JEMM and BRCA team up on tactical urbanism project
What the heck is tactical urbanism and what’s it doing in Bridgeland?
Sometimes called DIY Urbanism, Urban Acupuncture or Pop-Up Urbanism, Tactical Urbanism uses everyday materials to make interesting experiments within a community street experience. The outcomes of these short-term pilot projects are used to help make choices about more permanent neighbourhood improvements.
https://youtu.be/ueMTJ0Si6aY
This summer, project partners JEMM Properties and the Bridgeland-Riverside Community Association are bringing tactical urbanism to a wedge of vacant land along Bridgeland’s southern edge. The triangular grassy spot is located at a highly visible junction where 9th Avenue NE joins with Memorial Drive. It sits adjacent to 950 MacPherson Square, where JEMM has plans to develop a new 285-unit mixed-use rental property called The Bridge.
“As people walk from the C-train station and step into Bridgeland, they all pass through this natural gateway area,” explains Ali McMillan, Planning Director for the Bridgeland-Riverside Community Association. “Until now it’s been a blank spot on the landscape and we wanted to start the conversation with residents about animating this entry point into our community with something welcoming and funky.”
JEMM has kick-started the project by funding the design and fabrication of 3-D Hollywood-style letters that spell out the word B-R-I-D-G-E-L-A-N-D. Currently being crafted from wood by local makers FUSE33 MakerSpace. The letters will be ready for installation in late August.
Residents are encouraged to participate in the broader conversation about potentially replacing this temporary installation with a more permanent feature in the future.
“The process of activating under-used urban spaces depends on collaboration and getting neighbours to come out and talk about what’s best for the community,” said Edan Lindenbach, Director of Development for JEMM. “This project has just the right mix of practicality and fun to spark a great conversation about what’s next for Bridgeland.”
Bridgeland residents who would like more information about the project can contact Ali McMillan, Planning Director at planning@brcacalgary.org or go to brcacalgary.org. You can also find the BCRA on Facebook or @BRCAssociation on Twitter.
Public Engagement Process for Bridge is Now Underway
JEMM Properties, through its design consultant Zeidler Architecture, has applied to the City of Calgary for Development Permit (DP2019-3729) approval related to 950 Mcpherson Square NE. The application reflects a mixed-use development called The Bridge, designed to include 285 units of rental apartments above retail and restaurant uses.
Why Engage
As part of the Development Permit review process, community members are invited to share their input and comments about the proposed development with JEMM and the City of Calgary’s planning team. The input received during this public consultation period supports a thoughtful review process that encourages open dialogue between the community, the developer and the City.
Ways to Engage
Community members are encouraged to:
- Visit the Featured Community page to learn more about the design concept for The Bridge and view architectural renderings
- Visit the City of Calgary’s development map for more information about the status of the application or to contact the City Planner associated with the application.
- Send questions or comments directly to JEMM Properties
- Attend the Public Information Session at the BRCA community hall 6:30-9pm Oct 2nd.
NOTE: JEMM Properties, together with the Bridgeland-Riverside Community Association, previously hosted a community open house related to the Land Use re-designation of 950 Mcpherson Square NE. Read more about that event in JEMM hosts Community Open House in Bridgeland (Nov 2018).