A 15-unit townhome in the downtown Coeur d’Alene area was unanimously approved by the Design Review Commission on Thursday. 

The three-building project at Second Street and Garden Avenue is proposed by Blue Fern Development, the same company that plans to develop the property around the historic Roosevelt Inn just a block away. 

“I think it’s a good project for the community,” said Commissioner Kevin Jester. 

Jon Ingalls, fellow commissioner, agreed. 

“I use the word respectful,” he said during the public hearing at City Hall. “That is a respectful fit into the neighborhood.” 

The 207 Garden Townhomes would be built on three combined lots on a half-acre of vacant land. There would be nine two-bedroom units, six three-bedroom units and 30 parking spaces.

Ninety public hearing notices were mailed to property owners within 300 feet of the property. No one from the public attended the hearing. One Garden Avenue expressed concerns about the project in written comments. 

“Your continued approval of these bigger, multi-unit complexes is reminiscent of a large city plan to accommodate as many people as possible in a small space and for builders to profit as much as possible by doing the same,” wrote Jodi Burzynski. 

She asked the commission to consider its impact on the neighborhood as it will add more people and more traffic. 

“Approve proposals to add single-family homes or a complex with fewer units that fit in with the style of the neighborhood and downtown area,” Burzynski wrote. 

Commission Denise Lundy said she thought the project would overall be a benefit for the community but recognized some would have reservations. 

“I understand the struggle of increased density,” she said. 

The commission gave its approval with some conditions, including the enhancement of seating and landscaping in a courtyard, which is proposed between two buildings to receive a Floor Area Ratio bonus. 

It also called for the inclusion of a roof canopy about midway on the Garden Avenue and alley side of the building.

"So it's just not a flat 40-foot wall," said Commissioner Tom Messina.

Blue Fern Development based in Redmond, Wash., has several projects in the works in Coeur d’Alene.  

In March, the DRC approved "Lacrosse Avenue Townhomes,” a 57-unit townhouse project overlooking the Spokane River that would go on strip of vacant property on the south side of Lacrosse Avenue and west of Northwest Boulevard.  

Blue Fern's plan to develop the property involving the historic Roosevelt Inn on Wallace Avenue just southwest of 207 Garden Townhomes was unanimously approved in October by the DRC. 

The proposal calls for a 38-unit townhome complex named Wallace Townhomes on Wallace and Garden avenues off First Street. It includes the preservation of The Roosevelt Inn on a separate parcel.  

Blue Fern is working with a local party on the purchase of The Roosevelt Inn. 

Benjamin Paulus, Blue Fern CEO, told The Press in March that the company's purchase of The Roosevelt Inn property should close within 90 days, and construction could start this fall. 

Messina said he wasn’t surprised Blue Fern’s latest proposal was well received. 

“You’ve learned what the city of Coeur d’Alene wants,” he said.