The proposed design for a 216-unit apartment complex for the corner of Division Road and Smelter Avenue Northwest was approved last year, but went back to the Design Review Board this week due to a major change in the layout and building configuration.

Farran Realty Partners, the same company that built Talus Apartments south of Benefis Health System and the University of Providence, is proposing the new complex. The project, currently called Great Falls North Apartments, is on a 9.2 acre parcel with six three-story garden-style apartment buildings, Each building is proposed to have 36 units in each. A clubhouse, carports, storage units and other amenities are included in the proposed complex.

The complex will include studio efficiency, studio, one bedroom/1 bath and two bedrooms/two baths units. The developers said last year that rents would be market driven and geared toward young professionals.

The property was annexed in mid-2016 and zoned R-6 multi-family residential high density.

The planned apartment complex is located next to a recently constructed apartment building for that was designed to provide affordable, accessible and independent living for adults with mobility impairment and/or brain imjuries.

The site plan includes a main entrance off of Division Road with secondary access off 1st Street Northwest. The applicant is proposing boulevard style sidewalks on all street frontages per the annexation agreement.

Under the annexation agreement, the developer is also required to provide two crosswalks and a bus stop on 1st Street Northwest. City staff will coordinate with the developer to determine the final locations and design of the crosswalks and bus stop. Interior sidewalks are also included to allow for safe pedestrian circulation throughout the site, according to the staff report.

City code for multi-family units requires 1.5 parking spaces per dwelling and the conceptual design includes 363 parking spaces, 151 of which are covered carports with storage units and 14 are ADA accessible. Bicycle parking areas are also included throughout the complex.