Friday, July 16, 2004

Elkhorn Springs closer

SV P&Z considers Phase 1 development

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By MEGAN THOMAS
Express Staff Writer

After months of examining the master plan for Elkhorn Springs, the Sun Valley City Planning and Zoning Commission began consideration of the first phase of the redevelopment proposed for the site of the former Elkhorn Resort. The first phase includes a commercial core, two multi-family residential buildings and a series of pedestrian pathways, which was presented to the commission during design review at a special meeting on Thursday, July 15.

Phase 1 is the first of three phases to develop the 11-acre parcel of the Elkhorn Village proposed by CG-Elkhorn a Connecticut- and Chicago-based investment group, which includes Ketchum-based partner David Hennessy.

The commercial core includes a restaurant and country store situated around the Elkhorn pool parking lot and the Elkhorn pond on the East Side of the Elkhorn Springs property, with the sales and information building on the northern side of the site.

Wood River Valley architect David Barovetto designed the commercial core, keeping a unifying agrarian theme throughout the structures.

"We have a wonderful opportunity to create a vibrant core," president Phil Usher commented during the discussions. "I think the character of architecture is in support of it," he continued.

The proposed restaurant and country store are situated adjacent to one another to create a pedestrian friendly area. The country store, containing an internal post office, is designed as a barn-like structure reminiscent of "old-Idaho," explained Barovetto.

Although each structure maintains its own character, all will be tied together with similar color elements and a proposed moss green metal roof.

Phase 1 of the Elkhorn Springs project also includes two multi-family residential buildings. Each building is a four level residential building with underground parking. The buildings are almost identical, each with 18 residential units, which include affordable housing.

Although the commissioners did signal they approved of the architectural design, they also expressed concern over the impact of the northern residential building on neighboring structures.

The commission tabled the design review discussions to the next meeting, Thursday, July 27.

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