Main Streets Program: 33rd and 34th Avenues SW Marda Loop Streetscape Master Plan
Final Report March 2019 Acknowledgments
The Marda Loop 33rd & 34th Avenues SW Streetscape Master Plan is a compilation of ideas and recommendations to improve the public realm and visitor experience within the Marda Loop area. The development of this plan would not have been possible without involvement from the design team, the City of Calgary Urban Strategy, local businesses, an active development community, and a handpicked steering committee comprised of City of Calgary representatives. This Master Plan was presented and approved by the City’s Transportation Leadership Team in March of 2019. The following document is the result the hard work and passion of those individuals. Special thanks to the following contributing members:
City of Calgary Steering Committee City of Calgary Urban Strategies
Represented business units: Joyce Tang, Program Manager, Implementation
Calgary Transit Patrick McMahon, Project Manager Community Planning Michael Magnan, Public Realm Lead Livable Streets Network Planning Kevin Barton, Urban Strategy Lead Parks Roads Traffic Transportation Planning Consulting Team
Transportation Infrastructure Chris Jennings, Design Lead Urban Forestry Joe Olson, Transportation Lead Urban Strategy Urban Design Stephen Oliver, Project Manager Water Resources Eric Schertzer, Urban Designer
Ryan Martinson, Transportation Engineer
In Partnership with
Richmond Knob Hill Community Association
ii 33rd and 34th Avenues SW Marda Loop Streetscape Master Plan Executive Summary
The concept of a main street reflects the integration The intent of the Master Plan is to execute the vision between public space, businesses, and people. developed through community engagement While the corridors of 33rd and 34th Avenues SW within the context of the Marda Loop area. This is have long been delivering on that balance, the done through tying each element of the design growth in this area has not always been integrated back to the goals and objectives, its ability to be and aligned; resulting in a fragmented main street implemented and to how it responds directly to that is less pedestrian friendly than desired. The 33rd the needs of the communities. and 34th Avenues SW (Marda Loop) Streetscape Master Plan (the Master Plan) aims to deliver on the While many components of this Master Plan City of Calgary Main Streets program. For additional will be refined during the detailed design and information see: construction phases, the Master Plan concept provides the outline and form of a vibrant public www.calgary.ca/Mainstreets/ realm, one which supports a mixture of private and public uses and aims to address the major issues The nearby communities require the Master Plan within the ever-changing urban context of the to act as the backbone of the area, setting the Marda Loop Main Street. tone for future development and a clear vision for Marda Loop from Crowchild Trail SW to 14th Street SW. The Master Plan addresses the need for improved pedestrian realm, safety, community space, connections and enhanced landscaping.
The Master Plan has been designed to be implementable, financially achievable, technically sound, and rooted in community feedback. This has been done through partnership with stakeholders, community, businesses, City staff, and City elected officials. The Master Plan is meaningful to the communities surrounding the Marda Loop area and to Calgary; the design is public-oriented, focused in key areas, solves problems for the communities, and provides for public space. Intersection 19 ST. SW + 33 Ave SW
33rd and 34th Avenues SW Marda Loop Streetscape Master Plan iii Introducing Calgary’s Main Streets Program
Background Each Main Streets Streetscape Master Plan is unique through its expression of specific design The Main Streets program is one of the ways that principles. The 33rd and 34th Avenues SW (Marda The City of Calgary is working to make our city “a great place to make a living, and a great place Loop) Streetscape Master Plan (the Master Plan) to make a life.” puts a high value on providing design solutions and identifying opportunities to improve safety The program shares The City’s common purpose of and the pedestrian experience in order to activate “making life better every day” by implementing the spaces along the main street. As outlined by a comprehensive process to transform our main the City of Calgary, the vision and principles for streets into places where people want to live, work, corridors that are part of the Main Streets Program and play. are as follows:
Main Streets Vision + Principles The Vision A Main Streets Streetscape Master Plan is about Main streets are places where citizens come more than improved accessibility, safety, and together. They allow us to travel less and live more beautification. It is about placemaking, creating by providing the things we need right in our own vibrant places that put a priority on sociability, communities. access + linkages, comfort + image, and uses + activity. Design Principles: Main streets are resilient, adaptable, and attractive public spaces that:
• Celebrate the Character of the community;
• Enhance the Diversity of local businesses + residents; and
• Create a vibrant Destination.
