Residents in Golden Valley may see a new apartment building along Olson Memorial Highway in the next year. At their meeting last night, the Golden Valley Planning Commission approved preliminary construction plans for The Tiburon, a 142-unit complex with studio, one bedroom and two bedroom apartments.

Developed by Dunbar Development Corporation, The Tiburon would be located on Highway 55 and Golden Valley Road.

In a letter to commissioners, City Planner Joe Hogeboom said that the complex would cater to people who want to live in an upscale apartment facility near the northwest suburbs.

"There is currently a strong demand for multi-family housing in the market," Hogeboom said in commission documents. "The property was recently re-guided for long-term high density residential uses in the Comprehensive Plan."

Hogeboom mentioned that the City Council requested a change to the land use. At their Sept. 4 meeting, City Council members approved the re-zoning of the space from commercial to residential-high density. 

Zoning aside, last night commissioners had concerns with landscaping, parking and design.

Planning Commission Chair Cathy Waldhauser wanted Dunbar Development to address potential traffic noise issues. Steve Dunbar of Dunbar Development said that high quality windows would reduce the sound coming from the road.

"We want this to be a great place to live," Dunbar said, noting that for 30 years Dunbar Development Corporation has not sold any of the apartment buildings they've built.

According to Dunbar, The Tiburon would be complete with a bocce ball area, a pool for sunbathing, an enclosed bike room, conference room and theater.

At the meeting, Hogeboom mentioned that the construction of The Tiburon could be part of a larger project to review the area along Golden Valley Road, between Boone Avenue and Mendelssohn Avenue.

"Tomorrow evening staff will be going before the City Council to talk about an area that is probably ready for some reinvestment and redevelopment," Hogeboom said. "We're looking at [The Tiburon] in relation to this and independent from this. These developers have been speaking to staff for the better part of the summer. They’ve done their homework."