Almost century-old Toronto theatre will be reduced to just a facade for condos

Toronto is set to approve an application to demolish a heritage-protected theatre dating back to 1929, and tack its facade onto a new condominium development.

A late October report to Toronto and East York Community Council recommends approval of the plan to demolish heritage attributes of the almost century-old Carlton Theatre at 509 Parliament St. in Cabbagetown.

The proposed ten-storey mixed-use condominium project from developer Streetwise Capital Partners and architects RAW Design would see the one-storey brick masonry structure torn down, leaving just its street-fronting west elevation to be incorporated into the new build.

ERA Architects

Built in the Classical Revival style with a design from Pittsburgh-based architect Herbert G. Duerr, the building served as a theatre from 1929 until the mid-1950s. In 1955, the property was purchased by the CBC and transformed into a recording studio for radio productions. 

ERA Architects

The building served this role for four decades before it was again converted into the home base for the Canadian Children's Dance Theatre, later renamed the Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre.

ERA Architects

Now approaching a century since it first opened, the theatre is currently protected under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, and a 2024-approved City designation by-law is currently under provincial appeal and not yet in effect.

RAW Design

Still, the current heritage protections require an application under Section 33 and Section 34 of the Ontario Heritage Act to alter and demolish heritage attributes. With approval of this application now expected to move forward at the next Council meeting, the theatre's days are numbered.

The initial plan filed in early 2023 was met with a lukewarm reception from the City's heritage planning staff, though, following the most recent revisions introduced in June 2025, staff are now "satisfied that the proposal conserves the designated heritage property and is consistent with the policy framework."

Current plans would involve the reinstatement of infilled storefront openings in the theatre frontage, along with the original entrance doors and ticket box office — with heritage specialists ERA Architects leaning on historical photos and plans to replicate the theatre's original style.

Modern interpretive additions include plans for bulbed wall sconces and poster boxes that reference the original theatre architecture.

RAW Design

An almost four-metre setback will visually separate the restored theatre facade from the new condo development above.