United had advertising on the large E-Center sign next to I-215 as well for a period of time. They were a sponsor out there. Back when airlines had city ticket offices (most airlines closed the remainder of their city ticket offices nationwide within the last 4-7 years), United even relocated their Salt Lake ticket office from Eagle Gate plaza downtown to the E-center.

'Magic' theater comes alive in Draper

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/7...in-Draper.html

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The Utah Symphony performs at the new outdoor Draper City Amphitheater, which was funded in part by residents. (Michael Brandy, Deseret News)

DRAPER — For nearly 14 years, humble beginnings to a hilltop amphitheater have sat vacant on Draper's south mountain, overrun by weeds and surviving only through the efforts of a small but loyal group of community supporters.

Finally on Monday night, under a rainbow of multicolored balloons, 2,000 people crowded on top of blankets and under shade umbrellas to celebrate the official opening of the Draper City Amphitheater...

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Michael Brandy, The Deseret News

..

Twelve-story buildings may rise in Cottonwood Heights

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/49...posal.html.csp

Eighteen months after public discussions began, the Cottonwood Heights Planning Commission will soon decide whether to amend the city’s general plan to encourage taller buildings.

The commission is slated to vote on the proposal at its Aug. 4 meeting. If it is favored by the commissioners, the proposal will be recommended to the City Council, which will later review and vote on the measure...

...“We’re still not sure,” Black said referring to the maximum height of the buildings. “But I think people have 12 stories in their heads.”...

...Beckstrand & Associates owns most of the 20-acre Old Mill Corporate Center, 6322 S. 3000 East. The company wants to build a 12-story office building that would sit on an acre of land that is currently a parking lot , company president Steven Hopkins has said...

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Picture Courtesy of VCBO Architecture

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62-acre Lodestone Park in offing for WVC


http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/49...acino.html.csp

Want a haven similar to Sugar House Park on Salt Lake County’s west side?

West Valley City has been asking Salt Lake County for a park in the Diamond Summit subdivision area for at least eight years. Come next summer, residents around 6200 South and 6200 West might get it...

...“This one’s been a long time coming,” he said. “[The county] just hasn’t been able to get the funding to do it.”

The first phase of the park, which will include 21/2 acres of lawn, a sidewalk and playground, might be completed as early as spring 2011, Calacino said...

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I sure hope they kill this idea! 12 stories is that much more taken away from downtown SLC. Plus, it will block mountain views along the freeway. Kill the idea!!

While I'm not a huge fan of the idea of a 12 story building there. In the past we dicussed that it really won't have a huge impact on the view of the mountains from 215.

It's a tough call. If they don't raise the height then instead they'll probably just build more 4-storyish buildings spread out over more land. Because that's what they currently do in that huge business park in Cottonwood Heights, and throughout the valley.

:previous:
Oh sure. Let's kill this idea since it would be far better to just continue to built 4-6 storyish buildings spread out over more land. :sly:
This isn't going to take anything away from downtown. Last I heard Downtown SLC seems to be during really well when it comes with development and companies wanting to move downtown. People need to wake up and get out of the dream world that just because a highrise is built OUT of downtown doesn't mean it's going to KILL downtown.

People are against Sprawl and yet the same people are also against building highrises. :shrug:

I rather see a few 12 story buildings pop up VS having a dozen more 6-story buildings that just going to take up more land. IMHO :yes: We have way too many business parks around the Salt Lake Valley that has anywhere from 3-6 story buildings.

Projects,
Better to have 4 story buildings than a bunch of 12 story buildings. 12 stories just means 8 more stories of office space per parcel. If they can build 12 stories there and the demand continues they will build 4 12 story buildings rather than 4 4 story buildings.

Regarding sprawl, have you seen phoenix? Their downtown is puny for a 4 million population.

I understand that point. But, that is a 'let's give in because it is inevitable' type of attitude. That is a nihilistic attitude. The attitude should be to be understanding of current trends of suburban offices, but to try to curtail the current trend by a more wholistic approach to the detrimental impace it has to the quality of life and environment over a long period.

