The Kalispell Planning Commission will discuss a new skybridge at Immanuel Living during a public hearing on Tuesday evening.
Right now, skybridges are not allowed in health care zones, but Immanuel Living is asking for a change. City planners are looking into amending the rules to allow skybridges in business and health care areas. They believe this will help with urban growth.
The project is being led by L’Heureux Page Werner Architecture from Great Falls. The new bridge would connect the current senior living facility to a new independent living place called the Lofts at Buffalo Hill, which is set to open in 2027.
The street is pretty busy, so the bridge aims to give residents a safe way to cross. Jason Cronk, the CEO of Immanuel Living, mentioned in a letter that this bridge would help residents access amenities easily.
Kalispell already has two skybridges. One links downtown Glacier Bank buildings, and the other connects county offices. The latter didn’t need zoning approval because it was a county project.
City planners noted that skybridges can improve safety by keeping cars and pedestrians apart.
In addition to the skybridge, the commission will also hear about a proposal from a Texas developer to build 96 residential units on nearly 16 acres off Two-Mile Drive. This area needs to be annexed into the city first.
The commission will also discuss a new land use plan required by a recent state law. This plan will change how land use decisions are made in Kalispell.
On Tuesday, they’ll also review plans from the local police and fire departments that will be part of this new land use plan.
