KETCHUM, Idaho — A development group would like to build a new town in central Idaho south of the resort area of Sun Valley to accommodate thousands of new residents expected in the fast-growing area.
The 2,800-acre Spring Creek Ranch would be about 35 miles south of Sun Valley on what is now open ranch land near where Highways 75 and 20 meet.
Studies estimate that Blaine County will grow by 10,000 residents over the next two decades, and developers say the new city would help preserve open space and take pressure off existing cities.
"The concept of this new town means building a large number of residential units in one place with a small footprint," Bob Kantor, a developer with The Kirk Group in Ketchum, told the Wood River Journal.
The plan calls for a residential area on 800 acres of the 2,800-acre parcel, with 2,000 acres left as open space. Lots in the new city would cost under $100,000, according to the plan, with about 1,000 lots estimated.
Developers said they would like options for single-family homes, townhouses, multifamily units and mixed-use commercial spaces. Developers also would like to include a sheriff's substation, fire station, school and library, a central water and wastewater system, and community center with parks and ball fields.
A limited commercial district would include a gas station, restaurants, coffee shops and convenience stores.
Developers are considering a golf course along the eastern edge of the property as well as hiking trails in the north, next to Bureau of Land Management land.
Some of the original ranch buildings where the new city is proposed would be preserved, according to the plan.
Spring Creek Ranch would be between Sun Valley Resort and a ski area at Soldier Mountain.