McArthur Place

Accessible and Safe Spaces

LocationEdmonton, AB
Completion2022
Size3,371 m2 / 60 Units
ClientCity of Edmonton
SectorHousing

McArthur Place redefines what dignified, accessible supportive housing means for 60 residents in Edmonton, providing a secure and respected place to call home.

When the City of Edmonton identified the urgent need for 60 new supportive homes for its most vulnerable citizens, the mission was clear: deliver dignified, accessible housing on an aggressive timeline. The site presented immediate obstacles. It was entirely unserviced, requiring a road extension and full utility hookups, all while coordinating delivery under intense pressure. The essential requirement, however, went far beyond meeting a schedule; it was about creating a place of dignity, safety, and cultural grounding.

To achieve this challenging goal, we strategically utilized volumetric modular construction. This innovative approach dramatically accelerated the timeline and minimized disruption, allowing us to simultaneously address complex site servicing. Our success hinged on close, empathetic collaboration. We worked hand-in-hand with utility providers, the building operator, and local Indigenous Elders to ensure every aspect (from site services to interior spaces) was thoughtful and meaningful.

This collaborative process yielded a six-storey building that is resilient and designed with robust facilities, featuring medical examination rooms, a commercial kitchen, and dedicated staff areas. Crucially, we designed flexible, multi-purpose common areas to support a range of resident activities and vital Indigenous-focused ceremony and smudging spaces.

McArthur Place now provides 60 high-quality, accessible homes, offering a crucial, safe, and dignified new beginning for its residents. This successful project is a powerful testament to how creative design, modular technology, and deep community inclusion harmonize to deliver life-changing supportive housing quickly, beautifully, and with the deep respect every person deserves.

“These homes not only provide residents with a warm and safe place to live, but also ensure physical, mental, spiritual and emotional health and wellness.

- Amajeet Sohi, Mayor (Former), City of Edmonton