Whitefish unveils parking complex plans

Downtown revamp also proposed

Designs for a two-story parking structure and facelift for Central Avenue will be unveiled at a public meeting Dec. 12 in Whitefish.

A team of consultants for the downtown projects will give a presentation and get input from residents, starting at 7 p.m. at the Roy Duff Memorial Armory.

Both projects stem from the downtown master plan, which indicates the potential for roughly $85 million in private and public investment and provides a framework for priority projects and potential amenities that could be built in downtown Whitefish during the next two or three decades.

Construction could begin as early as next year on the parking structure at the northwest corner of Spokane Avenue and Second Street. It would be disguised with retail and professional space and storefronts along the streets to minimize the parking element. It also features parking space on the roof and would accommodate space for 220 vehicles.

Four years ago, the city paid nearly $1 million for the property occupied by Big Mountain Tire and the adjoining parking lot, with the idea of building some kind of mixed-use structure. When the City Council learned last year it would cost about $12 million to develop, the city hired a design team and appointed an advisory committee to map out numerous options.

Nine options were discussed and have been whittled down to one conceptual design. No specific cost estimates have yet been provided.

The city plans to tap its tax-increment fund for a portion of the cost.

The Central Avenue reconstruction includes a number of amenities, such as new crosswalks and curb extensions, wider sidewalks and decorations. The streetscape will be paid for largely with resort tax revenue.

The downtown reconstruction includes the area of Central Avenue from Railway to Third Street and one block east and west of Central, along both First and Third streets.

Design-team members include Robert Peccia & Associates, Grover & Co., Bruce Boody Landscape Architecture and Walker Parking Consultants.

Another public meeting will be held in late February as the plans take on more detail.

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by e-mail at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com