Well they're obviously not going to change the idea of building suburban office buildings and parks. So then it becomes, which is more feasible, efficient, and better for the environment, and everything else that comes with an urban mindset: 4-stories spread out more, or raising the limit. I'm not suggesting an answer either way. I'd like to hear what everyone thinks though.

:previous:
How many 4-story buildings would have to be built to meet the same demand as 4 12-story buildings? I'm not saying it would be wise to build anything higher then 12-story for that area, however I believe building a 12-story highrise or two would take up far less land space then for them to continuing to build 6-story buildings. How much more land does the developer even have to develop anyway? :shrug:

That's a very good question and particularly appropriate for Cottonwood Heights. Thus far Cottonwood heights has been an excellent steward in their young history of gaurding against certain types of overdevelopment. However, there is a very limited amount of space available in Cottonwood Heights, both regarding this park and the newly incorporated city itself. This business park has been very popular with the local residents and the many executives who live within it's immediate proximity. Obviously, the park owners and city leaders are going to seek a means to optimize the precious little space left at this popular business park. Every city in the valley, whether it's Sugarhouse, Murray, West Jordan, Sandy etc. is going to seek out the most effective way to optimize their tax base. Each city is going to fight tooth and nail to make their city as attractive as possible. This in order to attract class A office space and vibrant manufacturing, in addition to hard working, community contributing, resident taxpayers. Salt Lake City is seeking to do the same. I donot for a second think that Downtown Salt Lake will suffer the same fate as downtown Phoenix of the 50's-80's. In most aspects, Downtown Salt Lake is way ahead, even with only around half the greater CSA population. These days, Utahn's in general take great pride in Downtown Salt Lake. It isn't just urbanistas like ourselves, or those who live Downtown, but also many who are scattered throughout the Metro and entire State. Unlike some cities we don't shun our downtown, but many normal John and Jane Doe's heartedley support it's progress. Under the like minded attitudes of leaders such as Mayor Becker, and a very asset protective LDS hierarchy, Salt Lake City's CBD will continue to make dramatic improverments.
Downtown will continue to surge forward. I think it will easily be among the very top most attractive downtowns in the nation over the next ten years. That said, no matter how many monumental concert halls, lavish fountains, beautiful libraries, charming streets and shopping districts, sporting venues, and slick towers Downtown develops, there will always be a majority of people of all backgrounds and religions who will prefer a detached dwelling with backyard and accompanying 2 to 4.2 something children. The big problem in the past has been not having enough options downtown for the significant amount of people who wish to live in a cosmopolitan urban setting. Recent comments by the movers and shakers from every aspect of development has been extremely encouraging. It's not just the Becker types who are excited about making Downtown a haven for urban dwelling, but also the former conservative types who have previously shown a propensity toward surburbia.

I have to chuckle when I hear someone say 12 stories in Cottonwood Heights is 12 stories that could've been downtown. It really doesn't work that way. So far the Old Mill development has done a good job of attracting big companies (Overstock.com headquarters, Mrs. Fields headquarters, Extraspace headquarters, and JetBlue corporate offices are all located in or near that development). They're located there for a reason, and if they weren't there, they'd probably just be in some other suburb, maybe even another state. I know several people who work in the development, from CEO to mail-sorter, as well as the developer who is spear-heading this new tower, and I really don't think any of them have any desire to leave their big houses to live in or near downtown, or drive a much longer commute just so they can appreciate the 'urbanity' of downtown.

There needs to be a much greater variety of housing options downtown for it to thrive as a business district. Locating more businesses there in exchange for longer commutes is not urban at all.

