'Village' seeks approval

PROVO — The developer paying $6.5 million to purchase the former Joaquin Elementary in Provo is asking the City Council for permission to replace the school with "Joaquin Village," a community of 236 condominiums.

The ArrowStar Group presented a preliminary proposal to the council late Tuesday but interviews with ArrowStar's Wayne Ross and others reveal intense interest in the project because of its proximity to Brigham Young University and long-standing concerns of neighbors about open space and traffic.

"It may be the biggest project we'll see in the four years I'll be on the council," council chairman George Stewart said.

Provo's system is set up to allow a developer to first bring a proposal through the planning commission to the council for feedback before returning later to seek final approval.

"We're just looking for guidance from the City Council to know what they think is best for this project," Ross said.

Tuesday was the first time the council had seen drawings and information about the project, which as proposed would include housing for nearly 950 BYU students and more than 600 underground parking spaces. More parking would be provided above ground on the five acres of property, Ross said.

At 550 N. 600 East, Joaquin Village would the be first major attempt at creating the sort of walkable community envisioned for BYU students by the City Council when it considered the South Campus Area Master Plan (SCAMP) several years ago. The site is within 450 feet of BYU, Ross said.

The plans also attempt to meet the unique requirements BYU has for off-campus student housing. Single BYU students are required to live in "approved housing," which means the landlords agree to enforce the school's strict conduct code.

"BYU is looking for housing developments that are conducive to students abiding by the Honor Code, that are well-managed and well-maintained," Ross said.

One way the plans do that is to create separation between the two buildings — one restricted to men and the other to women — while planning a courtyard in between where they can mingle. A central clubhouse would include exercise equipment, a sport court, a swimming pool and meeting rooms.