Developer seeks mixed-use Lantern Commons amendment to add two four-story residential buildings, plazas and restaurant

Westfield — Developers and their attorney presented a proposed amendment to the Lantern Commons PUD that would enable a higher-density, pedestrian-oriented mixed-use project at the northwest corner of 161st Street and Westfield Boulevard.

Attorney Matt Skelton and developer Phil Miltow described the proposal as two four-story mixed-use residential buildings with ground-floor retail or restaurant space, three publicly accessible plazas and a stand-alone restaurant facing the roundabout. The applicant said the amendment removes previously permitted drive-thrus and emphasizes pedestrian connections to nearby trails, Cool Creek and Liberty Park.

Skelton said the revised proposal increased projected private investment to an estimated $30–$35 million, significantly larger than earlier vehicle-oriented concepts for the parcel. The development team emphasized plaza space designed for community events, terrace seating, synthetic-turf activity area and integrated site amenities intended to support nearby employers and the adjacent hotel.

Process and next steps: The council heard the introduction; a neighborhood meeting and a planning-commission public hearing are scheduled Aug. 4. The planning commission may consider suspending rules to accelerate the schedule; if approved, the matter would return to the council for adoption consideration at a future meeting.

Why it matters: Council and staff framed the site as a significant gateway location with strong pedestrian and trail connections. Councilors asked staff and the developer to continue traffic and access coordination, noting long-term plans for Westfield Boulevard to carry more traffic and reduce volumes on adjacent Union Street. The council did not take a vote on the amendment at this meeting.