The privately-owned Sedona Cultural Park has sat vacant for more than a decade and with each passing year speculation — and rumors — increase as to what may some day become of the property.
In late 2019, the 40-acre parcel again hit the market with an asking price of $19.9 million. In addition, the State Route 89A frontage property and building leading to the park is for sale for $1.75 million.
At that time, South Dakota co-owner Mike Tennyson told the Sedona Red Rock News that, “We’d sell them separately but in our minds, whoever buys the 40 acres, logically, could use the other property as their sales office and construction headquarters, even if it’s just in the interim. So, a buyer of the park would have first rights to the other property and if they didn’t want it, we’d sell it separately.”
However, neither property has sold.
As recent as April of this year, there has been renewed interest in the land by a Phoenix firm, Wentworth Property Company.
According to Cari Meyer, the city’s planning manager, in April the city received a submittal for conceptual review for a project at the Cultural Park. But for now, that’s on hold.
“We began review of the plans but had concerns about the project in relation to the Western Gateway CFA [Community Focus Area] plan,” she said. “These were discussed with the applicant, and they requested that the review of their submittal be put on hold until they had a chance to revise the plans.
“We are now waiting on a revised submittal before we recommence review.”
When reached by email last week, Tennyson said he was not at liberty to discuss the proposal at this time but did say, “I can share that the property is in escrow and scheduled to close this year. The buyer has been working with city staff.
“I’m not at liberty to disclose details but I will say the project aligns with all requirements of the Western Gateway CFA.”
A representative from Wentworth Property Company could not be reached prior to press time.
In the summary portion of the proposal, Wentworth Property Company wrote, “The Sedona Hills Reserve will have a significant, positive impact on the West Sedona corridor, providing an exciting mixed-use development that is contextually appropriate for the site and the heart of the Western Gateway Community Focus Area.
“The proposed project addresses relevant policy goals in the CFA Plan and is consistent with the city’s vision for this site and the greater area. Through meticulous planning, careful listening and thoughtful design, the applicant has developed a project worthy of its gateway location and will serve as its vibrant area for decades to come.”
In the proposal that was sent to the city in April, which is now subject to change, the developer listed a land use plan that addresses many of “the key community expectations” such as:
■ A mix of workforce and market rate rental housing.
■ Resort lodging with hotel, casitas and for-sale residential.
■ Conference/meeting space as part of lodging.
■ Retail that can support the lodging and community.
■ Transit node for future city shuttle service.
■ Maintaining access to national forest trails.
■ Limited highway access.
■ Significant buffering to adjoining residential areas.
■ Preserving natural open space and scenic views.
■ Pedestrian linkages that connect plan components.
■ Visitor parking at trailheads.
Tennyson said their original plan nearly two decades ago was to buy just five acres of the Cultural Park for the purpose of building a hotel and conference center. After their offer for the five acres was approved by the then-Sedona Cultural Park board, the entire property was put up for sale and Tennyson and his partners decided to buy it all.
In 2006 a California developer, Fitch Industries, approached Tennyson about buying the entire park. A purchase agreement was drawn up with a city-approved plan to build 220 hotel rooms and a wellness village.
The land was then forfeited back to Tennyson in 2009. About four years ago another developer sought to buy the land with a plan for a mixed-use community of residential, commercial and wellness center.
During that 2019 interview, Tennyson said in a perfect world they would like to have one buyer purchase the entire 40 acres. But, they’re not opposed to selling a portion to a residential developer and the rest to a resort developer. If that’s the case, Tennyson and his partners would wear the hat of master developer until the project is complete.
“The ideal developer would be somebody that is skilled in mixed use in terms of residential and resort development,” he said.
