Ketchum P&Z approves new Sun Valley Road building
Louies could have new home
By GREG STAHL
Express Staff Writer
As the old cliché goes, the third times the charmsometimes
even for a visit to the Ketchum Planning and Zoning Commission.
In a rare split decision, the Ketchum P&Z voted at its regular
meeting Monday night to approve architect Dates Frybergers designs for a
33,000-square-foot, two-story commercial building in downtown Ketchum on Sun Valley Road.
The building would accommodate retail space on the first floor and offices on the second.
The lot is behind the Roosevelt Brewhouse and Grill and adjacent to the
McCann, Daech, Fenton real estate offices. It is owned and proposed to be developed by
Ketchum residents Carolyn and Bing Olbum.
Commissioners Susan Scovell and Peter Gray voted against the
projects approval, and Baird Gourlay and Rod Sievers voted for approval. P&Z
chairman Peter Ripsom split the tie by voting in favor of the project.
It was Frybergers third visit to the P&Z. On prior visits,
the commissioners asked him to tone down the buildings alleged urban character and
bulk.
Gourlay liked the revisions presented Monday night, which included a
brick, stucco-style architecture with moderate undulation.
"I think it went from a C to a solid
A," he said.
But for Scovell, the buildings visual size was still too much.
"The building still reads too bulky," she said.
Attorney Ed Lawson, who was at the meeting representing the Olbums,
said the P&Z is taking too much liberty in the design review process.
"Theres nothing in your guidelines about bulk or
materials," he said. "It (the commissions recommendations) borders on
censorship.
"If you dont want something in this city, there should be
clear guidelines set up by the city for architectural style."
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In another matter, the Louies building on the corner of Sun
Valley Road and Leadville Avenue may have a new home.
The P&Z unanimously voted to support efforts to relocate the
Louies building to a city-owned parking area at the south end of East Avenue. The
city councils approval will be needed for such arrangements to come to fruition.
On Sept. 27, Louies owner, Louie Mallane filed with
Ketchums planning department for a demolition permit. Though efforts to save the
building were underway for several months, the filing of the permit precipitated a new
wave of local concern.
Built in 1884 or 1881 (there is some discrepancy about the
buildings construction date), the structure first served as a Congregational Church
and later became an Episcopal Church before it was transformed to Louies.
The commission voted to "heartily support" efforts to
relocate the building. However, there was no discussion about what the building might be
used for.
Ketchum/Sun Valley Heritage and Ski Museum president Dick Meyers said
in an interview he will go to the city council in the hope of obtaining approval if the
relocation will work.
If moved there, the building would be used as a multi-purpose community
building.
The Ketchum City Council meets Monday at 6 p.m. at Ketchum City Hall on
Monday, Oct. 18. This issue, however, was still not on the agenda at press time.
Myers said the ski and heritage museum would like the arrangements, if
they are approved, to be permanent.