Marda Loop high-rise project gets planning approval.

Calgary’s Planning Commission has approved the development permit for the large Marc and Mada Block project in Marda Loop. The proposal includes two high-rise and two mid-rise buildings, about 441 residential units, a Calgary Co-op grocery store, commercial space and a large underground parkade. It’s been controversial over height, traffic and neighbourhood character.

A major mixed-use redevelopment proposed for the heart of Marda Loop has cleared another key planning hurdle.

Calgary Planning Commission has approved the development permit for "Marc & Mada Block," a high-rise residential and commercial project planned near 33 Avenue and 20 Street S.W.

The nearly two-acre site is being developed through a partnership between Calgary Co-op and local developer Truman. Plans are to generate new housing, commercial space, public areas and a next-generation Calgary Co-op grocery store.

City council previously approved the land-use changes needed for the project in July 2025. The proposal has drawn significant attention in Marda Loop, with debate over building height, density, traffic, parking and the pace of redevelopment in the inner-city community.

The project is named after Marc and Mada Jenkins, the founders of the former Marda Theatre that operated on the site from 1953 to 1988.