Wednesday, July 28, 2004

Elkhorn master plan OK’d

P&Z approves commercial core design as well

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By MEGAN THOMAS
Express Staff Writer

After months of deliberation the Sun Valley Planning and Zoning Commission gave the go ahead for the redevelopment of Elkhorn Springs, the site of the former Elkhorn Resort.

This rendering illustrates the commercial core of Elkhorn Springs. The commission worked to ensure a vital and pedestrian friendly center for the development. Graphics courtesy of CG-Elkhorn group.

The commission, absent Commissioner Virginia Egger, unanimously approved the master plan for the Elkhorn Springs development at its Tuesday, July 27, meeting. The commission also approved design review applications for the commercial core and multi-story residential units proposed in Phase 1 of redevelopment.

Since its submittal, whirlwind debate has surrounded the master plan of Elkhorn Springs, proposed by CG-Elkhorn, a Connecticut- and Chicago-based investment group that includes Ketchum-based partner David Hennessy.

The long processes ensued because the commission lacked an established process to review and approve a conceptual plan to build a multi-use development.

The last time the developers made significant headway was in March, when the commission approved the clubhouse. Use of the clubhouse has been contingent on the approval of the master plan. The commission’s approval for Elkhorn Springs outlines the "general expectations with regard to the development of the property."

The development calls for six multi-story residential buildings, ten paired homes, a restaurant, a country store, a sales and information office, a golf clubhouse, parking, roads and landscaping. Development will occur in three phases.

The first phase made headway this week, when the commission voted to approve the design review applications for the commercial core and for the two multi-family residential buildings.

The commercial core will include a restaurant, a country store and a sales and information office.

"I think you have done a fine job," chairman Phil Usher commented. "I like the colors, I like the ambiance."

The commission also gave their nod to approve two multi-family residential buildings, each with 18 residential units. CG-Elkhorn addressed the council’s previous concern over the impact of the northern residential building on neighboring structures by shifting the building and adding a terrace.

The council discussed and tabled the review of three paired homes also proposed in Phase 1.

The Idaho Mountain Express is distributed free to residents and guests throughout the Sun Valley, Idaho resort area community. Subscribers to the Idaho Mountain Express will read these stories and others in this week's issue.