Park City commission rejects Yarrow Hotel redevelopment over height concerns

PARK CITY, Utah — The Park City Planning Commission voted Thursday to deny a proposed redevelopment of the Yarrow Hotel site at 1800 Park Avenue, maintaining their opposition to the project’s height exception request despite the developer touting significant community benefits.

The commission voted 5-1 to deny the application, with Commissioner Rick Shand dissenting, ratifying an informal decision reached at a previous meeting in October 2024.

The developer, Singerman Real Estate Group, had not modified the building height in the plans since the commission expressed concerns about the 45-foot height, which requires a 10-foot exception to zoning limits.

“This really is the inflection point for us. We cannot reduce any density, and there was no way we could find to recapture that density anywhere else on site without compromising the design,” said Justin Keys, representing the applicant.

The redevelopment proposal included 64 affordable housing units at 60% and 80% of area median income, underground parking, pedestrian improvements, and dedicated open space encompassing over 40% of the property.

“We think this is an excellent project,” Keys told commissioners. “We do believe that this body has the discretion to approve this project in this location.”

Several community members spoke in support of the development during public comment.

Susan Daniero, president of the Park Avenue condominium association, spoke in support of the project, describing “enormous community benefits” including improved traffic flow, affordable housing, enhanced walkability, and better aesthetics.

“The developers of this project reached out to us and have worked with us hand in hand on a mitigation plan,” Daniero told commissioners. “We really do appreciate that, because oftentimes the folks that live here and work here and own here are left out of the discussion and not at the table.”

Mark Sletting, a 30-year Park City resident, suggested the commission should look beyond code limitations.

“I know the land management code as it currently exists has some limitations, but the community benefits that are being added in terms of affordable housing and parking and so forth really outweigh the current way you look at the current code,” Sletting said.

Despite public support, most commissioners held firm that the project did not meet the criteria for a height exception.

“I don’t find a reason based on tonight’s presentation that would have me change my inclination from the last meeting, so at this point, I am prepared to ratify the final draft action letter denying the application,” said Commissioner John Frontero.

Commissioner Van Dine acknowledged the project had some benefits.

“I don’t deny that this project has some other benefits, and would have loved to have heard about them, had we been able to get past this, but I’m sticking with our findings thus far for the height,” Van Dine said.

The project has been under review since December 2022, with the applicant making multiple presentations to the commission. The denial is subject to potential appeal by the developer.