Planning Commission Reviews Star Nursery Site Plan on George Washington Boulevard

The recent Planning Commission and Land Use Authority meeting in Washington City, Utah, held on July 16, 2025, focused on a significant commercial development proposal for a 14.1-acre site along George Washington Boulevard. The centerpiece of the discussion was the proposed Star Nursery retail center, which aims to enhance the local commercial landscape while addressing community aesthetic concerns.

The proposed development includes three buildings: the Star Nursery, which will cover approximately 23,387 square feet, and two quick-service restaurants, which are still in the planning phase. While the quick-service buildings are not part of the current approval, the site plan has been designed to accommodate them, including sufficient parking spaces—322 stalls, exceeding the required 253.

Key features of the Star Nursery include a 33,600 square foot shade structure and a substantial outdoor plant area of about 152,000 square feet. The design incorporates a landscape plan with 20 internal landscape boxes to enhance visual appeal and break up the parking area. The proposal also includes an 8-foot tall privacy wall to seclude delivery and rock yard areas, which received support from city staff.

However, the architectural design of the buildings sparked considerable debate among commissioners. Concerns were raised about the roofline aesthetics, particularly regarding the steepness of the pitch and the overall appearance of the metal structure. Commissioner Anderson expressed dissatisfaction with the current design, suggesting that it still resembled a metal building with a roof added on, rather than a cohesive architectural piece. He proposed that the design team explore alternative roofline options to improve visual integration.

The owner of Star Nursery, represented by Damon Hardy, acknowledged the feedback and emphasized their commitment to creating a design that aligns with community expectations. Hardy noted that this project represents a departure from their typical store designs in other states, aiming instead for a look that complements the local environment.

Despite the overall support for the project, the commission ultimately voted to recommend denial of the proposal due to the unresolved architectural concerns, particularly regarding the roof design. This recommendation will be forwarded to the city council for further consideration, where additional public input and potential design revisions may be discussed.

As Washington City continues to grow, the outcome of this proposal will be pivotal in shaping the commercial landscape and ensuring that new developments harmonize with community standards and expectations. The next steps will involve further discussions at the city council level, where the design team will have the opportunity to address the commission's concerns and refine their proposal.