The Peaks, a new three-story commercial building is slated for
construction on the old Louies Restaurant site this fall.
Two commercial buildings approved
New space for stores, offices and condos
By GREG STAHL
Express Staff Writer
Two more large downtown Ketchum commercial buildings
received final approval from the Ketchum Planning and Zoning Commission Monday night.
The Peaks, a 21,995-square-foot, three-story structure slated for
construction on the old Louies Restaurant site, gained approval after three public
hearings before the P&Z. It will be used for retail stores and condos.
The Christiania commercial building, to be built on the site of the
existing Christiania Lodge on Sun Valley Road, will be another three-story building
consisting of 51,570 square feet. It will be used for retail stores, offices and condos.
The P&Zs votes on both buildings were unanimous.
Both buildings are so-called pipeline buildingsthat is, they were
already under review before Ketchum officials enacted interim regulations on building
height and bulk that would have precluded them from receiving approval.
The Peaks underwent a significant redesign, after the P&Z said its
original design was not compatible with Ketchum. Originally, two large stone towers would
have fronted on the Leadville Avenue and Sun Valley Road corner of the lot. The towers
would have framed a three-story glass entrance.
The approved design calls for nearly 100 percent brick walls. Rustic
timbers accent the buildings many balconies and terraces.
Additionally, the third floor of the building will be set back from the
lower two levels to give the illusion of a two-story building.
Following the meeting, the buildings developer, Marshall Smith, said
hes pleased with the outcome of the citys planning process.
"We liked the first design, but this design has really worked out
well," he said.
Smith said it is his intention to begin construction before winter sets
in, and to finish next fall. The building is nearly 100 percent pre-leased with letters of
intent, he said.
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The Christiania commercial building received conditional unanimous P&Z
approval two weeks ago, except for a corner, tower element that will face the corner of
Walnut Avenue and Sun Valley Road.
Plan revisions eliminated the tower and topped the corner with a tall
chimney, which satisfied the commission.
The Christianias developer, Jack Bariteau, said he will begin
demolition on the old lodge in two to three weeks and begin construction of the new
building this fall. He said he hopes to be finished by mid-November of next year.
The only dissenting voice at the meeting was that of Ketchum resident
Mickey Garcia.
Garcia liked the designs of the two buildings prior to their review by the
P&Z.
On the Christianias tower element, Garcia said the tower, rather
than the approved chimney, was more appropriate for Ketchum.
Garcia called the building designs two more examples of "designed by
committee" commercial buildings.