Cottonwood residents can expect “slow but steady progress” on numerous restaurant and housing projects, according to city of Cottonwood Community Development Manager Berrin Nejad.
“There’s more stable growth coming,” Nejad said, adding that the most talked-about project, Brookfield Homes’ 89 & Vine project, is still in the discussion phase where infrastructure details are hammered out.
89 & Vine is located on 682 acres northeast of State Route 89A and Cornville Road. The zoning for the Planned Area Development project is already approved to include up to 2,050 homes, 176 acres of open space and some commercial development.
“There’s no action right now, but work is going on behind the scenes,” Nejad said, but assured that other projects are well on their way.
The familiar facade of McDonald’s is soon to undergo a transformation, according to Nejad and a project details document provided to the city by McDonald’s USA, LLC, of Denver.
The document describes the scope of the project as follows: “Exterior and interior remodel of existing McDonald’s including: New side-by-side drive-thru with a bail-out lane; new LED lighting to replace existing parking lot lighting; new building exterior improvements including new colors, materials and lighting.”
Nejad said that the renovations are in response to robust sales at McDonald’s.
California-based Black Bear Diner Inc. is renovating the former Sizzler Steakhouse structure to accommodate a Black Bear Diner. Interior alterations are already complete and exterior work is ongoing.
“It’s going to look nice,” Nejad added. “But they’re not making too many changes, site-wise.”
Nejad said that locals have been outspoken about increasing restaurant options in the city, resulting in a lot of curiosity about Black Bear Diner — a chain unfamiliar to many. Regardless of any unfamiliarity, the idea of having a family-friendly option, offering three full meals daily, has been positively received.
Black Bear Diner Marketing Director Jolisa Johnson said that the expected opening is February.
“Our diners are in eight of the Western states,” Johnson said. “We are continually looking at opportunities in our existing states whenever it makes sense …. a demographic that wants good old-fashioned food.”
Not to be left out, the local wine industry is answering public demand.
Caduceus Cellars and Merkin Vineyards, owned by Maynard Keenan, is developing a wine-tasting and food-pairing establishment in the building most recently occupied by Ancient Pillars Greek restaurant in Old Town.
Located north of Groseta Ranch Road, the approximately 555-home Vineyards at Cottonwood is being built by Granite Mountain Asset Management.
The development went before the Cottonwood Planning and Zoning Commission Tuesday, Sept. 13. “It should go pretty quickly after that,” Nejad said.
According to the project’s plan, it will prioritize open space and wine culture. Each road boasts a wine-related name, such as Reisling, Bordeaux and Sangria.
Nejad added that the city is looking at expanding apartment options. “It’s needed badly,” she said.
