Proposed zoning rules a good start

So much is happening along the Coeur d’Alene waterfront that it’s easy to lose track of one of the most significant developments of all: the interest by wealthy developers to erect large buildings in the downtown area.

Duane Hagadone started the trend almost 20 years ago when he transformed Bob Templin’s old North Shore Resort into The Coeur d’Alene Resort, between Tubbs Hill and City Park, with the main tower 18 stories – or 216 feet – tall. In recent years, 15-story McEuen Terrace opened at Front Avenue and Seventh Street. Now, there are plans for at least three more high-rises in the central business district, including another tower for The Coeur d’Alene Resort.

While some are worried that the new buildings will squash the character and quaintness of the waterfront, most should view the major investments on and near Sherman Avenue as proof that the long campaign to “save” the downtown is maturing. Not only will the high rises provide apartments and condominiums for residents who want to live near the water, but they will attract a year-round clientele for current and future downtown businesses. In the not-too-distant future, downtown merchants and business owners won’t have to rely on the summer season and Christmas holidays to survive.

However, Coeur d’Alene has to be careful not to allow giant structures that will detract from the natural beauty surrounding the downtown. An unsightly mistake that rises 10 to 18 stories will haunt the skyline for generations. A structure that blocks views of Tubbs Hill or the north shore would be unsettling, too. Obviously, the City Council was aware of that prospect last spring when it proposed to fast-track building height regulations after rejecting a request from the Planning Commission for a moratorium on tall buildings. The public has a chance to comment on proposed rules when the planning commission meets at 5:30 tonight at Coeur d’Alene City Hall.

The preliminary recommendations hold much promise. Suggestions include:

•Allowing developers to add stories if they incorporate into their design such amenities as street-level shopping, day cares, health clubs, courtyards, public areas and water features.

•Permitting buildings up to 14 stories or about 160 feet if developers donate cash to the parks fund or the library, museum or other cultural attractions.

•Requiring a setback of at least 20 feet for upper stories of structures that are more than 45 feet high.

•Restricting building heights in commercial areas beyond the downtown core until further studies can be done.

Coeur d’Alene doesn’t have any building restrictions now, except those that fall under the shoreline ordinance – no building over two stories within 150 feet of the water. So anything is better than the current lack of regulations. With the growing interest in multilevel buildings, however, elected officials must be careful not to compromise the city’s future by allowing unsightly monstrosities to be erected downtown and elsewhere.