Hospital board hears ‘south lot’ proposals

Three developers and one resident offer plans for 2.83-acre parcel|

The Sonoma Valley Health Care District board members last week fielded four proposals for the potential development of what’s known as the “south lot,” a 2.83-acre property at West MacArthur and Fourth Street West purchased by the district last August for just under $2 million.

Since then, the fate of the property has been at times hotly debated, with some members of the district board showing interest in selling the land – while other hospital stakeholders have urged holding onto the property for use by the district.

On June 23, in response to a Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by the district board, four separate entities submitted plans for the south lot, with three pitching purchase of the land for development of housing, and the fourth recommending the district retain ownership, reserving the parcel for eventual development of its own.

The public study session took place at the hospital last Friday, with an audience of about a dozen in attendance, a portion of those among the developers offering proposals.

Potential purchase prices for the property were not discussed Friday. Earlier this year the value of the parcel was estimated at between $3 million and $4 million.

The first proposal presented Friday was from Concord-based De Nova Homes. Company spokespeople stressed the group’s professional bona fides, mentioning their participation in the reality television program “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.”

Kler Architects, of Sausalito, went next, proposing a 29-unit outward-facing development with covered parking and a center courtyard with amenities such as a swimming pool, fitness center and a clubhouse. Kler Architects officials say they do business throughout the Bay Area, and that the company has expertise in commercial, residential and institutional builds.

Caymus Builders, of Sonoma, proposed 17 single-family homes wrapping the perimeter of the property, with an additional 17 single-family units built above garages, for an addition of 96 bedrooms to the city’s hardscape. Bisecting the architectural drawing of the lot was a paved alley, from which residents would access parking. Caymus Builders referenced several of its local projects during its proposal, and championed an operating philosophy which asserts “you do well by doing good.”

The final proposal came from Sonoma resident Norman Gilroy, who submitted a “community proposal.” Gilroy’s proposal required that the district retain ownership of the south lot, and access the expertise of a volunteer “project development committee” for construction and maintenance of rental housing. A “hospital green” was imagined as a gathering space for such recreation-oriented uses as “tai chi, and Easter egg hunts,” and a “community building” with exercise facility, massage rooms, pools and a community kitchen was proposed. Gilroy said that the citizens of Sonoma should “do it ourselves, because we can.”

All four proposals from the June 23 session are available for review on the Sonoma Valley Hospital website.

Health Care District board chair Jane Hirsch said the district will give all proposals serious consideration.

“When we decided to proceed with an RFP early this year, we said it was needed as part of an education process for the board,” said Hirsch. “That’s why we did not place any restriction on who should make a proposal or what should be considered - we’re interest in all ideas that would work.”

Added Hirsch: “Ultimately, our goal is to make a decision that best serves our hospital and community.”

The board has not set a formal timeline for responding to the proposals, though the loan for the August 2016 purchase of the property – made by a private lending partner – originally required repayment within two years.

Email Kate at kate.williams@sonomanews.com.

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