FAQ

About Willow

What is Willow?

Willow is a 596-acre master-planned community located just outside Kanab, Utah, situated between Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon. We designed the community to be a vibrant, walkable city that blends modern living with Southern Utah's natural beauty. The plan includes residential, commercial, and civic zones, featuring a resort hotel, civil buildings, and extensive parks and recreation areas.

How did the community get its name?

We named the community "Willow" as a tribute to Kanab. The name "Kanab" comes from a Paiute word meaning "Place of the Willows". This name reflects our deep respect for the region and our desire to honor its character while creating something new.

Where exactly is Willow located?

Willow sits on a 596-acre parcel outside Kanab, Utah. We chose this location for its size, topography, and stunning landscapes, which offer easy access to major destinations like Lake Powell, the Grand Staircase, and Zion National Park.

Housing & Development

What types of housing will be available?

Will the housing be affordable?

Yes. At least 10% of the community will be dedicated to affordable housing. Our priority is to help Utah expand its attainable housing options for young families, first-time buyers, and remote workers. We specifically designed the master plan to offer high-quality homes where people can put down roots, addressing the shortage of over 40,000 housing units currently facing the state.

Governance & Planning

Why A "preliminary municipality"?

We worked closely with Kane County for nearly two years before applying for a preliminary municipality. While the County approved a zone change to R-1 (one-acre lots), we realized this restriction made it impossible to build the attainable, diverse housing the region needs. The preliminary municipality route allows us to implement a thoughtful master plan with denser, more affordable housing options that the current county zoning prevents.

Why didn't you annex into Kanab City?

We explored annexation, but our land is not adjacent to Kanab’s city limits, making annexation legally unfeasible. If annexation had been a viable option, we would have pursued it.

Does this process bypass local input?

No. This process ensures transparency and local representation. We are establishing a master plan before residents arrive, and once the population reaches 100, the community will hold elections to form a city council. In the interim, a temporary council—including a member from the County—will oversee the early stages. The State also reviews and oversees the master plan to ensure responsible growth.

Community & Lifestyle

What amenities will Willow offer?

Willow will feature parks and green spaces woven throughout the community, ensuring every home is a short walk from nature. Residents will enjoy an integrated network of paved and unpaved trails for walking, biking, and horseback riding. We also plan to work with local Special Service Districts to extend fire and emergency services to this area, which has historically lacked sufficient coverage.

Who is this community for?

Willow is for everyone. We designed it to be an inclusive community for young couples, growing families, remote workers, and those seeking equestrian estates. We aim to foster a high quality of life where residents can live, work, and thrive.

Timeline

When will construction begin?

We expect to receive approval for the preliminary municipality early 2026. Construction activities are slated to begin in the Summer of 2026.

How long will the project take?

This is a large-scale project designed to grow thoughtfully over time. We anticipate it will take over a decade to fully complete.

About Us

Who We Are

We are Philo Development Group LLC, a team dedicated to building communities that reflect the values and needs of Utahns. Our connection to Southern Utah runs deep; members of our team possess family ties to Kanab and the surrounding areas that stretch back generations. We view this region not just as a development site, but as a place of profound personal significance.

Our Inspiration

We named our community Willow as a direct tribute to Kanab, which comes from the Paiute word meaning "Place of the Willows". This choice reflects our respect for the land and our desire to honor the unique character and charm that make this part of Utah so special. We see Willow as an opportunity to create something new while preserving the heritage of the landscape we love.

Our Mission

Our primary goal is to address Utah’s critical housing shortage by creating attainable, high-quality homes. We believe the dream of homeownership should remain within reach for young families, first-time buyers, and long-time residents.To achieve this, we are pursuing a preliminary municipality status, a strategic path that allows us to implement a thoughtful master plan impossible under current county zoning.

This approach enables us to design a community that maximizes efficiency, sustainability, and affordability.

Our Vision

We envision Willow as more than a place to live—it is a destination and a lifestyle. We are building a walkable, inclusive city where residents stay connected to nature through integrated trails, parks, and open spaces. Whether you are raising a family, working remotely, or seeking an equestrian estate, we are designing Willow to be a place where you can put down roots and thrive for generations to come.