By Roland Murphy for AZBEX
Developer MK Company, Inc. (operating as Canoa Preserve Development Partners LLC) is requesting a conditional use permit that will allow for a 48-room resort development on 30 acres near Continental and Green Valley in Pima County.
The property is part of the Canoa Preserve Final Plat and lies east of South Camino de la Canoa, approximately two miles south of Whitehouse Canyon Road and one mile east of Interstate 19. Platted but vacant subdivisions are located to the north, south and east, while the land to the west is undeveloped, according to the Pima County staff report.
The current zoning allows for a minor resort development with a conditional use permit.
According to the narrative submitted by The WLB Group, The Canola Reserve Minor Resort will consist of 48 units in 24 duplex buildings. A clubhouse and recreation area will also be developed. “The overall intent of the proposed minor resort is to provide a destination offering relaxation and recreation and contribute to small scale tourism opportunities in Pima County. It has been situated so that (it) is sensitive to surrounding properties and the rural, low-density nature of the area,” the narrative says.
The duplexes are planned for approximately 2KSF total, or 1KSF/unit. Each will have a small yard and an attached carport. The site design and building orientations are planned to promote views of Madera Canyon to the southeast of the property.
Planned amenities on the property include a 1.5KSF clubhouse with a café, communal seating, a meeting room, a fitness center and restrooms. Outdoor recreation amenities include a pool, sports courts, hiking/walking paths and wildlife observation opportunities.
A key attraction of the resort will be access to recreational features in the surrounding area, including:
- Hiking, birding, nature viewing and picnicking are offered in Madera Canyon, Mt. Wrightson, and the greater Coronado National Forest;
- Active and passive recreation at Canoa Preserve Park;
- Tubac Presidio State Historic Park;
- Tumacacori National Historical Park, and
- Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, which will have access from the resort site.
Pima County planning staff has recommended approval of the conditional use permit request with standard conditions, including a replat after the CUP is granted. As of July 1, no public comments have been received.
MK Company, Inc. is the developer. The planning firm is The WLB Group. Pima County Development Services will hold a hearing on the request July 10.
