Elephant Rock Property

Elephant Rock Property

The Elephant Rock Property, 290 Hwy 105, consists of 28 acres and the following existing structures -

  • Main building has approximately 13,000 sq ft including a complete commercial kitchen, sanctuary, and several dormitory style /office rooms (full utilities).
  • Gymnasium consists of a ½ court and lounge area (electric only).
  • Maintenance/tool shed has room for storage of all maintenance equipment (electric only).
  • Residence is a full living space (full utilities).
  • Chapel/meeting area is approximately 24’ x 75’ (electric only).
  • Plus 8 outbuildings (6 former cabins, shed and another structure, uninhabitable).
  • Pool house with outdoor in-ground pool has extensive damage.

Prior to the Town acceptance of the property, water lines were damaged including the boiler heating system. The Town replaced water lines through the sanctuary of the main building, realizing additional funds were required to repair the entire system. Work ceased and the main building was closed and secured; however, structures continue to be vandalized. Although the property is covered by Town insurance, the structures do not comply to code requirements, the area is unsafe and not recommended for public use as it is. Prior cost was approximately $60,000 annually to maintain as the property was previously. Currently, the cost to the town for insurance and utilities on the property is approximately $12,000 annually. 

The timeline below describes the activity related to this property since October 2020.

Elephant Rock Property Timeline
Oct-Dec 2020 Town seeks to receive citizen input for future use of the property.
June 2021 Board accepts property (Resolution 34 of 2021). Link to Resolution.
February 2021 Summary of citizen input and Board member remarks reviewed at Board Retreat. Link to Citizen Survey Results.
March 2022 Bids Solicited for Property Appraisal to be completed.
May 2022 Request for Concept Development was issued. Link to the RFP.
June 29, 2022 Concept Development Proposals presented at joint BOT/PC Meeting. Link to the meeting page including the proposals.
July 2022 Property appraisal completed. Link to News Item: Update on Elephant Rock Property.
August 2022 Board directed staff to work with Carter Payne and Willan party(s) to establish a draft lease agreement. Link to the meeting page with video and minutes.
Fall 2022 Various Board executive sessions took place to consider terms of the lease agreement with the Board, while the same list was presented to each party to respond with terms and a site plan to show individual and common space on the property. Additionally, parties were issued keys and provided tours of the property for proposed plans.
November 2022 Lease terms and site plan were submitted by Willans.
December 2022 Lease terms without a site plan were submitted by Carter Payne.
January 2023 Parks Commission initiated trail connection and proposed parkland be dedicated on the property. Link to Parks Commission 1/10/23 meeting page.
January 2023 Parks Commission recommendation for proposed trail and parkland before the Board of Trustees meeting. Link to Board of Trustees 1/26/23 meeting page.
January 2023 Email notification received from Carter Payne to withdraw proposal.
February 2023 Parks Commission parkland proposals presented to the Board. Link to Board of Trustees 2/23/23 meeting.
March 2023 Modified proposal presented by Willans to Board. Link to  Board of Trustees 3/9/23 meeting.
April 2023

Board approved two Resolutions – 1) Parks Commission to begin a trail connecting to the elephant rock property and 2) a workgroup to draft a master plan for the un-assigned portion of the property.

May 2023

Board reviewed elephant rock property proposals and directed staff to reach out to hear more about two of the proposals – Joy on the Rock, Paravicini.  Post-meeting note: Joy on the Rock withdrew their proposal. Link to BOT 5/11/23 meeting.

Board heard a proposal for “Star View Ranch Event Venue” utilizing the main building and parsonage cottage on the premises. The Board agreed to establish a lease agreement for the Paravicini venue. Link to BOT 5/25/23 meeting.

June 2023 ER Master Plan Workgroup heard from various entities, stakeholders, and ideas will be forwarded to the Board. The group is working on a multi-layer map of each group and plan to meet 8/2 at Town Hall (Time TBD) to present the map, hear ideas and feedback.
July 2023

At the July 27 meeting, the Board affirmed the direction for the Elephant Rock property, including two tenants – one utilizing 2.8 acres for an eco spa, amphitheater and the current gymnasium and a second tenant utilizing the main building and surrounding area for a wedding/event venue – which leases are being worked on; a possible public safety facility; and future park and open space. The Board also affirmed that the cabins and one additional building will be removed from the property. Meeting details can be found here - https://www.townofpalmerlake.com/bc-bot/page/board-trustees-meeting-87.

September 2023

At the September 28 meeting, the Board approved Resolution 55 of 2023 Authorizing Lease Agreement (Willans). Meeting deatils can be found here  - https://www.townofpalmerlake.com/bc-bot/page/board-trustees-meeting-93.