River Falls Plan Commission approves Sycamore 2 senior living development proposal

The River Falls Plan Commission has taken significant steps towards enhancing senior living options and expanding city boundaries during its recent meeting on April 2, 2025. The commission approved a General Development Plan (GDP) for the Sycamore 2 planned unit development, which proposes a new 24-unit memory care facility and eight independent living villas. This project, located south of Bridal Avenue, aims to address the growing need for specialized housing and care for seniors in the community.

The GDP serves as the foundational approval for the development, outlining the basic use and design of the site. It includes five single-story buildings, a 17,000 square foot memory care facility, and four two-unit independent living rental villas. Notably, the plan involves the discontinuation of Charlotte Street to facilitate the development, a decision that will be addressed by the City Council on April 22. The commission emphasized that all approvals are contingent upon this street discontinuance.

In addition to the main development, the commission discussed two requested deviations from city code: a minor reduction in parking stall depth and a setback reduction along Sycamore, Orange, and Foster streets. Staff members deemed these requests reasonable, given the anticipated public benefits, including infrastructure improvements like a new sidewalk on Broadway.

The commission also reviewed an annexation petition for properties located at 53 Woodbridge Street and 555 Powell Avenue. This annexation, proposed by Rolling Hills Development, encompasses approximately 7.28 acres and aims to integrate the area into the city. The commission confirmed that the proposed annexation area is contiguous with the city boundary and compatible with existing residential land uses. The recommended zoning classification for the annexed area is R2, which aligns with the city’s comprehensive plan for medium-density residential development.

Both initiatives reflect the city’s commitment to enhancing community resources and accommodating growth. The next steps include presenting the GDP to the City Council for final approval, along with the annexation petition, which will pave the way for future development in the area.