Condo projects on lake, river seek approval

A condominium development proposed for a lakefront lot along Wisconsin Avenue has been given a recommendation of approval by the city planning board.

Developers from The Lakeshore Group LLC are requesting a conditional use permit to build nine condos in four buildings. The project will go before the city council on Oct. 5.

The property is zoned WR-3 and complies with the City-County Growth Policy designation for the area as high density residential.

The planning department received numerous comments with concerns about the project density, zoning, parking, traffic, effects on the lake and site plan.

One of the buildings along the lake is to be set back 30 feet from the mean high-water mark. Development in the lakeshore area requires a permit which will be reviewed by city council.

An accessory building with six garage parking spaces will include “bonus spaces” on the second floor.

Designs for the bonus space don’t include a kitchen, therefore they are not considered a dwelling unit. The designs do, however, show plumbing into the building along with larger windows.

“Which is more conducive to habitable space than simply storage,” the planning staff notes.

Staff recommended a condition of approval that the space can’t be used as separate rentable space nor can it include plumbing.

The project provides 14 parking spaces. The site plan has been revised to go around as many trees as possible.

All buildings are required to obtain Architectural Review approval prior to submitting a building permit.

Developers planning a six-unit condominium building along West Second Street in Whitefish also received a recommendation of approval from the planning board.

Jason Pohlman of Mindful Designs is requesting a conditional use permit in order to construct a triplex on a lot currently developed with a small office building at 50 West Second St.

The property is zoned WR-3.

Access to the site will remain unchanged and 13 parking spaces will be provided. A walking trail for the triplex is being designed to access the Whitefish River.

The office will receive a façade update and interior remodel.

The project will go before the city council on Oct. 5.