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Commission reviews Klondike hotel renovation plans for 71 Klet Street; awnings, entries and pavilion win preliminary support
Summary
Commissioners reviewed Phase 2 architectural changes for the Klondike/71 Klet Street hotel, including a new restaurant entrance, tower detailing, a rear garden pavilion with spa amenities and upper-floor awnings; staff and applicant agreed to refine materials and details consistent with downtown design guidelines.
The St. Helens Planning Commission reviewed proposed architectural changes for the Klondike hotel at 71 Klet Street, offering feedback and preliminary support on elements intended to bring the historic-proximate building to occupancy.
Representatives explained Phase 2 work includes a required egress stair, a formal restaurant entrance and covered porch, aesthetic louvers on the elevator tower to reduce a blank façade, and conversion of a rear gravel lot into a garden with a small pavilion that would house amenities such as a hot tub, sauna and treatment room. Jeremy, speaking for the applicant team, said the design follows material guidance for the downtown and that corrugated steel noted in an earlier plan has been removed.
Staff and commissioners discussed guideline details: awnings were proposed on upper-floor rooms as well as at street level and commissioners asked that shapes and profiles align with illustrated guideline geometry. The commission examined the effect of restoring an original entry and the visibility of proposed covered porches and balconies, and staff noted fire-rated (CMU) construction will apply where the work sits on a property line.
Project representatives gave an estimated schedule: break ground by the end of the year and a potential opening in spring or summer 2028, subject to permitting. Commissioners asked for final material details and a follow-up staff recommendation to confirm conformity with the riverfront historic guidelines.
No formal vote was taken on the architectural recommendation; staff will incorporate the commission’s feedback into the next submittal.
