Last winter, Toronto's Church of Scientology on Yonge Street covered the windows with plywood and boarded up their doors in order to start renovations to the former church headquarters. Holy renovations have seemed to hit a snag when according to city records, a permit was refused for interior demolition in the existing building. It seems the renos will happen but it's just taking longer than expected. The eight-storey building is supposed to undergo an interior remodelling including a brand new façade. A representative from the church told the Toronto Star last year about the renovations to the building. "Visitors on the main floor will be able to walk around and watch 500 films that are available right at the touch of a button," says church rep, Erin Banks. "The second floor will have a public theatre, bookstore, and a large testing centre." Uh. Testing Centre?
The controversial building near Yonge and St. Mary Street was built in 1955 with tenants including Avon cosmetics and Robin Hood flour, amongst others. The Church of Scientology purchased the building in 1979 with police later raiding the property for a tax-fraud investigation. The church has since moved to 77 Peter St. while the building is being renovated, conveniently nearby to the Toronto International Film Festival headquarters. Perhaps the church is looking to recruit more celebrity
Scientologists like John Travolta, Suri Cruise and Tom Cruise. What's happening inside the walls of 696 Yonge Street? A rep from the church did not respond to our inquiries. Have a tip about this holy development? Write it in the comments below or send it to the tipline at toronto@curbed.com.
· Scientology location boarded up as Controversial Organization Plans Renovation [Toronto Star]
· Ghost of Scientology [The Grid]
· Scientology plans a makeover in Toronto [O.Canada]
· Church of Scientology Forum [UrbanToronto]
· Church of Scientology to up its stake on Yonge Street [YSM]