New Stateline housing project to break ground

STATELINE — Nearly a decade in the making, a new housing project in Stateline is underway after delays in permitting and a lawsuit.

Known as Sierra Colina, the 18-acre parcel located between Lake Village and Sushi Pier will be developed with 44 single-family homes and adjacent townhouses over the next three years. The three- and four-bedroom, whole-ownership properties will range in size from 2,200 to 2,900 square feet.

“The homes are geared towards a permanent resident lifestyle,” said Brian Helm of Paradigm8, the developer of the project. “We do think that a good portion of our owners will call Lake Tahoe home and it will not just be a transient community where people spend 30 days a year.”

The property was purchased by South Shore residents Gail Jaquish and Steve Kenninger back in 2005. Approval for the original project, which included 50 units, was given in 2009; however, a lawsuit filed by The League to Save Lake Tahoe over land coverage stalled it for a few years.

Though the original project included some deed-restricted workforce housing, all units will now be “market priced,” according to Helm.

“The development footprint runs just about four acres then the rest is maintained as open space,” said Helm, noting the homes will be set back from U.S. 50 roughly 250 feet and shielded somewhat by trees.

“All of the architecture is meant to be a really nice alpine style — more of a timeless look — using natural materials like cedar and stone and natural colors and siding.”

A community center will also be constructed on the property to host events and gatherings.

As part of the development’s mandated environmental improvement projects, public partners came in to help complete the restoration of the Burke Creek Watershed, a stream environment zone located next to Sushi Pier.

Other projects included the enhancements to the riparian area around the creek and the establishment of two large water treatment facilities — one of which is already completed. The other is slated for construction this summer.

Helm and his crew are currently prepping the parcel for development, which will begin in July with the start of construction on the first 10 homes. They are expected to be completed in late spring or early summer of next year. The remaining 34 homes will be built in the following two building seasons.

Helm said they’re also working on permitting to get a dedicated turn lane created on U.S. 50.

“It’s been a long process, and we hope to move the past forward,” said Helm.

Pricing and imagery for the new community are anticipated in June.