The City of Calgary’s main streets are unique places full of character, diversity, and energy. They are inclusive, evolving, and help bring out the best in
View Looking North - 20th Street SW the community.
iv 33rd and 34th Avenues SW Marda Loop Streetscape Master Plan How to use this plan
This Plan establishes a long range vision for Marda Loop. Through the engagement process a series of Design Principles and Urban Design Strategies Future Design Intent were created. The following section is a guide for Development Guidelines Highlights key design how to use this document. intent for integration with future development. Coordination with development
4.3 Future Development Guidelines
With each development, there is an opportunity The Master Plan is designed to respond to the ever changing aspects of a streetscape and for future private Design Intent: developments to integrate to the design. To that end the options provided below present interpretations of the Master Plan for new developments within the Main Street study area. These options show how the • Pedestrian Clear Zone (Blue) - The pedestrian clear zone represents a 2.5m zone free of con icts for pedestrian clear zone and the ex zones can be interpreted to support both the transportation of people pedestrian movement to use The Master Plan to guide the design of and create nodes within the streetscape to stop and linger within the area. • Flex Zone (Green) - Variable zone that uses serve the various options for development and mobility. the public realm and how it interfaces with the development site. Opportunities should be DESIGN CONCEPTS DESIGN CONCEPTS identified for the potential to build sections of this Figure 25 - Development Integration A - Typical Urban Streetscape Figure 27 - Development Integration C - Urban Streetscape with integrated cafe seating option in the parking stall Master Plan that are beyond the identified phasing plan, see Section 5.1 - Phasing, especially when it aligns with new development or construction. Figure 26 - Development Integration B - Urban Streetscape with Integrated cafe seating option Figure 28 - Development Integration D - Typical Residential Boulevard Treatment
The Master Plan provides direction to applicants 64 Marda Loop Main Streets Program Marda Loop Main Streets Program 65 and administration during the development application stage. Conceptual Coordination with other projects Renderings As a developing and growing community, there is a need within the implementation plan to 2.7 Land Use 2.8 Economic Development Conditions
Main Streets planning implementation focuses on achieving goals and targets contained in the Municipal The Marda Loop area is one of Calgary’s fastest growing established areas. Over the last few years a signi cant CONTEXT PROJECT PROJECT CONTEXT PROJECT Development Plan by working with local stakeholders to create a new regulatory framework of updated number of new developments have changed the way the main street looks and functions. There appear to reduce the impact to residents and businesses of local area policy and new land use districts (zoning). A modernized land use pattern will provide a broader be no signs of the development slowing down as the desire to live in the area continues to grow. range of housing choices and commercial services and, along with a high-quality transit and transportation network, allow people to meet more of their daily needs within their own neighbourhood. A more exible The success of the Master Plan relies in large part on the seamless integration between the built form and the and resilient built form and a broader range of allowed uses provides for adaptability of buildings and public realm. The gure below illustrates the signi cant development projects completed, currently under communities over the long term. construction, or Development Permit (DP) approved and shows how the area is moving towards increased ongoing construction. This can be best achieved density. The Master Plan can set the design framework within the area, acting as a reference document for The map presented in Figure 8 is from the engagement 3 exercise for a new land use framework in the Marda future development within the neighbourhood. Refer to Section 4.3 Future Development Guidelines for Loop area. This map was modi ed based on comments from previous events, is still a work in progress, further information on the design concepts for future development. and will be updated based on ongoing input from stakeholders. This map is still in draft form and will be through coordinating infrastructure replacement amended prior to Council review and approval. The Odeon, Ronmor Completed 2017
