable" conversion of a church meeting hall and manse just west of Dovercourt Rd. and south of Bloor St.
CHRISTOPHER HUME
Once a church meeting hall and manse in Toronto's west end, Hepbourne Hall has found a brilliant new life as a condo complex.
This early 20th-century Gothic fantasy has outlived its Presbyterian origins and become a wonderful example of how buildings can be recycled and re-used by succeeding generations according to their needs.
Located at 110 Hepbourne St., west of Dovercourt Rd. and south of Bloor St., this 2 1/2-storey structure dates from a time when the city and its denominations took architecture seriously.
With its stone turrets and window frames, this building is an excellent example.
Now fully restored, these marvellous features stand out more than ever. Indeed, they are irresistible.
Interestingly, with a couple of artworks installed in front of the building and signs of domesticity showing above, the religious feeling has been replaced by something entirely secular.
Too bad the new brickwork on top doesn't match the red masonry below but, otherwise, everything about this conversion is admirable.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grade: A
CHARLA JONES/TORONTO STAR
Critic's Eye columnist Christopher Hume gives an A rating to Hepbourne Hall, the "admirable" conversion of a church meeting hall and manse just west of Dovercourt Rd. and south of Bloor St.