Marda Loop is on the brink of transformation.
Following City Council approval, a major rezoning has cleared the way for a new mixed-use development that could dramatically reshape one of Calgary’s most well-known inner-city communities. Spearheaded by Truman Homes in collaboration with Calgary Co-op, the project proposes two 19-storey towers, an 11-storey building, and a six-storey structure on a two-acre site at 33 Avenue and 20 Street SW.
The development, named Marc and Mada Block in tribute to the area’s past, is designed to include over 400 residential units, commercial space, a grocery store, and underground parking. While it introduces a significantly increased scale of density to the neighbourhood, the proposal says it aims to balance this density with thoughtful integration, including adjustments to building heights and orientation to reduce street-level impact. Community residents however, are less than thrilled with the scope of the planned project. Already tired of years of construction along main corridors, nearby residents and business owners are also dreading the impact that construction of a project of this magnitude will bring to traffic, parking, and walkability.
A Unique Site, a Bigger Conversation
Although the site’s scale is unlike anything else currently in Marda Loop, city representatives have emphasized that this project is specific to the lot and not intended to signal a broad shift in neighbourhood zoning. Still, the approval has sparked broader discussions about density, growth, and community character, conversations that are playing out across many of Calgary’s inner-city neighbourhoods.
Plus, other high-density projects similar in scope to this one are now in the early stages of planning, meaning this may just be the first of many in the area.
Change with Consideration?
The proposal includes affordable housing units and commits to mitigating construction disruption with a "dedicated liaison and community communication plan". Developers say that this is part of a growing movement toward complete, walkable communities, where new housing options, retail space, and public amenities are integrated into established areas.
Of course, not everyone is on board. Concerns remain around height, aesthetics, and the potential impact on Marda Loop’s distinct village feel. But for others, this type of development signals confidence in Calgary’s future, offering housing diversity and infrastructure investment in a community that continues to grow and evolve.
What’s Next...
With the rezoning now approved, the development still needs to secure a formal permit before construction can begin. If green-lit, work could start as early as next year, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Marda Loop's story.
For more details about this project, visit the Marc & Mada Block website HERE
