Very soon, Main Street and 2nd Avenue could look different thanks to a proposed development for that area.

Last night (July 10th) was a chance for Airdrie residents to learn more about the commercial development planned for the corner of Main Street North and 2nd Avenue during an open house at the Royal Canadian Legion.

Owner of MMADE Designs, Magda Gawlik says the commercial lot is an exciting opportunity but they're making sure not to rush it.

Artist renderings of the proposed commercial space on Main Street

"What we're trying to do is being very sensitive to the residential neighbourhood to the north and to the west of us, however keeping in mind that the other three corners on that intersection are commercial (and) commercial development is quite prevalent in the area."

The development is hoping to attract different local businesses including financial services, retail stores, and health care businesses.

When the proposal first came just under 2 years ago, they asked to amend the land use by-law for strictly commercial space. However, Gawlik says that wasn't the right approach, so they made a change.

"We're applying for what is called a direct control. What it does is really limit the uses and establishes the setbacks, the heights, the massing of the building to make it appropriate in this context."

Gawlik worried that having a strictly commercial land zone would bring some businesses not suitable for that area of the city.

Although the proposed commercial space is still a ways from breaking ground, Gawlik says it could give a taste as to what a revitalized downtown might look like.

"We're aiming to be a catalyst to that and to give the community and the neighbourhood and downtown some really interesting outdoor places that people want to come and hang out.

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