Major expansion proposed for The Springs senior housing development

The Springs at Whitefish is planning a major expansion to its senior housing development on River Lakes Parkway that would include 120 additional units.

The company is seeking approval to build the project on vacant land to the south of its current facility. The Whitefish Community Development Board is set to review the project at its May 16 meeting.

A new three-story building would include 80 independent living units that would be connected to the existing building at the ground level.

Also proposed on the property is a separate two-story building with 44 "active adult" multi-family units varying in size and number of bedrooms.

The current assisted living and memory care facility would be remodeled with the intent of reducing the assisted living units by four on the ground floor and adding eight memory care units. The proposal also includes adding outdoor patio spaces and additional parking.

In applying for a Planned Unit Development, The Springs at Whitefish asked for an increase in the maximum allowable units in the WR-4 zone, from 150 to 202 total units. It is also requesting a building height variance from 35 feet to 45 feet, which the company contends would allow for design flexibility.

The proposal includes a new 10-foot wide bike and pedestrian trail along the west and south property lines. Vehicle access into the development would be from River Lakes Parkway to the west and south. Additional access to the north would be provided by connecting into the existing memory care assisted living centers parking lot and drive aisles.

Open space areas are proposed to surround the new buildings.

In its PUD application, The Springs touted the proposal as an in-fill development that would provide modern living solutions to the community.

"The Springs at Whitefish is not a cookie-cutter project but one that is thoughtful and carefully fashioned for integration with the existing context and location," the application states.

"Encouraging new development within existing neighborhoods fosters a stronger, more cohesive community. This promotes enhanced livability and sustainability, with the senior living facility acting as an integral part of the community rather than an isolated enclave."

The first phase of the project to build the independent living units would begin next May, with scheduled completion at the end of 2027.

The second phase to construct the active adult units would be completed by 2030.

    A rendering shows a proposed expansion to The Springs at Whitefish on River Lakes Parkway.