How many of you have noticed the amazing transformation(upgrade/& beautification)along 1300 East(7300 South - 10500 South)? What a difference from what it was before! If anyone lives or commutes through that area regularly, take a few pics if you get a chance. I was surprised and very impressed with the sound walls, median landscaping, lighting et all. Again, a HUGE change for the better.

http://sandy.utah.gov/uploads/pics/1300_east_crop.jpg
sandy.utah.gov

I'm sure that the new road is nice and pretty, but it was completely unneeded. Does anybody really wonder why we have no money anymore? I'd complain about mayor Dolan, but Rep. Matheson is actually the one that did most of the legwork to "secure" the appropriations funding for the project. Oink, oink, oink.

I could go on, but we already complained about this project several years ago, so I'll leave it at that.

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/show...126541&page=42

Renaissance in Midway: Old village is the new, cool place
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by Booch7
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by Carlos A. Merighe
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by Sha & Lin

By Christopher Smart
The Salt Lake Tribune

Midway • Call it the Midway makeover or the rural redo: This once-bucolic village is in the midst of a
renaissance.

The little Wasatch County town nestled east of Mount Timpanogos has always been a quaint, quiet favorite for urban
denizens seeking a quick getaway. But word has spread about the Midway magic and its pastoral beauty — and with it
has come new housing, new restaurants and even a cool grocery store.

http://www.sltrib.com/csp/cms/sites/...YPE=image/jpeg
(Scott Sommerdorf l The Salt Lake Tribune) A vintage Sinclair Dinosaur marks the entrance to the
Fill'er Up Coffee Station on Main Street in Midway. The former filling station is being refurbished throughout with the
gas staion theme. Owners expect the shop to open as soon as this weekend. Midway is going through a renaissance.
There are several new restaurants, a new grocery and other businesses set to open.

The economic uptick also has provided this traditional farming town with the financial umph to spruce things up. Main
Street boasts sidewalks with hanging flower baskets and its historic Swiss motif buildings have been refurbished and
painted.

There is a noticeable change in the air. It’s a little more hip now, with such amenities as a bookstore, a boutique and a
fabric store that specializes in quilts. It even has a coffeehouse. And the place is quite friendly to local artists and
musicians, too.

But unlike Park City, its upscale neighbor to the north, Midway still has that small, hometown appeal, said Mayor
Connie Tatton. “And the people who live and work here want to keep it that way,” she said.

http://www.sltrib.com/csp/cms/sites/...YPE=image/jpeg
(Scott Sommerdorf l The Salt Lake Tribune) The Legacy Bridge is a covered bridge spanning
the Provo River that carries pedestrians and cyclists into Midway as it parralells Hwy 113. Midway is going through
a renaissance. There are several new restaurants, a new grocery and other businesses set to open.

Although the most recent U.S. census figures are not yet available, the mayor said the town’s full-time population may
have grown about 10 percent ­— from 3,000 to 3,300 — during her 4½ years in office. Perhaps more notably, about 500
new houses have sprouted and 500 more have been approved. That provides a tax base and a critical mass of shoppers.

But the double-edged sword of growth brings challenges: Can Midway retain its ambience if it continues to grow?

“It’s still gorgeous,” said 47-year resident Shirley Bonner, as she admired Main Street. “But I liked it the way it
was.”

Vintage 19th Century Pioneer Homes
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by Calamity Jane Doe

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by dreamerdave

Typical of Midway, new housing replicating the craftsmanship of a cherished heritage
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by Calamity Jane Doe


The newcomers

Time was when you’d have to wade through sheep flocks to cross the road and most everybody somehow relied
on agriculture. These days, farm fields are turning into subdivisions — albeit upscale ones — and few dairy operations
remain.

“Things change and you’ve got to go forward,” Bonner conceded. “It’s busy, even with hard times right now.”


The very popular Alpine charm of the Italian, Swiss and Austrian Alps prevails amongst the mandated design of both commercial and residential new build architecture.
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by Cabled Sheep

Midway has managed its growth well, said one-time Park City restaurateur Billy Williams.

“This is not the chaos we saw in the early days in Park City,” he said.

