Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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How does the public benefit from this development?
Marc & Mada Block is set to become a landmark development in the heart of Marda Loop. The vision for this project includes high-quality architecture, landscaping, and new public spaces that enhance the neighbourhood and enrich the pedestrian experience. The development will feature a new Calgary Co-op grocery store, expanded retail and housing options, and a variety of amenities, including two open public plaza spaces.
How does this development contribute to Marda Loop’s Community Character?
Marc & Mada Block is located along 33 AV SW and 34 AV SW – two key City-identified Main Streets that are central hubs of activity where people live, work, and play. This location benefits from significant public investment, infrastructure upgrades, and streetscape improvements designed to support further growth and development along Calgary’s growing Main Streets. The vision for Marc & Mada Block leverages this investment to introduce vibrant new public space, shops, services, and housing options to Marda Loop.
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Is there really a need for greater height?
The proposal represents a unique opportunity to provide more housing options, retail services and public spaces to Marda Loop. The development will include a range of buildings from 8 to 19 stories high (up to approximately 65 meters). The increased height and density are crucial for the project's financial viability and for creating high-quality public spaces and amenities.
How does this development impact the surrounding neighbours’ views, privacy and access to sunlight?
The buildings in Marc & Mada Block are arranged to prioritize sunlight exposure on public spaces and create an inviting pedestrian environment. Careful height transitions and thoughtful building massing are implemented to minimize shadowing and address privacy concerns for nearby residents. The City will assess the shadowing effects, along with other design considerations, through a Sun-Shadow Study, which will be available for public review.
Is this proposal setting a precedent for other large developments in Marda Loop?
Marc & Mada Block is a rare ±1.8-acre inner-city property located in the heart of the neighbourhood. Marc & Mada Block wouldn’t work just anywhere – the development vision is specifically suited to this location, which benefits from its placement along two Main Street frontages and its convenient access to local shops, services, amenities, and transportation options. This makes it an ideal site for a new kind of growth and innovation. The proposal will be evaluated on its own merits based on great urban planning and design as part of a comprehensive review by The City of Calgary.
What is an amenity contribution?
To enable the full vision for Marc & Mada Block, we are proposing an increase to allowable density on the site. This increase in density is supported through the establishment of enduring and lasting benefits and investments in the Marda Loop community, including public space enhancements and the addition of new affordable housing units to Calgary’s housing market.
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What types of housing are being proposed?
The proposed units will vary in size, ranging from studio apartments to larger three-bedroom units. This diverse range of unit types and sizes aims to broaden housing options within the community, accommodating Calgarians of all ages, wages, and stages, including downsizers, single individuals, students, couples, and families.
What type of businesses are being proposed?
Marc & Mada Block is envisioned as a vibrant retail hub, anchored by an approximately 27,000 square foot next-generation, urban-format Calgary Co-op grocery store. The development will also feature about 18,000 square feet of commercial retail space for small-scale shops and services, designed to further activate the surrounding Main Streets.
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When can I expect more details on the proposal?
Further details will be provided with the formal submission of development applications in Fall 2024. During the development application review process, community members will have the opportunity to ask questions, share comments, and offer feedback, which will help inform the next steps.
Why wasn’t I notified sooner?
Marc & Mada Block represents a major development for the community, and the project team is dedicated to maintaining open and transparent communication throughout the application process. As a first step, we proactively contacted the Ward 8 Councillor’s Office, the Marda Loop Communities Association, and the Marda Loop Business Improvement Area to share preliminary details and seek advice on engaging effectively with local residents.
All nearby community members were notified simultaneously about the proposed land use redesignation and development permit application. We employed various methods to reach out to neighbors, including hand-delivered mailers, large informational window signage, and community newsletters. This initial notification is the beginning of an ongoing dialogue with the community.
Where can I learn more?
We will use a variety of outreach methods and communication channels to inform and engage community members, offering multiple ways to connect with the project team and provide comments, questions, or feedback. These methods include:
Outreach storefront
Hand-delivered mailers to neighbors
Large onsite informational signage
Dedicated engagement email, phone line, and website
E-newsletter sign-up
Virtual and in-person meetings
Community newsletter advertorial
Publicly available Application Brief and other reports
Stay tuned for project updates and future events. We will provide additional information through neighbourhood mailers, on-site signage, an engage centre storefront, and our e-newsletter available on the project website.
Once the formal development application is submitted, you will also have the opportunity to provide feedback directly to The City of Calgary via their Development Map website.
How will my feedback be used?
We are currently in the initial stages of outreach, gathering information to understand local insights and identify what is important to community members. To stay updated as the plan evolves and more details become available, please sign up for our e-newsletter on the project website.
While we welcome and consider all feedback, it is not possible to incorporate every suggestion from our neighbours and community members into the final design. Our promise, however, is to remain transparent about how we reach our conclusions and close the loop with all interested parties at key project milestones and/or when major decision are made.
