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Produced & Maintained by Idaho Mountain Express, Box 1013, Ketchum, ID 83340-1013 
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Copyright © 2002 Express Publishing Inc.
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For the week of November 13 - 19, 2002

News

Elkhorn condo complex goes before public

Sun Villas hearing continued to Dec. 10


By GREGORY FOLEY
Express Staff Writer

Sun Valley Planning and Zoning commissioners Tuesday gave mixed—but generally favorable—reviews to a proposal by a consortium of local and out-of-state developers to build a 111-unit residential complex on a four-acre parcel adjacent to Elkhorn Resort.

In a two-hour hearing, the panel listened to an initial proposal by representatives of New York City-based Elkhorn Resort LLC to build four condominium buildings on the so-called "Sunshine Parcel" adjacent to Elkhorn Village.

Ketchum-based architect Michael Doty, right, explains aspects of a proposed 111-unit condominium development in Elkhorn to Sun Valley Planning and Zoning commissioners Nils Ribi, left, and Ken Herich, center. Express photo by Willy Cook

The company has submitted an application to the City of Sun Valley for Preliminary Plat and Design Review approval to divide the approximately 4.25-acre parcel into four lots that would each be the site of an approximately 90,000 square-foot, multiple-story condominium structure.

The parcel—which is located uphill along Village Way from the Elkhorn Hotel, east of the Indian Springs condominiums and south of the Sunburst condominiums—is currently vacant. The southern edge of the parcel has often been used as overflow parking for the Elkhorn Hotel and the village.

The proposed development has been named Sun Villas.

The proposed project is not directly related to a proposal by CG-Elkhorn Hotel LLC to demolish the Elkhorn Hotel and parts of Elkhorn Village to build a condominium and townhouse complex in the village core. However, both properties were previously under the same ownership.

Following a detailed slide presentation and lecture by architect Michael Doty before a packed chambers at Sun Valley City Hall, P&Z commissioners said they had some concerns about how the project was designed, but offered some words of encouragement.

Project representatives have proposed to divide the commercial-zoned Sunshine Parcel into four approximately one-acre building sites along Village Way.

Doty explained that each new parcel would be the site of a five-level residential building, each with an approximate height of 60 feet. The buildings would be constructed in two phases, he said, with two structures being completed as part of each phase.

The first phase of construction, proposed to begin in March 2003, would include construction of two approximately 94,000-square-foot buildings at the north end of the site. The first phase of construction is proposed to last until November 2004.

The second phase would include the construction of two additional buildings on the south end of the site from February 2005 until October 2006.

All of the structures would offer approximately 50,000 square feet of livable space, plus a lobby area. Amenities such as a catering facility and a health club would be dispersed in various buildings.

In addition, all of the structures would be stacked in a fashion to allow floors with less bulk and mass on top.

The proposed Building 4, scheduled to go in last, would be the tallest structure at 64 feet.

The maximum allowance for height on the commercial-zoned site is 64 feet. The maximum height allowance in residential-zoned areas is 44 feet.

Doty said the buildings would not have any commercial facilities.

An underground parking garage with access from Village Way has also been proposed. The garage would provide a total of 216 spaces in four sections, in addition to eight spaces that would built on the ground level.

Commissioner Ken Herich said he appreciated efforts to reduce the visual impacts of the development.

"It is a very massive project. I commend the design team in trying to mitigate the mass," he said.

Commissioner Nils Ribi expressed concerns about the whether there would be adequate parking at the development for employees, residents and guests.

Commissioner Phil Usher noted that he was concerned if there was adequate space in the neighborhood to support construction of the second phase of the project.

Without taking any comments from the public, commissioners elected to continue the hearing to their next regular meeting Dec. 10.

 

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