Theater/retail complex approved

Kalispell is on its way to a new major retail center and movie theater complex in light of Tuesday night's City Council meeting.

The Kalispell City Council approved the Hutton Ranch Plaza, a $65 million project that calls for 500,000 square feet of commercial space across 46 acres between Target and Flathead Valley Community College.

The council granted the request by developers Phil and Donna Harris for preliminary plat approval and annexation.

The developers also want an initial zoning designation of general business, a change from the current county designation of suburban agriculture. The council approved the first reading of that ordinance. The second reading will come at a later council meeting.

The Harrises own Kalispell's Gateway, Liberty and Strand theaters.

The council had few concerns about the project, other than questions about details, such as lighting and building heights.

The main issue raised was one not for the developer, but for the public.

Councilman Jayson Peters drew attention to the fact that other large-scale commercial projects, such as the proposed Glacier Mall, that the council has considered have drawn crowds of protesters.

"And tonight there's none," he said.

Councilman Bob Herron seconded the thought.

"It's kind of amazing to me," he said. "Where are the Glacier Mall opponents?"

No one other than the developer addressed the council about Hutton Ranch Plaza.

"Either the community's getting apathetic," Peters said, "or they're getting used to the fact that we're growing and changing."

Herron, Peters and other council members voiced support for the project. Portions of Hutton Ranch Plaza could open by December 2006.

The complex would add 21,400 vehicle trips per day at full build-out, which would take five to seven years.

Reporter Camden Easterling may be reached at 758-4429 or by e-mail at ceasterling@dailyinterlake.com