ANTHROPOLOGIE [TORONTO, ON]

Completed: Summer 2014

Exterior of Anthropologie in Toronto, created in collaboration with NewStudio Architecture

Spacious interior of Anthropologie in Toronto, created in collaboration with NewStudio Architecture

Adaptive reuse of a church preserves Gothic arches in the Anthropologie store in Toronto, created in collaboration with NewStudio Collaboration

Respectful adaptive reuse of a church keeps the interior open and bright in the Anthropologie store in Toronto

Interior design display at Anthropologie in Toronto, created in collaboration with NewStudio Architecture

Adaptive reuse of a historic church in Toronto creates a unique shopping experience at Anthropologie

Interior design of fitting room area at Anthropologie in Toronto, created in collaboration with NewStudio Architecture

The West Queen West district of central Toronto is a neighborhood in transition. Development pressure from the city center is on a steady westward march, and much of the area's character is threatened as the eclectic older buildings are torn down in favor of new construction. The creative vision of the team at Anthropologie, however, realized what a treasure they had when presented with the opportunity to help save a neighborhood anchor. Together with NewStudio they helped to renovate 15,000 sf of the long-neglected church. By sensitively preserving original stained-glass windows, Gothic arches, and exposed masonry, the history of the space is both respected and celebrated. In return, Anthropologie offers a memorable, one-of-a-kind shopping experience that attracts guests from across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond.

Photo credit: Jenna Marie Wakani