Hotel could be coming to Woodland Park, but redesign needed

A new hotel could soon be coming to Woodland Park, but a redesign is needed.

Bill Page, architect, developer and the owner of Gold Hill Square South and Gold Hill Square North shopping centers, is proposing a Best Western hotel. It would be located at Gold Hill Square South, off Highway 24 and Highway 67. There is currently an empty building, which would be expanded.

“It would be bringing hotel guests here, (for) more of an upper mid-scale market,” he said.

The proposal describes a 63,000 square-foot, five-story hotel with 80 guest rooms. Currently, there are two other places in the city of Woodland Park that offer accommodations. Between the two, they have 96 guest rooms, The Greater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce President Debbie Miller said.

“Especially in our summer season, high season, about 85 to 90 percent are always occupied, so adding those additional rooms will certainly help,” she said.

But not everyone is on board with Page’s plan. On Thursday, the Planning Commission recommended he make changes to the design.

“The Planning Commission…recommend that the applicant redesign the structure by reducing the height of the structure; create a more attractive roof design and 360 facade to a more acceptable scale; and add architectural enhancements based upon the findings in the staff report and evidence provided during the public hearing,” reads the commission’s staff report.

Planning Director Sally Riley said they want to maintain a consistent skyline. While buildings downtown are typically 35 to 40 feet high, Page’s design calls for a 58 foot-tall building.

“We have a beautiful view of Pikes Peak, and we are concerned about obstructing the view of Pikes Peak,” she said.

Page said he will work on a redesign. It will be discussed at a public hearing scheduled for Oct. 22.