A developer has proposed to build approximately 500 apartments as part of a mixed-use project at the city of Kent’s Riverbend par 3 golf course.
Auburn-based FNW Inc./Landmark Development Group (FNW) will begin geotechnical testing and survey work on Thursday, Sept. 8 at the Riverbend Golf Complex par 3 property that sits just south of West Meeker Street along the Green River with stunning views of Mount Rainier.
Operation of the par 3 course will be minimally impacted during this work; however, golfers should prepare for machinery noise and activity beyond normal maintenance, according to a city of Kent media release.
FNW has submitted project plans to the city for a mixed-use community featuring two contemporary style buildings, each with 6,000 square feet of retail space and 120 residential flats; and 21 urban-style walk-up buildings with 12 units each, including one, two and three bedroom units. This development would include approximately 500 units in an environment intended to attract young professionals and families. The units would rent for market-rate prices.
To allow for ample parking, 770 stalls would accommodate residents, visitors, shoppers and diners.
A high quality development would revitalize the city’s western gateway, says Council President Bill Boyce.
“This opportunity perfectly aligns with the council’s vision for the site – a quality project that also meets the goals of the golf complex,” Boyce said in the media release.
In 2014, the city agreed to sell the par 3 property, and pending the test results, FNW may be the potential buyer. Sale proceeds from the 18-acre site would be used to eliminate the golf fund debt and allow for much-needed capital improvements throughout the golf complex, including the 18-hole course.
Riverbend faces a $2.6 million debt, capital investments of at least $6 million and operating deficits of about $300,000 per year.
“When we made the difficult decision to sell in 2014, our goal was to maximize the proceeds, both from the sale and from the tax revenue and economic benefits the site would generate,” said Garin Lee, interim-co-director of the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department. “The sale would re-size and position the golf complex to be more financially sustainable.
“This work would allow Riverbend to remain an all-ages and all-abilities municipal golf facility, poised to be a very popular public golf course for the next 20-plus years.”
An advisory committee including council members and golf stakeholders has provided guidance to city staff during the entire process of recruiting potential development teams.
Like any other new development, the project will be subject to permitting review requirements, including traffic impact fees and mitigation measures identified in the environmental review.
Should the developer wish to proceed after the testing, the purchase will be subject to final approval by the council.
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