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In an unprecedented move for the Marda Loop area of southwest Calgary, a significant development proposal has been put forth that could reshape the community. Truman Homes, in collaboration with Calgary Co-op, aims to transform a two-acre site located at the intersection of 33 Avenue and 20 Street S.W. into a mixed-use urban complex featuring two 19-storey towers alongside two eight-storey buildings.
This ambitious project, named ‘Marc and Mada Block’ in honor of the former owners of a local theatre, is slated to provide 441 residential units, a 600-stall parking facility, a grocery store, and additional commercial spaces to cater to the community’s needs.
Community Impact and Housing Provisions
The developer’s website highlights that the initiative will also include 34 non-market housing units, made possible through a partnership with the non-profit organization Liberty Housing Organization. This aspect of the proposal aims to address affordable housing concerns in the area.
However, the plan has sparked controversy, as it significantly surpasses the city’s established height restrictions for Marda Loop, which currently limit buildings to a maximum of 23 metres or roughly six storeys.
City Response and Public Engagement
Truman Homes asserts that this development embodies “the next generation of city-building” and seeks to revitalize Calgary’s urban core. Applications for a zoning change and a development permit have been submitted to the City of Calgary, with the project poised to be discussed in a public hearing slated for later this spring.
In anticipation of the discussions, local residents and members of a business advocacy group have shared their perspectives on the proposal’s potential impacts on the community. Many hope that the project will enhance the vibrancy of Marda Loop, while others express concerns regarding the significant change to the area’s skyline and infrastructure.
As the city prepares for the upcoming public hearing, stakeholders on all sides are keen to understand how this development could not only change Marda Loop but also set a precedent for urban development in Calgary.
Source
globalnews.ca