Calgary’s landscape is set to undergo a transformative change with an ambitious joint venture project between Calgary Co-op and Truman Homes in the heart of the Marda Loop neighbourhood.
The proposed development, named the “Marc & Mada Block,” will provide about 441 new homes and nearly 58,000 square feet of retail space, anchored by an urban-format Calgary Co-op grocery store.
The new homes are designed to support Calgarians of all ages, wages, and stages of life. Marc & Mada Block features a strong commitment to long-term housing affordability by dedicating a portion of new homes as affordable rental units, which will be owned and operated by the non-profit Liberty Housing Organization.
David White, with CivicWorks has been supporting the two companies on this project.
An Urban Planner’s Perspective
“I’m an urban planner, and I’ve been supporting Calgary Co-op and Truman on this proposal at a pretty granular level since they formed their partnership after Co-op acquired the site in 2019,” explained David White.
White said a rezoning application and then a bricks and mortar development are currently under review by the City of Calgary. “We expect through the course of the first quarter of this year, heading into the Spring, a recommendation will be made to City Council and ultimately a public hearing will be hosted and a decision will be made about the rezoning,” he explained.
“If that is successfully approved by Council this year in the Spring as we anticipate that means the development permit could then be considered for approval which would then allow the next stages of approvals and ultimately construction starting in 2026. For a project of this scale, it’s a fairly significant project, it would take at least two years, two and a half years to see construction through to occupancy.”
Key Features of the Development
The project is centred on a 27,000-square-foot urban-format grocery store, complemented by 15,000 square feet of additional commercial retail units (CRUs). “The main podium will house the grocery store and a collection of shops, services, and restaurants, creating a vibrant commercial hub,” White detailed.
Above the commercial spaces, the development will feature three residential components integrated into one superstructure. “It’s essentially one giant project sitting on a four-story parkade with a large podium. The residential portion includes approximately 441 new homes, a mix of for-sale condos and some purpose-built rentals, with the latter associated of affordable housing with a third-party non-market housing provider,” White explained.
“This new mixed-use development in the heart of one of Calgary’s most beloved communities is a source of pride for Calgary Co-op. When we acquired this site four years ago, we could see the unique potential of this strategic investment on behalf of our members. This new development will further contribute to this thriving community by providing those living, working and playing in Marda Loop, a fresh take on grocery shopping and enhanced community amenities,” said Damon Tanzola, Senior Vice President, Real Estate and Health & Wellness
“Marc & Mada Block represents the next generation of city-building in our redeveloping communities—mixed-use development that delivers the housing and amenities Calgarian’s need within vibrant growing neighbourhoods. We are proud to partner with Calgary Co-op to make this vision a world-class place,” said George Trutina, President, Truman.
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