Construction in Marda Loop’s primary streets project may have subsided, but redevelopment efforts are ongoing along 34th Avenue, with a focus on preserving the street’s historical charm. Leonard Development Group is repurposing century-old single-family homes and other residential properties into boutique retail spaces for local businesses, departing from the usual high-density redevelopment approach.
Having completed four redevelopment projects, encompassing seven original homes and a four-plex from the 1980s, the group is now planning a boutique hotel named The Dovecote. Rod Leonard, the firm’s owner, expressed a desire to conserve as many original structures as possible, emphasizing the importance of preserving the neighborhood’s heritage.
In contrast to adjacent 33rd Avenue where similar homes have been lost to development, Leonard stressed the significance of saving these historic houses from demolition. He highlighted the sentiment against replacing century-old homes with modern structures and emphasized the irreplaceable nature of these architectural gems.
The transformation of 34th Avenue aims to maintain its quaint ambiance while elevating it into a prominent destination. The addition of over 30 retail spaces since 2018 has attracted local businesses drawn to the unique blend of Edwardian-style homes and European-style “snickets,” providing opportunities for micro-businesses to thrive.
One such business owner, Vanessa Minicucci, chose the area for her jewelry shop, Vienna at Marda Loop, citing the appeal of smaller, more manageable retail spaces. Despite initial challenges during the Marda Loop Main Streets program, the ongoing repurposing projects have instilled optimism in the area’s future and community spirit.
Collaborating with other developers like The Mancal Group, Leonard emphasized the importance of complementing the existing architectural style, envisioning a charming and picturesque streetscape reminiscent of a Hallmark movie setting.
Historically, 34th Avenue’s development has been slower compared to its bustling counterpart, 33rd Avenue. Cynthia Klaassen from Heritage Calgary traced the area’s evolution from an early 20th-century growth projection halted by the First World War to its suburban development in the 1940s and 1950s, with 33rd Avenue emerging as the primary street.
Adaptive reuse, as exemplified by Leonard Development Group, involves repurposing structures for new functions, presenting challenges such as meeting modern code standards and addressing toxic materials. Despite these hurdles, the benefits of preserving historic structures, reducing carbon emissions, and maintaining community identity make adaptive reuse a sustainable and socially valuable practice.
