LPW Zoning Text Amendment Letter-IL Lofts Pedestrian Bridge
Max Grebe, President
L’Heureux Page Werner Architects
15 Fifth Street South, Great Falls, MT 59401
406-604-4453
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Date: 2 December 2024
To: City of Kalispell
Re: Zoning Text Amendment Request – Immanuel Living Pedestrian Bridge
To Whom it May Concern,
LPW Architecture is requesting a zoning text amendment to the City of Kalispell zoning
code to allow for the construction of an elevated pedestrian bridge crossing Claremont
Street. The proposed project is intended to reduce potentially deadly interactions
between vehicles and senior residents of Immanuel Living.
The proposed project is intended to connect the east and west sides of the Immanuel
Living campus that is currently separate by Claremont Street. This street is quite busy
with both vehicular traffic and pedestrian traffic. Many of the drivers and walkers are
elderly and have mobility issues.
The proposed pedestrian bridge is intended to bridge the two sides of the campus and
provide safe access for residents. Many residents of Immanuel Living utilize amenities on
both sides of the campus. The pedestrian bridge will provide a safe route for residents to
access the amenities on either side of the campus.
A conceptual image of the project has been attached to this memo to provide
context for the proposed zoning amendment and specific project driving this request.
The proposed zoning text amendment is intended to support the growth policy of
Kalispell. In accordance with chapter 8 of the growth policy: improving walkability in
Kalispell throughout the year is a major goal. Allowing a pedestrian bridge within the H-1
zoning district will improve walkability and reduce interactions between pedestrians
and vehicular traffic. Additionally, many residents in the H-1 district have mobility issues.
Pedestrian bridges between buildings will improve accessibility, particularly in the winter
months.
The new zoning will have no long-term affect to motorized transportation in the zoning
district. Nonmotorized transportation systems – particularly walking – will be improved
and enhanced by allowing the proposed zoning amendment.
Max Grebe, President
L’Heureux Page Werner Architects
15 Fifth Street South, Great Falls, MT 59401
406-604-4453
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The new zoning will secure safety from fire and other dangers by
complying with the applicable sections of the International Building Code to ensure the
construction spanning over the public right of way is protected from fire with the use of
an automatic fire suppression systems.
The new zoning will promote public health, public safety and general welfare by
encouraging residents to walk between buildings. The increased walking will reduce
vehicular traffic and promote walking.
The new zoning will have no impact on light and air in Kalispell.
The new zoning will have no impact on, transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks,
and other public requirements as the proposed change adds no additional users to the
above-mentioned infrastructure.
The new zoning considers the character of the district and its peculiar suitability of the
property by enhancing pedestrian circulation within the zoning district. The district
allows for the construction of multi-story buildings currently. Allowing pedestrian bridges
between buildings will enhance the appearance of the district visually.
If the new zoning is adopted, it will enhance the value of buildings throughout the
district. The addition of pedestrian bridges will improve the overall look and feel of the
district.
The new zoning will encourage land-use throughout the municipality by encouraging
walking and reducing vehicular traffic. Additionally, parking near destinations won’t be
as critical as walking between buildings will be much easier for inhabitants of the zoning
district.
Thank you,
Max Grebe, LPW Architecture
Max Grebe, President
L’Heureux Page Werner Architects
15 Fifth Street South, Great Falls, MT 59401
406-604-4453
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3D concept image of proposed bridge crossing Claremont.
Second floor plan of proposed bridge.