Nestled on a sloped, 14-acre infill site near Calgary’s Shaganappi Point LRT station, Crown Park offered us a rare opportunity to reimagine transit-oriented living. Leading urban design and planning, we transformed the former Jacques Lodge site into a cohesive, slope-adaptive concept that couples ecological sensitivity with urban vitality.

Working alongside a multidisciplinary team, we conducted comprehensive site assessments and collaborative visioning sessions to develop a conceptual plan that shaped local area plan amendments, secured planning approvals, and informed a connected public realm design. Rather than imposing a traditional grid, we leaned into the site’s natural contours, creating a curvilinear street network with strategically located open spaces that flow effortlessly with the land.

Crown Park’s redesign brought density, new pedestrian connections, trail networks, and quick transit access to prioritize walkability and integration with existing neighbourhoods, as well as climate responsiveness. With environmental friendliness in mind, we aligned streets and building pads for passive solar gain, embedded low-impact bioswales and rain gardens to manage runoff, specified drought-tolerant native plantings.

Through these efforts, we made room for diverse housing, vibrant community space, and resilient green infrastructure all within the same site.

With equally steep land grades and political stakes, the project called for heightened strategy and creativity. Our approach to the unique topography reduced regrading, protected natural features, and maintained accessibility while minimizing the visual impact of taller buildings.

Additionally, securing City for adjusting density near an LRT station required clear, compelling rationale rooted in real-time market conditions and community-first design. With strong graphics and a targeted public engagement plan, we built trust, bridged perspectives, and turned complexity into potential.