Anthropologie moving into church on Queen Street

761 Queen St. West, a converted church most recently home to non-profits like Community Bicycle Network and the Raging Spoon, has been quietly preparing for several years to transform into upmarket retail space. When a new concept for the building was unveiled two years ago, the development firm even slapped a fake retail concept onto the converted church: "Archeologie".

That joke now seems oddly prescient (or maybe they just knew something we didn't) - either way, it looks like a real, live Anthropologie location is confirmed for the new space, with a projected December opening.

Staff at neighbouring businesses say a location of the Beer Store's craft-oriented Beer Boutique will join the uber-girly clothing and housewares retailer on the first floor of the church. (The existing Beer Store across the street will be shut down.) There's still room in the church for smaller businesses, though - after a flood forced them to move last year, Misfit Studio has settled in on the top floor.

Artists' rendering by Quadrangle Architects.