Last summer, Williams made the bold move to Midway to open the Bear Dance restaurant and sports bar. He
specializes in steaks and seafood. “And good service.”

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by vicki allred

“It was tough getting through the winter. But we did,” he said. “Now we’re in our summer season and we’re
getting tremendous local support.”

The Bear Dance also serves visitors from Spanish Fork to Brigham City, Williams noted. “We get ranchers, bikers
and kayakers and they all have a good time together.”

The Heber Valley, in general, and Midway, specifically, have a lot going beyond the magnificent granite faces of
Timpanogos.

The Provo River is a blue-ribbon fishery, several golf courses grace the valley’s west side, and bicycling, kayaking
and hiking round out a recreation palette that is low-key and perhaps less spendy than in Park City and Deer Valley.
And, of course, there is boating on nearby Deer Creek Reservoir.

“You can come here and put everything aside,” the mayor said. “This is a place of rejuvenation.”

Drew Jenkins is a young entrepreneur who wants to take advantage of the natural bounty through his Midway
Adventure Co. The 3-year-old outfit offers raft trips, bicycle outings, hiking tours and fly-fishing instruction, among
other things.

“Most of our activities are geared for families and regular people who want to have fun,” he said.

According to Jenkins and others, there is a real can-do spirit running through Midway these days and locals are proud
of the way things are going.

“The people who have come here are putting real effort into it,” he said.

Locally owned businesses

Cecil Duvall moved to Midway about seven years ago after his daughter discovered the place and refused to leave.

Originally a farmer from upstate New York, he bought a Wasatch County dairy farm and, more recently, opened Cafe
Galleria on Midway’s Main Street.

His farm provides all the meat and dairy products for the restaurant, including cheeses. The cafe specializes in wood-
fired pizzas and a special recipe for bagels that also are wood-fired.

Midway residents like locally owned businesses, Duvall said. “They like the fact that there are no chains.”

Seventeen years ago, Millie and Roger Medby left Southern California for Midway because they wanted to live in the
country. The couple renovated a historic house and opened an antique shop.

Now they’re revamping an old gas station on Main Street into a coffeehouse. The couple plan a July 31 grand opening
for the Fill Er up Coffee Station.

They’re taking a chance on a new business despite the economy, Millie said, because the town’s future looks
promising.

“Everything has slowed down for the past two years with the economy, but we’re still a tourist destination.”

The pitfalls of growth are a constant topic of discussion in Midway, she said.

“We have people who are big thinkers and some who are more conservative,” she said. “We have a lot of new
development. Some is well done. And some I’m not crazy about.”

Little Midway has grown so much that owners of The Store in Holladay opened a 20,000-square-foot grocery on
Main Street in December. Residents have made a pact to shop there so it won’t go away.

The sleek but down-home market offers everything from specialized meats and sushi to fresh milk and eggs, said
manager Tyler Lay.

“We offer the everyday and the hard-to-get,” he said.

And that’s a motto that seems to fit the whole town.

..

I love Midway. My wife and I have gone up and stayed at the Blue Boar Inn for our Anniversary and then go over to Swiss Days for the last 7 or 8 years now. What a change that has taken place up there. It is such an amazing little town nestled up against the Wasatch back.

I can understand your point, but depending on someones point of view, most projects can seem very unnecessary. I'm sure there are plenty of people that felt that the median landscaping along 7th E between 9th and 13th S was unnecessary, but it's a nice addition and it breaks up the see of asphalt. While there was nothing wrong with 13th East in Sandy IMO either, I think it will create a much softer look and create a more pleasant driving experience. It would be an interesting study to know if there are any calming effects on drivers in areas with median landscapes as opposed to areas without.

:previous:

What about pedestrians, will they be sufficiently shaded from the sun on a hot day? Looking at the dyagram, it looks like the answer to that question is no. Also, there is no buffer between the sidewalk and the street. Perhaps it would have been better to line the street with trees on both sides, creating a buffer, providing shade for both pedestrians and the asphault, rather than just a mid-street median.