As reported in The Desert Sun, Preliminary plans for a new condo development neighboring the Desert Willow Golf Resort won approval from the Palm Desert Architectural Review Commission Tuesday afternoon.
Called “Retreat at Desert Willow,” the project by Family Development of Palm Desert will consist of 112 condo units on 15 acres at 38-400 Portola Ave., just south of Frank Sinatra Drive.
The development is similar to another that Family Development is building in Scottsdale, Ariz. The target demographic includes the buyer who’s looking for a second home and the empty nesters ready to downsize, said Vince Barbato.
“This is intended to provide a sanctuary for the residents, so they feel like they’re on vacation or away from the busy life they might lead,” Barbato said.
The 28 two-story buildings will house single-story units that range from 2,000 to 2,700 square feet. Some will run along the Desert Willow fairway, he said.
All of the homes will be built so that solar can be easily installed if the owner chooses.
A clubhouse with an exercise room is planned along with a lap pool and a resort-style pool with fire pits and cabanas.
The grounds will be landscaped to include meditation, sensory and butterfly gardens, said Tom Doczi with TKD Landscape Architects in Rancho Mirage.
“Plants will be low maintenance and low water use but also colorful,” he said.
Meandering sidewalks, pathways and driveways will be made with pavers.
While the market will set the price, Barbato expects the homes will sell in the mid-$400,000 range.
Overall, commissioners were pleased with the preliminary plans presented.
“I think it’s a pretty well-developed package,” Commissioner John Vuksic said. “I feel good about it.”
Vuksic had a minor concern about elevation based on one of the drawings and suggested a little bit of articulation in some of the flat exterior walls.
The project is heading to the Planning Commission and then the City Council for approval. It will then come back to the Architectural Review Commission before building begins, Palm Desert Assistant Planner Kevin Swartz said.
