Planning commission recommends approval of 114‑unit ‘Residences at Festival Center’ townhome site plan

The Planning and Zoning Commission on June 11 recommended approval of Resolution 2025‑R‑22, a site plan to redevelop a 6.68‑acre portion of the Festival Center shopping center into 114 single‑family attached townhomes.

City planner Miss Campbell presented the application, summarizing that the subject property is a 6.68‑acre portion within a 17‑acre shopping center and that the AC (Activity Center) zone allows mixed‑use and retail‑oriented development. Campbell told commissioners the site plan "exceeds the landscape surface ratio requirement" and that the plan includes a detached eight‑foot multimodal trail along East Otero Avenue and a small private park and stormwater facility on the western portion of the project site.

Applicant Paul Shukas, representing Local Homes, said the developer reduced density from the initial submittal after community input and had redesigned access to align with adjacent streets and to close an existing Otero access. The proposal includes private drives and attached two‑car garages for each unit, 38 additional guest parking spaces, and a privately maintained pocket park and open space amenities maintained by a metropolitan district.

Staff reported that technical referrals were completed, that the site plan reduces impervious surface compared with the existing retail layout and that the Phase 3 drainage report included additional detention to address downstream runoff. South Metro Fire Rescue, South Arapahoe Sanitation District and other agencies provided comments that have been incorporated into the plan or will be addressed through site‑development permits.

Commissioner Lloyd moved to recommend approval, Commissioner Unger seconded, and the commission voted to forward a positive recommendation to city council. The action advances the project to a city council public hearing scheduled for June 17, 2025.

Key planning details in the staff packet: 114 townhomes (various attached building groupings), required 15‑foot buffer yard adjacent to residential, proposed sidewalks and crosswalks to improve pedestrian connectivity, landscaping above code minimums and a detention/water‑quality facility. The applicant said the units will be fee‑simple lots served by a metropolitan district that will maintain common areas and infrastructure.

The commission decided the site plan met all approval standards in LDC §12‑14‑602(d), including compatibility with the South Lehi subarea plan, protection of public health and safety and adequate utility, drainage and transportation capacity. The matter will appear before city council for final action on June 17.

Ending note: The redevelopment converts underused retail parking and vacant retail shells to infill housing that staff says would better support the activity center goals in Centennial Next and the South Lehi subarea plan. Detailed engineering and final utility approvals will be reviewed during the site‑development permit process.