Once the outreach period concludes, all feedback will be compiled into a "What We Heard" Report, which will be shared
publicly on our website and with City decision makers, Administration, Council and local community organizations
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How will cars enter the site?
The parkade entry along 34 AV SW will serve as the main vehicular access point for residents and visitors. This location was selected due to expected lower traffic volumes, the recent installation of traffic signals at the intersection of 20 ST SW & 34 AV SW, and its distance from other nearby intersections - all of which enhance safety and convenience for accessing the site.
Where will cars park on site?
Marc & Mada Block proposes four levels of underground parking with ample parking to serve residents, shoppers and visitors to the site. The amount of parking is designed to far exceed the City of Calgary’s minimum parking requirements.
How will this development impact traffic and intersection flow?
The project team is actively working to mitigate the impacts of increased traffic and parking associated with the site’s redevelopment. To support this effort, transportation engineers Bunt & Associates have conducted a Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA), which evaluates the traffic demand generated by the proposed development and its effects on the surrounding transportation network. The project team will work with The City of Calgary to explore additional opportunities to improve traffic flow in the area.
How is the large vehicle loading access and noise being managed?
Large vehicle loading and noise are being managed through thoughtful site design. Large vehicles will only be allowed to access the site via a covered and screened ground-level internal loading area, minimizing noise and disruptions for nearby neighbors.
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How will this development contribute to economic development in the area?
Marc & Mada Block is poised to drive significant economic growth in Marda Loop. A study by industry experts Colliers International estimates that the project will generate around $1.8 million in annual property tax revenues for the City of Calgary once completed. This additional tax revenue will support publicly funded Main Street investments in infrastructure upgrades and streetscape enhancements in the area. In addition, Marc & Mada Block will create numerous jobs through site construction and the introduction of various new shops and services to the community.
How will this development impact property values in the area?
Property values are not considered in the City Administration’s review or Council’s decision on development applications. However, Truman and Calgary Co-op are committed to achieving an enduring and celebrated outcome for Calgary. The Marc & Mada Block vision aims to create a first-rate urban environment and mixed-use development, which utilizes high-quality building materials, landscaping, and architectural design features.
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The project team anticipates that construction activities will commence in 2025 with the demolition of existing buildings. Following the demolition, the construction of the parkade and above-grade buildings is expected to take approximately two years, with an anticipated occupancy date in 2028. Construction timing is subject to change based on City reviews and approvals.
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The capacity of local utility infrastructure, including potable water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, gas lines, and electrical lines, will be assessed by The City of Calgary and its partner agencies during the detailed application review process. This assessment will consider the infrastructure capacity related to the Marc & Mada Block proposal, as well as the cumulative impacts of growth in Marda Loop. Early technical studies submitted as part of the development applications indicate that the local infrastructure can support growth on the site. The City of Calgary will also collect off-site levies from the Marc & Mada Block development, with the funds allocated towards existing and planned municipal infrastructure upgrades.
Recent infrastructure upgrades undertaken through the City’s Main Streets project aim to support new development and growth in Marda Loop. These upgrades include:
New traffic signals at 20 ST SW & 34 AV SW
Water feedermain replacement along 34 AV SW
ENMAX powerline burial
ATCO gas line relocation and upgrades
Fiber optic internet installation
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The City’s Main Streets work is currently in progress, focusing on roadwork, utility, and transportation network upgrades along 33 AV SW and 34 AV SW from 19 ST SW to Crowchild TR SW. For detailed information, timelines and updates on the City’s Main Streets project, please visit this link .
Recent infrastructure upgrades undertaken through the City’s Main Streets project aim to support new development and growth in Marda Loop. These upgrades include:
New traffic signals at 20 ST SW & 34 AV SW
Water feedermain replacement along 34 AV SW
ENMAX powerline burial
ATCO gas line relocation and upgrades
Fiber optic internet installation
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The project team has collaborated with the City’s Main Streets team regarding ongoing construction work and the planned redevelopment of the site. They have coordinated on anticipated project timelines to minimize the risk of replacing existing improvements, reduce the impact of construction activity in the area, and integrate the design with planned infrastructure upgrades to the area.
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In 2024, the City of Calgary launched the Main Streets Business Support Grant Pilot to assist eligible businesses in Marda Loop affected by city-led construction. This program offers a one-time payment of $5,000 to businesses whose access and operations have been disrupted by ongoing construction and extended project timelines. For more details, please visit this link.
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Construction activities on site will be managed through a Construction Management Plan. This plan will provide detailed information on construction vehicle access, hours of operation, staging areas, worker parking, and traffic management strategies. It is important to note that existing access to neighboring properties must be maintained throughout the project.
All construction must comply with the standards established by the City and Province. The codes and practices applicable to all on-site construction include, but are not limited to:
City of Calgary Construction Site Guide
Calgary Building Permit Bylaw
Calgary Noise Bylaw
Alberta Safety Codes Act
Alberta Fire Code
National Building Code for Alberta
Construction Fencing
Street and Sidewalk Cleaning
