OVERVIEW

The Chelan Valley is known throughout the Northwest for the unrivaled beauty of Lake Chelan, the surrounding mountains, world class apples and warm summer days that invite seasonal recreational tourism. The Chelan Valley culture and economy changed dramatically between 1998 -2000 as micro and macro economic forces devastated the local tree fruit industry. As orchards failed and properties were sold for development, the more densely populated North shore of the Valley rapidly lost premium agricultural land to conventional suburban/recreational development.

The transformation from a tree fruit and summer tourism economy has been dramatic. There are now 12 wineries in the Chelan Valley, wine tourism and new tourist venues such as the Bear Mountain Golf Course are extending the traditional “shoulder” season of tourism well past Labor Day. Orchards are rapidly being subdivided while land values have dramatically increased in the past several years. While economically stimulating, these changes can invite thoughtless development and irreversible loss of the rural and agricultural legacy that has been the trademark of the Chelan Valley.

There is significantly less developable land on the South shore of Lake Chelan than on North shore and Manson side of the Lake. The largest premium undeveloped South shore properties are located one mile west of the Best Western Lakeside Lodge. There is approximately one mile of Highway 97A frontage before Highway 97A turns uphill toward Wenatchee and Navarre Coulee. This premium property was almost entirely planted in orchards with only a few ownership parcels. Beginning in 2000 the economics of the apple industry have forced removal of almost 200 acres of premium orchards on these properties.

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION

For lack of a better description, and its appropriateness, the GOLDEN MILE begins on the south side of highway 97A about one from Lakeside and extends west one mile to the historic Pat & Mike’s Store on Highway 97A. The property includes four ownerships, all of which border Highway 97A. Elevation on the north side of these properties adjacent to Highway 97A is approximately 1,150 ft above sea level. Maximum elevation on the south property lines is approximately 1,650 ft above sea level. The property is 90% gentle slope presenting expansive views of Lake Chelan and the surrounding mountains and hills.

These four ownership entities have formed a loose coalition to preserve the rural agricultural legacy of the Chelan Valley while maximizing the economic potential for the properties. This unique north facing gentle slope begs for stewardship and respect for its rural origins and agricultural legacy. The four owners of these properties envision use of European “cluster” concepts or modules to preserve optimal open and agricultural spaces. Cluster villages will create a social/cultural community and optimize economic potential.

The stewardship of these properties include; agricultural preservation, agricultural value added concepts, aesthetic preservation, appropriate architectural controls, cluster development that allows for maximal utilization while preserving open spaces, attention to cultural values, fostering a “rural village” ambiance while optimizing economic value to the entire Chelan Valley.

There are two ownerships that have recently established a foundation for the larger vision for these properties. In 2000 Bob Jankelson, owner of Tsillan Cellars Vineyards and Winery, suggested that Chelan could become a world class wine tourism destination as we made the transformation from apples and summer tourism. If these properties could produce world class tree fruit, they could produce world class wines. Only three hours from 3,000,000 people in Puget Sound the potential to create a viable wine tourism economy is supported by geography and demographics.

Tsillan Cellars is a multi-million dollar facility that is already gaining regional and national recognition both for its architectural Tuscan design and award winning wines. Almost forty acres have been planted to premium vineyards that have won Gold medal acclaim for their wines. The architectural integrity of this facility is maintained by use of natural materials. It was designed to blend unobtrusively into the surrounding landscape using classic Tuscan materials and colors.

The Evans property is the site of Sunshine Orchards and Farm Market. Guy and Denny Evans have been leading proponents of sustainable and organic agriculture in the Chelan Valley. They have established organic gardening and marketing via their Sunshine Fruit outlet. Guy Evans is very active in promotion of sustainable agriculture in the Chelan Valley. In addition, the Evans own Tunnel Hill Winery which is on their property. They have also planted vineyards which further add to the vineyard lifestyle of this property.

The other two ownerships have also embraced the vision of a “Rural Village” that uses cluster development concepts to obtain necessary density and maintain appropriate open space for agriculture, viticulture and recreation.  In addition, the residence and vineyard of Larry Peterson is included in the boundaries of the PDD proposal to ensure the continuation of the green belt bordering Hwy 97a throughout the Golden Mile.

VISIONS: ECONOMIC, CULTURAL, ARCHITECTURAL

The appeal of wineries, new golf courses and a demographic “baby boomer” retirement or pre-retirement population moving to Chelan is rapidly changing the economic and demographic profile of the Chelan Valley.

There are also significant cultural changes occurring in our society that support a change in development thinking. After World War II, the automobile, suburbia and possession of your piece, i.e. a suburban lot and home, defined the American dream.  Today, the empty nest baby boomers and their children are rethinking the American dream. The recent phenomena of Seattle’s Belltown with high rise condominiums that have retail amenities on street level, and Portland’s Riverfront development with similar walk to amenities, are redefining American cities. These are examples of urban villages. Lifestyle and property development, as dictated by the automobile, is less appealing. This gives an opportunity for more responsible development using “cluster” concepts to preserve open space and diminish the influence of the automobile in our daily lives.

We think this same cultural shift begs for a rural village concept that includes many elements for quality lifestyle. The architectural theme is already established with the Tuscan Tsillan Cellars Winery facility. The Planned Development Design includes integrated multi-use concepts that promote cultural and aesthetic values tied closely to the land.

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