West End Commons (St. Matthews Church Housing)

Former Names:
  • St. Matthews Church
Address:641 St. Matthew's Avenue
Current Use:

Multi-family housing
Place of worship

Original Use:

Place of worship

Constructed:1947
Architects:
Engineers:
  • Dominion Bridge Company (original steel)
Contractors:
  • Claydon Company
Guides:Part of the QR Code Tour

Photographs

More Information

St. Matthew’s Anglican Church has been at the corner of Maryland Street and St. Matthew’s Avenue since 1913.The original 1913 building was destroyed in a fire and was rebuilt in 1946-1947, using a similar design to the original. The once large congregation diminished over time and it was a challenge to maintain the building. St. Matthew’s entered into a partnership with Grain of Wheat Church-Community to establish St. Matthews Non Profit Housing Inc and develop the WestEnd Commons. St.Matthew’s gave a 50 year lease of its building to SMNPH and is now a tenant in the building and an active member of the community of communities that is now the WestEnd Commons

The WestEnd Commons, on the main floor, consists of a 1,000 sq. foot atrium, including an indoor play structure salvaged from the previous airport terminal.The upper floors of St. Matthew’s Anglican Church have been transformed into 26 apartments.

Design Characteristics

Frontage Direction:

South

  • Wood from the original interior of St. Matthew’s Church were salvaged and reused in the new construction. Upper level apartments feature dramatic wood ceilings and beams from the original church.

Links & Related Places