High-density development in Marda Loop moves ahead

Truman Homes and Calgary Co-op are planning four towers in Marda Loop that they say will be a public space that will provide much-needed housing. (Supplied/marcandmada.com)

Despite strong opposition from the public, a proposed high-density development in the southwest Calgary community of Marda Loop has crossed another hurdle.

With a vote of 13-1, the City of Calgary approved an application from Truman Homes and Calgary Co-op to rezone a plot of land that could see two high-rise and two mid-rise towers built.

The decision was made despite officials receiving 136 letters against the idea.

Only three were submitted in favour.

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The Marc and Mada Block, a two-acre development between 33 and 34 Avenues and 20 and 21 Streets S.W. would see 441 residential units built in three of the four towers.

Under the new land use designation, the high-rises would be up to 19 storeys tall while the mid-rise towers would be up to 11 storeys.

The Marda Loop Community Association says the main concerns of residents are about the size of the buildings, a lack of public space, parking and traffic and sustainability.

“The nineteen stories on the south side of 33 Avenue S.W. will create immense shadowing to the adjacent condos, apartments and businesses,” the association said in its comments on the proposal.

“In addition, the residents we heard from are concerned that the immense scale of the building height will change the neighbourhood character.”

The association suggested the city avoid the issue by “aligning with the area’s proportions.”

Calgary Co-op purchased the property in 2020 with a vision to create a new vision for a grocery store – a development that melds homes, community spaces, shopping options and other services in one location.

Truman Homes plans to build a four-level underground parkade for the development, providing space for approximately 662 vehicles.

Co-op also plans to build a 27,000-square-foot store at the location.