Developer seeks comprehensive plan change for 122‑unit senior for‑sale community at Park Center site

An applicant seeking to build an attainable, for‑sale independent senior community on a 6.8‑acre parcel at the southwest corner of W. 120th Avenue and Park Center Drive presented a concept plan at the Jan. 6 Westminster study session. The project, called Northridge at Park Center, proposes 122 market‑rate condominium units (one‑ and two‑bedroom formats were discussed), three three‑story residential buildings, a clubhouse and 146 parking stalls.

Staff said the site is currently designated employment flex in the City’s comprehensive plan. Because suburban multifamily (the closest residential designation that would accommodate the proposed density) has specific locational criteria — proximity to an arterial, transit adjacency and location within or near activity centers — staff told Council a comprehensive plan amendment and PDP/ODP amendments would be required for the site to be considered for residential use.

Why it matters: City staff indicated the city is reviewing potential minor comprehensive plan cleanups to better reflect housing needs identified in the recent Housing Needs Assessment, including policies to support additional senior housing. The applicant’s proposal would respond to a stated market demand for downsizing, for‑sale ownership options; Council discussion focused on traffic, compatibility with the employment flex designation, open space/land‑dedication requirements and unit mix.

Proposal details and applicant remarks
The applicant representative described the project as a transitional use that steps down the hillside and emphasizes residential character (gabled roofs, articulated windows) to fit the adjacent open space to the west. He said the design avoids variances at this stage and anticipates standard ODP/PDP review. The plan shows grading to balance cut/fill on the site and frames views to preserve sightlines to the adjacent neighborhoods and the nearby school.

Council questions and concerns
Councilors asked about traffic and school‑hour impacts at Park Center Drive, pedestrian safety for students at the nearby elementary school, potential public‑land dedication or fee‑in‑lieu for open space, and unit mix (several councilors emphasized demand for options that allow seniors to downsize without losing private outdoor space). Staff noted the city will evaluate dedication requirements and will consider whether the pending comp‑plan cleanup items should be coordinated with this application.

Next steps
If the applicant elects to proceed, the project would require at minimum a comprehensive plan amendment to change the site designation from employment flex to a residential category that allows the proposed density, a PDP amendment and an ODP amendment. Those steps include public notice, a neighborhood meeting and public hearings. Council provided nonbinding feedback at the concept review; no zoning or plan amendments were approved at the meeting.