The latest version of a proposal to tear down The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Park City – The Yarrow and build a mixed-use development at the location got another review Wednesday by the Park City Planning Commission.
The commissioners noted improvements from previous versions but asked the developers to consider more changes. A meeting is scheduled for Sept. 25 for more discussion about the project.
The commission reviewed previous versions of the project on Jan. 24, Feb. 28, June 26 and Aug. 28.
The site is at the intersection of Park Avenue and Kearns Boulevard. Chicago-based Singerman Real Estate’s plan for the property calls for a development with 182 hotel/condominium units, 60 restricted affordable housing units, 8,143 square feet of restaurants or bars, 4,750 square feet of retail space and 6,500 square feet of office space.
Under the zoning at the site, building heights are limited to 35 feet. Singerman Real Estate and Elliott Workgroup, a Park City architecture firm, had envisioned a height of slightly less than 45 feet at the intersection and designs at other locations along Kearns Boulevard to reach 43 feet.
The proposal is being processed as a master planned development and developers can seek an exemption to the height limit.
The commissioners have delayed a decision because of concerns about that proposed height and development within the sensitive frontage protection zone along Park Avenue and Kearns Boulevard. Wide setback requirements along these corridors protect vistas of surrounding mountains and hills for drivers entering and leaving the city.
Based on feedback from the Aug. 28 meeting, the developers have removed the request for height exceptions in the frontage protection zones.
The commissioners also requested the developers consider setbacks and programming of open space to meet the code criteria for an exception. In addition, they said they would like more landscaping and buffering at the site.
At a public hearing at the meeting, Jason Glidden, executive director of the Mountainlands Community Housing Trust, said there is a dire need for affordable housing and “this is a fantastic location for it.”
“I’d hate to see us argue over a couple of feet and kill a project that would deliver affordable housing where there’s no affordable housing currently right now,” Glidden said. “So I hope that the planning commission will continue to consider this project and work with these guys and not let this project die and find a solution that’s going to work for everybody. Don’t let a great location for affordable housing go away.”
In addition to the Sept. 25 meeting, the Planning Commission is planning to discuss the project on Oct. 23 and possibly on Nov. 13 if needed before taking final action.