COCO, Sarina The Shops of Marda Loop, Under Construction Ronmor Providence, ML33 Completed 2009 Under Construction Avenue 33, Sarina with either City work (e.g. utility work) or private Courtyard 33, RNDSQR Completed 2018 DP Approved development (i.e. private construction). The In nity, Steckmar Completed 2018 phasing plan located in Section 5.1 - Phasing is a Marda, Strategic Under Construction
Prairie Block Figure 8 - Marda Loop Land Use Districts DRAFT DP Approved Legend high level estimate as to how construction may R-CG - up to 3 storeys M-C2 - 4-6 storeys MU-2 - 4-6 Storeys Garrison Corner, Ronmor Completed 2014 Figure 9 - Marda Loop Main Street Signi cant Development M-C1 - 4-6 storeys M-H1- 4-6 storeys Marda Loop ARP Boundary Legend Development in Marda Loop occur. Should a major City project or development (Completed, Under Construction, or Development Permit approved) move forward within the Marda Loop area that was 24 Marda Loop Main Streets Program Marda Loop Main Streets Program 25 unknown during the writing of the Master Plan, the phasing should be revisited to allow for as little Proposed Development impact to the community as possible. Land Use Map Map
33rd and 34th Avenues SW Marda Loop Streetscape Master Plan v Key Design Elements Design Strategies Location Map The key design elements within the study area provide an opportunity to connect adjacent projects to support the vision of the Master Plan.
Key Map
33 AVE SW
An example is the future SWBRT station, the station Design Elements 22 ST SW 20 ST SW
34 AVE SW 14 STREET SW N
Section 4 CROWCHILD TRAIL
4.1.2 SWBRT Plaza is an important destination for people traveling A new Marda Loop South West Bus Rapid Transit Project Outcomes: (SWBRT) station o Crowchild Trail SW is planned • Design that re ects the aesthetics to the northwest of the study area. The community of Marda Loop and creates a and Council directed that integration within this speci c identity along the future project is a priority in the design. To achieve this, SWBRT route. in and out of the area and as such this Master a transit plaza designed for transit users accessing and egressing the SWBRT has been proposed, • Provision of public waiting and supporting way nding and clear pedestrian gathering space. connections from 33rd Avenue SW to the SWBRT. Intended • A safe, well-lit, accessible, direct Plan identifies an opportunity to create a plaza The design of the SWBRT station is not within link from the main street to the the scope of the Master Plan. To ensure a smooth SWBRT. transition between the stop, the plaza, and the Marda Loop Main Street, integration was • Increased landscaping to support Project pedestrian comfort. developed in coordination with the SWBRT project team. This plaza will serve to welcome space highlighting potential design features and • A gateway to Marda Loop from a users to the community as a safe, well-lit area regional transit system. that feels comfortable. The plaza supports the DESIGN CONCEPTS DESIGN CONCEPTS principles of re ecting the character of the area, • New all access pedestrian Outcomes improving mobility, and providing opportunities connections to support increased pathway alignments that tie into the future station. for community gathering spaces. mobility. 33 AVENUE SW 10 CROWCHILD TRAIL SW
These areas are also opportunities for community 7 6 9 8 5 partnerships and/or temporary installations. 1 4 2 3 Highlighted in the design principles box are the Figure 17 - SW BRT Plaza (32 Street SW) 1 SWBRT Station 3 Raised Planter with 5 Landscape Berms 7 Connection to 9 Pathway Connection Integrated Seating Neighbourhood Park to 33rd Avenue SW 2 Retaining Wall with Mural 4 Upgraded Plaza 6 All Access Connection 8 Pedestrian Lighting 10 Entry Icon Paving to BRT Station Key key elements of the design and how they respond 44 Marda Loop Main Streets Program Marda Loop Main Streets Program 45 to master plans vision and goals. Highlighted in the Design key map is the location of the design intervention Elements Conceptual in relation to the Master Plan study area. Key Map Rendering Materials The materials presented here are conceptual for rendering purposes and/or