When it comes to creating a community like Balsam Bluff in Dallesport, Washington, three key players work together within a community: developers, investors, and architects.
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Developer: Finds the land, locates the money, and manages the process.
Investor: Provides financial stability. 
Architect: Creates the design and ensures it’s functional and beautiful.

1. Developer: The Project "Boss"

• Think of the developer as the manager who brings everything together. They’re like the coach of a sports team.
• What They Do:
  • Plan the project, including where houses, parks, and utilities.
  • Work with cities, counties, and other authorities.
  • Coordinate with architects and builders to make sure the plans turn into reality.
  • Handle money from investors and use it wisely to build the project.
• Chinook Hills Development's team is Doug Kirchoffer & Kasie Cook of The Dalles OR.

2. Investor: The Money Person

• What They Do:
  • Provide the funding needed to buy land and pay for construction.
  • Expect a return on their money. For example, they might earn profits from selling homes or renting apartments.
  • Sometimes they have specific preferences, like wanting part of the project to generate rental income. 
• An investor might fund the creation of garden-style apartments, hoping to make money from rentals.

3. Architect: The Creative Brain

• The architect is the artist and engineer who designs how everything looks and functions.
• What They Do:
  • Design homes, parks, and other buildings so they are safe, beautiful, and fit the community's needs.
  • Ensure the design makes the best use of the land while keeping things functional.
  • Work closely with the developer and municipalities to follow budget and local rules 
• Chinook Hills Development's Architect is Mark Vanderzanden of Surround Architecture of Portland OR

Highlights from the First Public Meeting for Balsam Bluff Development 1/9/2025
Key Takeaways:

• Meeting Date and Location: Held on January 9, 2025, at the Dallesport Community Center.
• Purpose: Presentation by Mark VanderZanden of Surround Architecture to share project details and gather community input.
• Planned Development: The proposed 70-acre project includes 200 garden apartment units, 90 single-family lots, and 60 townhomes. About 40% of the area will be dedicated to a central greenspace and park.
• Community Reactions: Mixed. Supporters emphasized the need for housing and economic growth, while many voiced concerns about lifestyle changes, infrastructure strain, and natural resource impacts.

Diving into the Meeting Details: The meeting was a pivotal moment for the long-discussed Balsam Bluff Development, a project reimagined since its conception in 1999. With a focus on balancing functionality and environmental preservation, the new plan eliminates excess while integrating natural features like the wetlands and basalt outcroppings that define the area.
Mark VanderZanden highlighted the thoughtful design, which prioritizes community integration through amenities and open spaces. The centerpiece—a 35-acre greenspace park—aims to serve as both a recreational hub and a symbol of sustainable planning.
Community Voices Matter Residents voiced a range of opinions. Supporters were excited about the housing opportunities for growing families and retirees, citing potential economic benefits and a stronger tax base. Some even saw this as a step toward incorporating Dallesport into an official township.
Top Concerns to Address in More Detail

• Emergency Services: Questions arose about whether the volunteer fire department and local ambulance services could handle the population increase.
• Water Supply: The impact on existing wells and the local water district was a hot topic. VanderZanden assured residents that the Dallesport Water District is actively collaborating to upgrade and expand infrastructure.
• Education: A representative from the Lyle School District provided insights on how the influx of families might bring up to 525 new students to the district, potentially revitalizing local schools.

Another concern brought up was how this impacts local tribes.  There was comparison to the Lone Pine development in Oregon, which raised significant concerns due to its proximity to heritage fishing docks—specifically, the Celilo fishing sites. While it was clarified by council  during that the tribes are not technically parties to this project during the meeting, the development team would like to express their desire to show respect for local tribal communities and their deep cultural ties to this land.
A notable strength of the current development team is that they are local and deeply understand these sentiments. We are commitment to a responsible and respectful approach as our central vision.
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What’s Next?
This meeting underscored the importance of community dialogue. As the project progresses, feedback from meetings like this will guide adjustments to address both opportunities and concerns.
For ongoing updates and next meeting dates, stay tuned to this blog. We’re committed to keeping the community informed and involved every step of the way. 
I want to invite you to always feel free to use the contact form on our homepage any time!