For the week of December 4 - 10, 2002

Two key Sun Valley 
P&Z decisions 
involve Elkhorn

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By GREGORY FOLEY
Express Staff Writer

Sun Valley Planning and Zoning commissioners Tuesday, Dec. 10, will review and consider approving applications for two separate large-scale developments in Elkhorn. One involves a proposed residential complex and the other re-examines The Community School’s school addition application.

As part of a public hearing continued from Nov. 12, commissioners will consider a proposal by a consortium of local and out-of-state developers to build an 111-unit residential complex on a four-acre parcel adjacent to Elkhorn Resort.

The applicant, New York City-based Elkhorn Resort LLC, has asked for permission to build four condominium buildings on the so-called "Sunshine Parcel."

The company has submitted an application to the city 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 proposed complex would be named Sun Villas.

Ketchum-based architect Michael Doty on Nov. 12 proposed to the P&Z to construct four, five-level residential buildings, 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, February 2005 until October 2006, would include the construction of two additional buildings on the south end of the site.

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.

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 be built on the ground level.

P&Z commissioners next Tuesday will also consider an application by The Community School to build a new elementary school on its approximately 30-acre Sagewillow campus east of Elkhorn Village.

P&Z commissioners on Oct. 8 decided to table the school’s application for a Conditional Use Permit because of ongoing concerns about traffic, noise and public safety in neighborhoods adjacent to the campus.

Of particular concern to commissioners and neighbors of the site was a predicted substantial increase in vehicle traffic on Arrowleaf Road, the primary access road to the Sagewillow campus.

As the first phase of the plan to develop a new school at the outdoor/recreation-zoned site, The Community School has proposed to construct a 6,790-square-foot administration and education building; a 4,550-square-foot "community room"; and a 9,800-square-foot, two-story classroom building; plus a caretaker’s residence and a 168-square-foot observatory.

Additional phases would include a library, additional classrooms and a multi-purpose structure. The school plans to open the new campus in 2004.

The project—including some improvements to the existing Trail Creek campus—has been estimated to cost $10 million.

In tabling the application Oct. 8, commissioners individually suggested they might vote in favor of the plan if significant mitigation measures were included to lessen the impacts of the school on neighborhood residents.

 

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