Les Suites Marion

Nestled in St. Boniface, Les Suites Marion is an inclusive living complex designed to increase affordable housing, support accessible living and be a landing space for French-speaking newcomers to Canada. Within the 48-unit, mixed use development, 20 subsidized suites support individuals and families connected to the Client’s member organizations: Accueil Francophone, St. Amant and Sara Riel Inc.

The design process involved close consultation with these organizations to assess leading resident priorities. The main floor houses Reseau Compassion Network’s offices and a flexible, multi-purpose room, establishing a community resource space to offer tenant-focused workshops and services, such as in mental health, employment, taxes, counselling, and wellness. This space doubles as a residents’ social gathering space.

All subsidized and market rate suites offer consistent amenities; in-suite laundry, dishwasher, balcony, and storage. Quartz countertops, warm wood tones and plentiful access to natural light culminate to support welcoming, durable, and healthy suites. Six fully accessible units are also available with barrier-free amenities.

To accommodate tenant parking on the compact urban site, a viable design solution was to place resident parking beneath the south half of the building. From the exterior inwards, security surveillance, secure bike storage and a heat room form part of a multi-layered approach to safety on-site. This successful urban infill project achieved a 26% decrease in energy consumption and 44% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions relative to the National Energy Code for Buildings.