Calgary-based Strategic Group achieved another milestone with Marda, its mixed-use project currently under construction in Marda Loop, as the first pieces of exterior cladding were recently installed. Designed by NORR Architects, the six-storey, 66-unit building first broke ground almost a year ago to the day, but has since topped out and now has a section of exterior glass paneling installed.

First pieces of glass go up on northeast corner, image by Forum contributor 1875

The building itself is made up of part concrete and part wood framing, with the underground parking and first floor retail area made of concrete construction while the five floors on top of the retail is residential built of wood frame construction. The exterior will be made up of glass panels that will be part vision glass and spandrel glass, with the remaining section being light tones of aluminum paneling.

Marda construction progress, image by Kevin Cappis

When completed, the ground floor base will host five retail bays totaling 9,000 square feet, and the upper portion will be purpose-built rental units. The building is the first such rental-purposed building to be constructed in the Marda Loop area.

Rendering of Marda, image via Strategic Group

SkyriseCalgary will be sure to return to this project as progress continues. For more information, check out the associated Database file and Forum thread, and as always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.