represent existing Proposed Design Intent materials that are in use now. At the detailed design stage, the material selection will be made with 4.2.2 Pedestrian Travel Zone Typical 4.2.3 Laneway Access Treatment 4.2.4 Improved Crosswalk Treatments The pedestrian travel zone is the primary accessible The laneway access treatment recommended Crosswalk treatments are proposed at crosswalks in the main street. The paving pattern should change pathway running parallel to the vehicular travel within the Master Plan addresses several current both the urban and residential zones of the study to typical concrete with banding mid-block and higher certainty. During that work, effort should be and parking lanes. The travel zone ensures that shortcomings including providing greater area. Crosswalk treatments address challenging into the residential zone; continuing this paving pedestrians have a safe place to walk. Bu ered opportunities for landscaping. Parked vehicles geometry and sightlines. This is achieved through theme throughout the main street will help to by the ex space the travel lanes have been will no longer block access to the lane; which curb extensions, tactile surfacing, and clear enhance the urban pedestrian experience. designed at an appropriate scale to allow for ease is increasingly important as reliance for serving crosswalk delineation. These treatments will increase of movement while still allowing for a high level of deliveries and pickups by businesses increases. pedestrian safety and perceptions of safety. Design Intent: street activity. Shade, street furniture, and su cient Sightlines will be improved for vehicles entering taken to adhere to the design intent presented in lighting should be used where possible adjacent and exiting parkades during rush times. The A collaborative process of design development • Paving material should be consistent at the to the pedestrian travel zone. The recommended accessibility for those on the sidewalk will be was employed to improve the geometry and intersection and crosswalk. treatment for the pedestrian travel zone is a clear improved by moving the cross-slope into the deliver improved public spaces throughout the 2.5m walkway that is safe, accessible, and designed street instead on the sidewalk. The laneway access study areas. The landscaping and crosswalk design • Provide separate curb ramps for each with ease of maintenance in mind. treatments can support landscaping, enhanced were circulated with other tra c components direction of travel. this Streetscape Master Plan, presenting practical pedestrian comfort and improved mobility. from the project. Presented turning radii are Design Intent: indicative standard only depending on the road • Curb ramps to be the full width of pedestrian Design Intent: classi cations for future work. The landscaping/ zone (2.5m), with traversable ares. • Material and texture to provide visual planters are designed to accommodate the site delineation. • Provide clear service access to the laneway. triangle and support public art and a variety of • Materials should extend across the full width DESIGN CONCEPTS DESIGN CONCEPTS planting types depending on detailed design. This of the curb ramp, excluding the traversable • Remove opportunity to accidentally park options which provide a cohesive and modern • Pedestrian travel zone should align across will support enhanced pedestrian comfort and ares. blocking laneway access. intersections were possible. mobility. • Increase landscaping opportunities to mark • Furnishing and seating should not encroach laneway access. Enhanced sidewalk and crosswalk paving should with travel zone. be in key areas along the Marda Loop urban Main solution to the Marda Loop Main Street. Attention • Improved ease of goods movement. Street to clearly delineate the pedestrian zones. With pedestrian safety being a major tenet of the Master Plan, ensuring the crosswalks are well identi ed and clearly signed is paramount to the design. The enhanced crosswalks should consist of should be made to selecting materials that are materials that promote improved accessibility. The sidewalk width should be increased to 2.5m throughout the Marda Loop Main Street to ensure the pedestrian realm is consistent and encourages easily sourced and require minimal maintenance, Artist Rendering - Typical Travel Zone (Blue) Artist Rendering - Laneway Treatment a safe comfortable walking experience throughout Artist Rendering - Crosswalk Treatment customized items should be limited to the key 58 Marda Loop Main Streets Program Marda Loop Main Streets Program 59 design elements within the Master Plan. Standards should be treated as a minimum and not limit design solutions. Conceptual Rendering To Highlight Design Intent
