120-unit resort proposed along Russian River

<p>Hotelier Kirk Lok wants to build a 120-unit resort along the Russian River in Guernewood Park, on a site with a resort history dating back at least 70 years.</p><p>“It’s significant because it’s probably the first major new hotel on the Russian River in 40 years,” said county Supervisor Mike Reilly, who for years has argued that hotels and resorts boost the river area’s economy.</p><p>Lok, who owns hotels in Petaluma and Sebastopol, said his proposal can succeed by attracting Bay Area baby boomers and tourists from as far as Europe and Japan.</p><p>“That market continues to drive demand,” he said this week(co-9/10) while standing on the property, which is still used by locals en route to its popular beach.</p><p>Lok’s $25 million project a few miles west of Guerneville would use a special pier and beam foundation for the main buildings, a technique intended to protect tree roots and allow about 90 percent of the redwoods to remain.</p><p>“We know the community values the trees,” he said. The plan also meets a county requirement for a public trail to the beach, plus providing 25 public parking spaces and a restroom.</p><p>Lok’s proposal, which includes a small restaurant and spa, is scheduled for its first review Wednesday(co-9/17) before the county’s Design Review Board. However, county planners said they still must decide the extent of environmental studies needed for the project before holding hearings on whether to grant Lok a use permit.</p><p>More than 100 years ago, the railroads turned the Russian River into a tourist destination for the Bay Area, much as Lake Tahoe is today. Press Democrat columnist Gaye LeBaron has written that in the mid-1930s, the river was home to 75 hotels and resorts, which drew throngs for swimming, dining and dancing in the era of the big swing bands.</p><p>Among those attractions was the Guernewood Park Resort, on the same site where Lok hopes to build today. An undated photo shows the resort’s spacious main building with a forest of redwoods behind and an expansive river beach in front.</p><p>Today the remains of an old stone fireplace and a double chimney still stand on the site, along with concrete steps leading part way to the river.</p><p>In the 1980s, part of the property was developed as the Dubrava condominiums. A hotel was proposed for a second phase but never built.</p><p>In 1997, a previous owner proposed to eliminate the hotel plan and use the remaining 10 acres for homes. But Reilly, who is retiring this year after 12 years as the west county’s supervisor, strongly opposed the switch, and the idea died. Lok’s family bought the land about a year later.</p><p>In the past decade, Lok and another developer each offered separate hotel concepts. The latest project is different because the buildings, including 20 bungalow suites, are situated farther from Highway 116 and closer to the top of the river bank.</p><p>“This one doesn’t turn its back on the river,” said Andy Gustavson, a private planner for Lok. He said the hotel would attract “guests who want to have that river experience.”</p><p>Mary Robertson, a nearby artist and activist who for years battled the Dubrava project, said she would like all the redwoods to remain and to see Lok’s land used for open space. But she also acknowledged, “I like Kirk Lok,” and she expects some kind of hotel to be built.</p><p>“I can’t say I’m getting my way, but it’s better,” she said of the new proposal. She added that other neighbors may voice stronger opposition.</p><p>Lok insisted he wants the chance to speak with the nearby residents and explain his plans.</p><p>“I can’t run a business without happy neighbors,” he said.</p><p>You can reach Staff Writer Robert Digitale at 521-5285 or robert.digitale@</p><p>pressdemocrat.com.</p>