September 12, 2016

500 urban-style apartments planned for 24-acre par-3 golf course in Kent

Image from Studio Meng Strazzara [enlarge]

Landmark Development Group may buy the site for a new community, with housing and retail in a number of buildings.

Auburn-based Landmark Development Group started soil testing and surveying last week at Kent's Riverbend par-3 golf course.

If the results are good, the company and its partners may buy the 24-acre site from the city of Kent to create a new community with about 500 apartments and 12,000 square feet of retail in a number of buildings.

Michelle Wilmot from the Kent mayor's office called the site between West Meeker Street and the Green River the city's western gateway. She said it was under consideration by the FAA for its new regional office before that agency chose Des Moines.

Landmark's plans submitted to the city show two contemporary buildings, each with 6,000 square feet of retail and 120 residential flats. There also are 21 urban-style walk-up buildings that each contain 12 units in a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom layouts.

About 770 parking stalls would be provided for residents, visitors and shoppers.

The two larger buildings would front Meeker while most of the walk-up buildings would follow the curve of the river.

A news release from the city says the goal is to attract young professionals and families.

The architect is Studio Meng Strazzara, which also designed the 126-unit Trek apartments in downtown Auburn for Landmark.

Landmark's team includes HAL Real Estate and general contractor FNW Inc. Zipper Geo Associates is doing soil testing.

Wilmot said soil testing will determine where the water table is so that Landmark will know how deep to drive piles.

Kent City Council will make the final decision on a sale.

The city could use some of the proceeds to spruce up the rest of Riverbend Golf Complex, which it bought in 1981. Wilmot said the city's “fund balance debt” on it is about $3 million.

Wilmot said improvements could include new nets and turf at the driving range, construction of a six-hole short course, irrigation upgrades, and renovations to the main 18-hole golf course greens, cart paths and restrooms.

No schedules are available for those projects.