Movie Theater, Townhomes, and Storage units Approved for McCall Growth
Plans to build a movie theater, storage units, and mixed-use townhomes were approved this week by the McCall Area Planning and Zoning Commission.
The theater would be built as part of the second phase of Broken Ridge Commons, an existing 72-townhome development on 11 acres at the corner of Boydstun Street and West Valley Road.
On Tuesday, the P&Z approved design plans for the movie theater, known as The Independent, as well as 58 storage units and four live-work townhomes.
Though, the developer, Resolute Land Holdings of Garden City, still must receive P&Z approval for design plans for a coffee shop and co-working space, four live-work townhomes, and a climbing gym planned as part of the proposal.
Alex Sawyer, who represented Resolute at Tuesday’s hearing, told Valley Lookout he expects to submit those plans for review sometime this winter.
“Once both design reviews are complete and engineering approval is finalized, we will be set up to start site work,” Sawyer said.
Sawyer is optimistic that approval will be in place by next spring and estimates the development could be complete as soon as fall 2027.
The Independent
Much of the discussion at tuesday’s hearing focused on The Independent, which would be built at the corner of Boydstun Street and West Valley Road.
The two-story building would total about 5,600 square feet and contain a single-screen theater, as well as a rooftop deck and an interior bar and restaurant, according to plans.
“We see those movies as being some first runs, also some independents and local films as well,” Sawyer said.
City and Sustainability Planner Meredith Todd told P&Z commissioners that she frequently receives public comments expressing a desire for a movie theater in McCall.
“I never hear the end of ‘we want a movie theater,'” Todd said.
McCall resident Vince Beer, the only person to comment on the application during a public hearing, backed up Todd’s claim.
“A movie theater would be great in McCall,” Beer said.
The P&Z liked the plan as presented, but asked Todd and Sawyer to use landscaping and potentially public art to hide the theater’s blank exterior wall facing Boydstun Street.
“I personally would like to see something more creative along there,” chairman Robert Lyons said.
McCall Supports Broken Ridge Commons Plan
McCall City Council members expressed support for a proposed development at Broken Ridge Commons during a meeting Monday night. The plan includes a movie theater, storage units, and additional parking.
Developer Sawyer Group presented the updated plans, which now include 58 storage units. These will consist of 39 units measuring 5′ x 10′ and 19 units measuring 10′ x 10′. Sawyer stated that residents of Broken Ridge Commons will be given priority access to these storage spaces.
The development will also add 92 parking spaces to the subdivision, exceeding the 69 spaces required by city code. This includes spaces within garages.
