Hotel plans at Block 46 pushed back

An application for a proposed three-story hotel was pulled from last week’s City-County Planning Board agenda at the request of the developer.

Orlan Sorenson is proposing to construct a $11.9 million boutique hotel at a site downtown commonly referred to as Block 46. The building will front along Spokane Avenue and East Second Street.

Planning Director Dave Taylor told the planning board that Sorenson requested delaying the application and the public hearing on his plan until at least until July.

“It’s possible it could be delayed longer,” he said.

The 80-room hotel is expected to include an indoor / outdoor pool, rooftop bar, cafe, and retail space along Spokane Avenue.

The block is zoned general commercial and high density multi-family residential.

Planning staff is recommending the property be rezoned entirely to WR-4 with conditions to allow a parking lot. Maintaining the WR-4, but only permitting a parking lot associated with the hotel is the best option for the neighborhood and the developer, the planning staff notes in its report.

A planned unit development overlay is requested for the site. The PUD would allow for zone deviations needed for a planned third floor without setbacks, and a building setback of 4.5 feet.

The developer is also looking to get a conditional use permit for the bar, and because the building will exceed 7,500 square feet.