Havasu Resort on Bahama Avenue Faces Redesign Challenge

Plans to build a resort on Bahama Avenue in Lake Havasu City have been put on hold.

Last month, the Lake Havasu City Planning and Zoning Commission voted to deny a general plan amendment and a planned development for the proposed resort. The project was scheduled for a review by the City Council next week, but those plans are now postponed.

Jeff Thuneman from development services announced that applicant Studio KDA, based in California, opted to delay the hearing. “They’re going to relook at the plan, address concerns raised, and possibly present it again in September,” Thuneman said.

Residents and commissioners had several issues with the project during two public hearings. Concerns included building height, traffic, water usage, noise, and staffing.

The proposed site for the resort is at 1850 Bahama Ave, near commercial buildings and housing. Initially, the project included six five-story buildings, two 5,000-square-foot restaurants, and several pools on a 14-acre site.

Cole Cannon, the private developer, mentioned that the Cannon Development team has worked to incorporate public input. They are modifying the plan to reduce density and building heights. Cannon stated that a high-end surf destination would provide a unique, family-friendly environment for the community and tourists.

Under the current zoning, the owner can build 280 units with a lower height than requested for the resort, as opposed to the 221 units initially planned for the resort.

A definitive date for the next public hearing has not been set as the developer continues to tweak the plans.