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Tuscan Village Development Moves Forward
County Commissioners Formally Approve Development Plan

For Immediate Release: July 20, 2010
Contact: Bob Jankelson
Cell: (509) 679-9918 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (509) 679-9918      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (509) 679-9918      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (509) 679-9918      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (509) 679-9918      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Chelan-In a major victory for the economic future of the Chelan Valley, the Chelan County Commissioners signed and formally approved the Tuscan Village Development Plan this morning.  The County’s approval follows formal approval of the plan last week by the City of Chelan.  The Tuscan Village mixed-use development project now has all of its entitlements in place and is ready to move forward. 

“There have been some significant challenges along the way that we’ve had to overcome,” said Bob Jankelson, a principal of Tuscan Village.  “We are very pleased that we can now proceed with this environmentally responsible and economically beneficial project.”

This approval is a victory for the future of the entire Chelan Valley.  Tuscan themed to attract wine-country tourists, the development will combine the experience of fine wineries and generous open space with energy efficient single and multi-family homes, diverse restaurants and shops, and a high-end hotel with conference facilities.

“By attracting the wine tourism market, Tuscan Village will contribute to extending the Chelan Valley’s tourism potential beyond the summer months and add to the economic vitality of the region,” said Fred Ross, a principal of Tuscan Village.  “We will accomplish our project goals while promoting responsible development and preserving the precious water resources of Lake Chelan.”

 

The economic impact of Tuscan Village will be significant to the local economy.  During build-out the project will create a substantial number of new family-wage local construction jobs, and once completed, Tuscan Village to be a major employer in the hospitality job-market in the region.  Tuscan Village will also contribute to the local economy through the payment of property, sales, lodging, and hospitality taxes.  These taxes will support local schools, utilities, roads, parks and community centers.

 

“This decision is a victory for Chelan Valley’s agricultural legacy,” said Guy Evans, a principal of Tuscan Village.  “ A central theme of the project is preserving and maintaining the agricultural heritage and culture of the Chelan Valley for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.”   

5-Star wine resort planned for Chelan

Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce
January 11, 2010
By Journal Staff

Tuscan Village could have 950 housing units, a 288-room hotel, retail and a health spa.

Dr. Robert Jankelson is joining four of his neighbors along the south shore of Lake Chelan to create a 274-acre mixed-use project called Tuscan Village.

Jankelson in 2004 opened Tsillan Cellars Winery, which is adjacent to the site where he wants to build Tuscan Village, south of Highway 97A.

In late November, the Chelan County Hearing Examiner approved initial plans for the project, which is in the conceptual design stage.

Tsillan winery general manager Ken Cain said the goal is to break ground on the five-star resort in two to three years. It could have 950 housing units in a mix of single-family houses and condominiums, as well as a 288-room hotel, retail center and health spa.

True to its name, the resort would be designed with Tuscan-style architectural elements, similar to those at the Tsillan winery.

Cain said Jankelson owns a majority of the property that will be developed. Other partners include Fred Ross, Bob Hilde and the Evans family. He didn't know the fourth partner.

The retail space may include an organic food center. Cain said the Evans family may have a role in the food center, since they operate the nearby Sunshine Farm Market, which sells local fruits and vegetables. The Evanses also operate the Tunnel Hill Winery on Highway 97A.

Cain said a primary goal of the project is to preserve the agricultural integrity of Lake Chelan's south shore. He said complex will be built around existing vineyards and the developers may add some parks.

Another goal is to make it a green development. Cain said that could include measures such as using LED lights and on-site water treatment.