Abandoned Toronto houses to be demolished for new Indigenous hub

A site home to a pair of abandoned houses is destined to become the home of a new Indigenous Hub for the University of Toronto.

The University first announced plans to build a new Indigenous hub for its St. George Campus in June 2025. The new building planned near the intersection of St. George and Bloor Streets is set to house the institution's Indigenous academic, administrative and student supports.

Most recently, a Request for Supplier Qualifications (RFSQ) seeking an architect to design the university's new Indigenous Hub has revealed that the new facility will be built at 160 and 162 St. George.

Among the pair of buildings, an 1895-built home at 160 St. George was most recently in use by the Kappa Alpha Alumni fraternity before being acquired by the University in 2022. It has sat vacant and boarded up ever since.

Despite its age, the building has not been issued any form of heritage protections.

An application to tear down the over 130-year-old building and its neighbour was issued in April, and demolition is now imminent. 

Canadian Architect and Builder - October 1896/ACO Toronto

In place of the current buildings, U of T has stated it "wishes to pursue a design of high calibre that reflects the building's significance to the institution and the campus community."

In the RFSQ issued this past spring, U of T states that it plans to shortlist six architectural firms or joint-venture teams, with the selections to be invited to participate in a subsequent Request for Proposals stage — specifying that "the project design will be led by an Indigenous Architect."

In the University's 2025 announcement of the planned hub, Shannon Simpson, senior director of the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, explains that "While we've made progress in recognizing Indigenous presence and contributions across the university, a dedicated space – what we often refer to as a home or a hub – has been something we've dreamed of for a long time." 

"It's not just about a physical space – it will be a place of belonging, visibility and connection," added Simpson.