vi 33rd and 34th Avenues SW Marda Loop Streetscape Master Plan Marda Loop Streetscape Master Plan vii Master Streetscape Loop SW Marda and 34th Avenues 33rd “ If you plan cities for cars and traffic, you get you traffic, and cars citiesplan for If“ you for people and you plan If and traffic. cars get people and places.” you places, Project Spaces Public for Founder, Kent Fred
INT OD TION IMPLEMENTATION th and 18 th Ma n Streets Pro ra Pro ra Ma n Streets Loop Marda Phase 3
Avenue SW between 20 Avenue 71 Plan Master Streetscape Loop SW Marda and 34th Avenues 33rd th Create spaces that respond to potential potential to respond that spaces Create the ensure to zoning to changes time. is adaptable over design streetscape high qualityEstablish a commitment to implementable design. opportunities icon features, for for Provide elements. and unique furniture complement standards the design Ensure developments the existing and proposed area. Loop within the Marda elements will be streetscape Ensure and easily procured. safe, maintainable, Incorporate the elements that tie to unique historical context Loop of Marda within the design. Mural - Ed onton A - Ed onton Mural Objectives + Design Strategies • • • • • • Goal 3: Develop unique streetscape elements elements unique streetscape Goal 3: Develop Main Loop the Marda announce clearly that within Calgary. as a destination Street Streets SW, 34 SW, Streets th Avenue SW to improve navigation through a complex a complex through navigation improve SW to Avenue th and 17 th Street SW on both avenues. This phase anticipates the extension phase anticipates This SW on both avenues. Street th Street SW and 34 Street th Images Images Avenue SW between 19 Avenue rd Precedent Precedent Provide options for landscaping that options for Provide support the vibrancy of the streetscape. Citythe with Selectalign that species tree of Calgary species. approved tree for alternatives design Provide icts and/ utility with con in areas planting or lack of soil volume. that approaches Recommend design simplify maintenance. intersection. Offsetat 18 intersection Objectives + Design Strategies • • • • ni ue Streets ape - St. Paul MN Paul - St. ni ue Streets ape • Support density. increasing for • community. of development role Leverage • Main Street. Loop of the Marda feel the cohesive expanding Secondary feature gateway • Goal 2: Enhance landscaping to support landscaping to Goal 2: Enhance pedestrian comfort. Figure 32 - Marda Loop Main Street Phase 3 Main Street Loop 32 - Marda Figure of urban zone development in both density and redevelopment into the residential zone. Coordination Coordination zone. the residential into in both densityof urban development and redevelopment zone and continuity characteristics will supportwith that development of the residential within the study area timing of this phase will enable upcoming The Main vibrancy Street. Loop of the Marda the growing and allow process the development through on components of the Master Plan deliver to developments area. in this investments to justify the sufficiently the density increase to 5.2.3 Phase 3 3 includes 33 Phase SW and the intersections with 14 Streets Design in Phase 3: highlights Phasing Phasing Diagram Phase 2 Avenue SW is like that Avenue th Avenue SW. This phase aims to phase aims to This SW. Avenue th Avenue SW. Phase 2 completes access 2 completes Phase SW. Avenue rd Ensure the pedestrian experienceEnsure is the priority design when assessing any icts. con Identify opportunities within the right- support space to reallocate to of-way placemaking,and safety, increased pedestrian comfort. design streetscape a corridor-wide Create and well-connected, well-lit, that is safe, walking.comfortable for comfortable walking widths with Provide the length of the corridor. for a clear zone accessibility universal on all for Design and plaza areas. streets with the intersection treatment Improve use of bump-outs and safety improve to ict zones. shorten the pedestrian con Objectives + Design Strategies • • • • • • Pedestrian Fo used Streets ape - Toronto