Affinity at Kalispell Minor PUD Amendment Narrative
MEMORANDUM
DATE: July 15, 2024
TO: City of Kalispell
FROM: Inland Group
RE: Timberwolf Ridge (PUD) – Minor Amendment Request
On June 26, 2024, we met with PJ Sorensen, Kari Barnhart, and Patrick Jentz to discuss a proposed 170-
unit senior multifamily development situated on the northern 8.5 acres of the Timberwolf Ridge PUD. The
plans and concepts presented in this package have been identified and refined based on feedback from
the Planning Department.
Our request is for minor adjustments to the development plans as originally approved under Ordinance
1902 on March 20, 2023.
Layout
The layout presented in 2023 was developed in a configuration that mimics a river corridor, reminiscent of
canyons that contract and expand along the middle fork of the Flathead River. The proposed site plan
maintains the integrity of the river concept as the east and west wings of the Affinity building align with
those in the original PUD (see Figure 1 and 2).
Figure 1: Illustrative layout Presented in Approved Application (Rendering by Cushing Terrell)
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Figure 2: Amended Layout (Rendering by Cushing Terrell)
The southern end of the site features space between buildings that narrow towards the center and then
widen again at the northern end. This design mirrors the structure of the Flathead River as outlined in the
original PUD. From the street, it will be difficult to notice the difference between the original layout and the
proposed Affinity, featuring three large buildings with varying roof heights (See Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6 for
examples of Affinity communities).
Figure 3: Similar building type built in Aurora, CO
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Figure 4: Similar building type built in Aurora, CO
Figure 5: Similar building type built in Lacey, WA
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Figure 6: Similar building type built in Arlington, WA
Intent for Building Height and Open Space
Figure 7: Excerpt from the approved PUD narrative
Per the approved PUD application, the primary request for the Height Variance was to allow for
architectural creativity and to create more open space. The proposed Affinity building, with a height of 55
feet, increases the open space compared to the original layout. This height is within the 60 feet permitted
and is consistent with the actual height of the proposed market-rate project in the PUD, ensuring a
cohesive integration between the two communities.
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The inclusion of tuck-under parking was presented as further emphasis of allowing this height increase,
as it reduces the need for surface parking. The design and usage (55+ senior community) of the Affinity
building require fewer surface parking stalls, thereby fulfilling the intent of the initial application and its
approval.
Preliminary Plat
The original preliminary plat had six lots to account for the six planned buildings, see the map below in
figure 8.
Figure 8: Approved preliminary plat
To comply with subdivision regulations, two lot lines will be adjusted and one will be removed. This will be
achieved by eliminating the lot line between lots 1 and 2 and shifting the east-west lines south, as
illustrated in Figure 9.
Figure 9: Updated lot configuration
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Utilities
A water and sewer main currently run through the Stillwater Road right-of-way. The initial PUD approval
included two access points from Stillwater Road and one from Timberwolf Parkway, all of which remain
unchanged (See Figure 10). The water and sewer extensions will continue to utilize the Stillwater Road
access points. The water and sewer capacity required for the senior housing development is less than
that of the originally proposed market-rate project within the PUD, ensuring that capacity is not an issue.
Figure 10: Amended layout showing access points remain unchanged
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Summary
The request maintains the approved unit count, unit types, and traffic generation while requiring only
minor adjustments to the layout due to the modification of the building footprint. This approach preserves
the visual variation along the development frontage and increases the opportunity for open space
throughout the property. A summary list comparing the original along with the changes associated with
the proposed Affinity has been included in figure 11.
Timberwolf Ridge PUD Vs. Affinity at Kalispell
Timberwolf Ridge PUD Affinity at Kalispell Proposal Changes
River Concept
Site plan configuration was
developed to mimic a river
corridor.
The proposed Affinity design
includes corridors on both the
east and west sides of the
building, aligned with those in the
original PUD.
The proposed site plan
keeps the integrity of a
river concept.
Height Building height of 54 feet,
approved for up to 60 feet 55 feet
The proposed Affinity
height is aligned with the
original concept and
below the permitted 60
feet.
Density 20 Units/Acre 20 Units/Acre
The proposed Affinity
density is aligned with
the original concept. The
overall unit count of 400
will remain the same.
Access
Two access points from
Stillwater and one from
Timberwolf Parkway.
Two access points from Stillwater
and one from Timberwolf
Parkway.
Access locations remain
the same as approved in
the original PUD.
Open Space ~25% Over 30%
Increased open space on
the proposed Affinity at
Kalispell project.
Landscaping See conceptual Landscape
plan in PUD. See Affinity at Kalispell Site plan.
Proposed landscaping is
substantially the same
as the original PUD. A
final landscape plan will
be produced during
design development and
submitted to parks and
recreation for approval .
Figure 11: Summary List of Modifications from initial PUD