By Roland Murphy for AZBEX
The Blazin’ M Ranch resort in Cottonwood wants to expand.
The Cottonwood Planning and Zoning Commission will meet this week to discuss a General Plan land use amendment and zoning change for an approximately 8.3-acre site on Mabery Ranch Road where owner Mabery Ranch Company LLC hopes to expand the existing Blazin’ M Western Ranch Frontier Town on the NEC of the property and create “a luxury 1800’s Western-themed resort providing a variety of accommodation options. The applicant has hired a Hollywood set designer and set decorator to provide design details that will provide an authentic look to match the western theme of the project,” according to submitted materials.
The expansion would let the existing entertainment and event venue continue to operate in their current manners and add a hotel and “glamping resort” with additional retail uses, collectively known as Dream West @ Blazin’ M Ranch.
According to the proposed property development standards, “The proposed site plan shows the existing Blazin’ M Ranch Western Frontier Town on the northeast corner of the property. On the west side of the property, the site plan shows enhanced landscaping throughout for the ceremonial grounds adjacent to the Verde River, and the glamping area. The glamping area will consist of 15 park model guest units and 11 Conestoga wagon guest units, along with Ye Olde Dipping Pool, and the adjacent Western Boulevard. The southeastern corner of the property is proposed to be the parking area and the future site of the hotel that will contain 40 guest units, a lobby, bar, breakfast areas, and retail space.”
The property is not connected to Cottonwood’s sewer or water systems, and the owner does not intend to pursue a connection. The submittal says the property will use existing wells and water rights along with gray water for irrigation. Two new septic systems will be placed on the southwest side of the property.
The submittals show Mabery Ranch Company LLC as the owner and developer. Planning and project representation is by Sefton Engineering Consultants. Leonard A. Filner is the landscape planner. The topographic survey was conducted by Etcheverry Land Surveying. An unidentified Hollywood set designer and set decorator will provide design details for an authentic look matching the project’s Western theme.
