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Developers present 29‑acre Bridger Commons concept for senior living and multifamily housing; council presses on affordability, parks and access
Summary
Developers proposed Traditions senior living and Springs multifamily at Bridger Commons (29 acres). The plan would deliver roughly 473 residential units (167 senior, 306 multifamily) and up to $150 million in private investment; council and staff pressed developers on on‑site affordable units, park land donation, pedestrian access to adjacent amenities, and traffic/parking design.
Developers presented a two‑project concept for a 29‑acre infill site west of Meyer (Bridger Commons) during the March 16 Committee of the Whole meeting.
The proposal pairs Leo Brown Group’s Traditions senior living community (approximately 167 units, including assisted living and memory care) with Continental Properties’ Springs at 38 West multifamily development (about 306 units). Combined, the teams estimated roughly $150 million in private investment, an anticipated 50 full‑time jobs for the senior community and long‑term tax base growth for the city.
Key issues raised by council and staff: - Affordable housing: Continental proposed 31 inclusionary units (10% of the multifamily units) but identified a substantial revenue gap in meeting the city’s 60% AMI inclusionary requirement due to high construction and operating costs. Developers and staff outlined alternatives (80% AMI, cash‑in‑lieu, or blended solutions) and proposed a third‑party feasibility analysis (SB Friedman) to refine options. - Park donation and open space: The St. Charles Park District asked about an on‑site park; staff clarified land vs cash donation is a council decision. Multiple council members favored an on‑site park or equivalent accessible green space and asked developers to coordinate with the Park District and contend with IDOT right‑of‑way impacts on Lincoln Highway. - Pedestrian and emergency access: Council noted the site risks being isolated from nearby parks and retail without additional pedestrian connections and emergency access, and encouraged developers to pursue easement or design solutions with adjacent property owners (including Meyer) where feasible. - Parking and building layout: Council sought buffering for garages and consideration of shared parking strategies and noted the high cost of structured parking in a suburban context.
Next steps: Developers will continue design and due diligence, work with the Park District and school district on potential deed restrictions and impact fees, and deliver a third‑party feasibility study about on‑site affordable housing. Staff will continue negotiating plat, zoning, and public‑improvement requirements before any formal application returns to plan commission and council for approvals.
