A proposed new mixed-use development to replace the city-owned Riverbend Golf Complex par 3 course in Kent would include 492 apartments in 23 separate buildings as well as about 18,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space.
The proposed development includes two, six-story buildings – approximately 125,000 square feet – of structured parking, mixed retail and restaurant space and 117 apartment units in each building; and 21 three-story buildings – approximately 10,200 square feet – for residential containing 12 apartments each.
Specific details of the proposed development at 2030 W. Meeker St., are included as part of a permit application submitted last week to the city by Auburn-based FNW Inc./Landmark Development Group.
City staff continues to negotiate a property sale agreement with FNW Landmark officials. The City Council must approve the sale.
”The developer is getting a jump start on the permit process but hasn’t bought the property yet,” said Derek Matheson, city chief administrative officer, in an email. “I expect a public discussion of a purchase and sale agreement and development agreement in March or thereabouts.”
A FNW Landmark representative didn’t respond to an email with questions from the Kent Reporter for more information about the development.
The council approved the controversial sale of the par 3 course in 2014 in an effort to eliminate the city’s enterprise golf fund debt of about $2.6 million and allow for about $6 million in capital improvements to the 18-hole course as a way to draw more players to boost revenue. The Riverbend Golf Complex operates at a deficit of about $300,000 per year.
Several residents told the council they wanted the city to keep the par 3 course. The existing par 3 golf course and concessions building would be removed to make room for the mixed-use project.
In December, the council approved an eight-year property tax exemption for multi-family housing at the Riverbend par 3 property that sits between West Meeker Street and the Green River with views of Mount Rainier. FNW Landmark could apply for and receive that property tax break on the value of its apartment buildings but still must pay tax on the value of the retail buildings and on the land. The developer asked city staff for the potential tax break.
Plans submitted by the developer subdivide a 24-acre parcel into eight lots, according to city documents. Four of the new parcels at the eastern portion of the site are proposed to be developed with a mixed-use complex, including about 18,000 square feet of commercial retail and restaurant space and 492 residential apartment units in 23 separate buildings with associated parking areas and amenities.
The apartments will include one, two and three bedroom units and be targeted to attract young professionals and families at market-rate prices.
An interior roadway will access Meeker Street via two driveways. Paved multi-use pathways would access the Green River Trail and trailhead parking facilities.
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