Trendy, inner-city South Calgary is buzzing with activity

South Calgary just keeps getting better and better. It's an area charged with arts and culture, natural beauty, public art, funky coffee shops, and stellar restaurants. It's also home to beach volleyball courts and a public outdoor swimming pool, one of only a handful still operating in the city.

"The community has so much culture and vibrancy. It's so fun to just walk down 33rd Avenue and people watch," said South Calgary resident Jude Savoy, who has lived in the community for almost five years.

"There are lots of new projects on the go and I think that's a really good thing. It adds density and creates this really urban vibe."

"There are lots of new projects on the go and I think that's a really good thing. It adds density and creates this really urban vibe." - Jude Savoy, South Calgary resident

At the west end of the 33rd Avenue S.W. corridor, Courtyard 33 by RNDSQR, designed by Winnipeg's 5468796 Architecture, will be a dramatic landmark. The six-storey, mixed-use project will offer 70 condominium-style homes, along with a structured, urban pedestrian and public realm.

Alkarim Devani, the founder of RNDSQR, likens the public space to a neighbourhood living room. "It will be this hidden gem tucked away," he said.

Meanwhile, the Marda Loop Business Improvement Area is focused on infusing the area with vibrancy and life. A streetscape master plan is in the works for the 33rd and 34th Avenue corridors and public art is high on the agenda. New street banners designed by local artist Michael Grills will hit the main promenade just in time for the community's 34th annual Marda Gras festival on Aug. 12. Expect lots of great food, a pet pageant, live music, dance and cultural performances, and oodles of unique shopping.

Fun Fact
Adding to the neighbourhood's artsy vibe, cSPACE King Edward is turning heads. This social enterprise arts connector and think tank, located in the former King Edward sandstone schoolhouse on 27th Avenue S.W., recently won a Mayor's Urban Design Award for its architectural brilliance.