A plan for a $6 million corporate retreat development that would include a variety of recreational, lodging and reception facilities is being prepared for nearly 400 acres northwest of Lawrence.

If approved, the development would include a chapel, hunting and shooting areas, riding stables, a reception hall, a restaurant and cabins. There would be more than 40 buildings on the property.

Lawrence architect Paul Werner is working with Gene Fritzel Construction Co. to design the project, which they are calling The Woods.

The property is owned by John T. Stewart, of Lawrence. His son, J. Stewart, said questions about the project should be directed to Thomas Fritzel. He couldn’t be reached for comment.

Werner called it an “unbelievable opportunity” for Lawrence and Douglas County.

“To be able to do something like this in the rural setting, yet be this close to the city, it does seem like a really unique opportunity,” he said.

Werner said the retreat could be used by corporations and would be semi-private with a membership, similar to a country club.

“I can see where the general public, through certain events, would have access to it,” he said.

Next week, the Douglas County Board of Zoning Appeals will be asked to determine whether the proposal is allowed under the current zoning regulations for an area northeast of the intersection of North 1800 Road and East 700 Road, or about 2.5 miles south of Lecompton.

The area is zoned for agricultural use and a rezoning will not be sought, Werner said. Conditional use permits will be sought that would allow an athletic or baseball field, rooming, boarding and lodging, farmers market and a child care center. An alcoholic beverage license would be sought for the hall and reception area.

Property owners near the project have been notified by the county, and Lecompton city officials will be kept informed of developments and hearings.

“It has certainly created a lot of interest and curiosity here,” Lecompton City Councilman Bruce Liese said.

Kim Richter, who lives near the Stewart property with her husband, Mark Richter, said they will be monitoring the development process. She said they have an open mind about it. Kim Richter said one of her concerns is the hunting aspect of the proposal because she hikes in the area.

“But people hunt out there anyway, so I’m not too concerned,” she said. “It’s such a beautiful area, and a development that takes advantage of the woods and the natural beauty is a good idea.”

The zoning board will have its hearing at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Douglas County Courthouse, 1100 Mass. The proposal also will have to go before the Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Commission before receiving final consideration by the Douglas County Commission.