The intersection of 16 Avenue NE and 1 Street NE is looking a lot more urban thanks to a new development by Marquee Group. This stretch of the Trans Canada Highway is mainly dominated by low-rise businesses, and with a considerable retail component of approximately 9,300 square feet, the appropriately named Marquee on 16th introduced a mid-rise scale to the inner city Crescent Heights neighbourhood. 

How Marquee on 16th was depicted in the rendering, image via NORR Architects

Eight storeys comprising 138 residential units are located above the commercial ground floor and the second floor amenity space. A mix of one-bedroom, one-bedroom plus den, and two-bedroom units offer views of the bustling downtown core across the Bow River. Two and a half levels of underground parking provide enough vehicular space for residents and visiting shoppers. 

NORR Calgary was retained to provide the architectural, structural engineering, landscape architecture, and interior design services on the project. With exterior construction nearing completion, the building's scaffolding and protective blue tarp has begun to be removed, revealing the facade underneath. The cladding panels, outfitted in various shades of grey, constitute the majority of the building's modern aesthetic. Windows are staggered up and down the building's rise and are bordered by a random assortment of grey highlights. A setback on the sixth floor provides a platform for a semi-private landscaped balcony with a barbecue area and fireplace. 

Construction of Marquee on 16th is nearly done, image by Forum contributor Patrick.1980

Hoarding, soon to be replaced by a landscaped public realm, still marks the site's boundaries. Though Marquee on 16th won't completed and ready for tenants until 2017, the development has already proven to be a textbook example of urban infill, which could encourage other inner city neighbourhoods to think denser. 

Additional images and information can be found in the Database file linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion or share your photos? Check out the associated Forum thread or leave a comment at the bottom of this page.