A resort developer is testing the waters to see if Sedona could someday soon be added to its list of other destinations across the nation.
Representatives from LodgeWorks Partners were on hand virtually to give a presentation and answer questions during the Tuesday, Jan. 19, Sedona Planning and Zoning Commission meeting.
Their presentation on the former Hawkeye Red Rock RV Park was part of the commission’s first look at the proposed Uptown Community Focus Area.
“This is an unusual situation in that we don’t typically bring forward a new concept simply to give P&Z an opportunity to learn more and ask questions without a formal submittal,” Assistant City Manager and Community Development Director Karen Osburn said in the days following the meeting. “We decided to do so this time, to try to get preliminary feedback before the developers get too far into their planning efforts, because the CFA work is in process and that work is a precursor to any decision making on the future of this property.
“If this proposed land use is looked upon favorably, it would inform the CFA and vice versa. Should the developers decide to move forward with seeking city approvals, that would include public notifications, various review and approvals with P&Z, and ultimately consideration by the city council.”
LodgeWorks is currently in escrow to purchase 19.45 acres of land down Art Barn Road off State Route 89A in Uptown within the creekside resort portion of the CFA, which includes the defunct Hawkeye RV park. Over the last 28 years, at least three projects have gone through the city’s vetting process with none of them coming to fruition.
“Part of the reason that exists is because there is considerable site impacts that really make it difficult,” said Adam Baugh, legal counsel for the proposed project. “But those who can problem solve and design with difficult circumstances can hit home runs and that’s what LodgeWorks does.”
Roger Brown, the architect for the proposed project, said while the land is very scenic, the topography is challenging, including the steep grade from 89A to Oak Creek — which bisects the property — as well as the floodplain.
“We don’t want these things to be a deterrent — we want to use these things to make our project even more unique and worthy of the Uptown area,” Brown said, adding that the resort itself would sit on six acres with the rest being untouched.
As part of their presentation, they listed the benefits to their project, which include:
■ Innovative use of site topography and grades to hide majority of parking from view, retaining beauty of site.
■ Concentration of development on parcel ensures retention of large open spaces.
■ Retain view corridors.
■ Focus on preservation of mature trees within development.
■ Timing to align with the Uptown CFA process.
The project calls for 180 rooms and upwards of 417 above-ground and below-ground parking spaces that would include those for the public and resort guests.
If approved, LodgeWorks would be teaming with the Archer Hotel chain to build and run the resort. LodgeWorks’ website states that Archer is “a boutique collection with a focus on sincere service, curated luxuries and a dedication to details big and small. With properties in sought-after cities and emerging metros, the hotels are designed to feel like welcoming residences, each with a distinct nod to the destination they call home. The hotels consistently rank in the top spots on trusted review sites based on guest feedback, with a strong theme of exceeding expectations. LodgeWorks Partners, L.P. is the developer of the hotel and Archer Hotel collection.”
Archer currently owns seven other hotels.
“Sedona is a really special place,” LodgeWorks President Mike Daood said to the commission. “People want to be in special places if they can have an experience that speaks to that special place. You talk in your CFA process about sense of place. We love adding to a sense of place with an Archer interpretation of sense of place.”
In regard to the proposed project, Commission Chairwoman Kathy Levin said she appreciates the work that was put into the presentation by LodgeWorks.
“This is a very early stage for you,” she said. “It’s good for us to have the ability to convey to you what our values are, what kind of character we’d like to see promoted in that area and the ways in which you can enhance that part of Uptown.”
