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SODO & Marriott Residence Inn

Shaping a historic site into a mixed‑use hub

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Project

SODO & Marriott Residence Inn

Year

2016

Project Background

An integrated signage strategy unifying a $100 million mixed-use development on the historic Alberta Boot site—connecting retail, residences, and the world’s largest Marriott Residence Inn.

Located just south of Calgary’s Business District, the SODO and Marriott Residence Inn development reimagines the historic Alberta Boot Company site as a contemporary hub for living, business, and community activity. The site contributes 7,000 square feet of retail, a 10,000 square foot conference centre, and four levels of underground parking to the growing Beltline District, positioning the project as a key connection point between downtown and surrounding neighbourhoods. Cygnus led the strategy and coordination of a site-wide wayfinding and signage program that could unify distinct residential, hospitality, and commercial elements while supporting the project’s permitting and development approvals. Collaborating closely with the developers, architects, and contractors, we ensured the wayfinding solution aligned with the architectural vision, supported operational clarity, and provided a consistent experience for diverse users across the property.

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Mixed-use cohesion

Cygnus developed a consistent signage, wayfinding, and environmental graphics program that visually ties together the hotel, residential towers, retail, and parking structures. Each element was designed to work within its programmatic context while maintaining a unified overall identity for the site.

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Architectural alignment

Signage across the development was designed with a clean, modern aesthetic that complements the architecture of the residential tower and urban streetscape. Materials, typefaces, and forms were selected to integrate seamlessly with the building interiors and exterior finishes, reinforcing the site’s contemporary character.

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Artistic integration

Cygnus collaborated with artist Julie Bender to bring two of her wood-burned artworks, a longhorn calf and a mustang, to the Marriott as large-format prints. Bender creates her originals, just 15 inches across, through pyrography: each line burned into wood or paper to build distinct shades of brown. Cygnus reproduced these images as direct prints on 5' x 8' maple wood panels, creating wayfinding landmarks on alternating hotel floors.

In the underground bike room, bold floor-to-ceiling environmental graphics transform a utilitarian space into a vibrant and clearly organized zone. The design enhances user experience by intuitively guiding cyclists to storage, repair stations, and amenities.

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