Salt Lake:Official development news thread

[delts145]

Asian attraction: South Salt Lake's Chinatown will offer food, culture, shopping and more

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695263703,00.html

The $20 million development is part of a commercial revolution in the city, said 23-year-old project manager Andrew So. The Salt Lake City Chinatown project will be built across the street from new fast food and coffee franchises and just blocks from a massive redevelopment project that will bring 18-story condominiums and trolley rails to South Salt Lake.

"2009 will be a great year for the Salt Lake County," said So, a New York University economics graduate. "It's changing and it's going to be exciting."


.

[Future Mayor]

Originally Posted by Viperlord

World Trade Center Utah Update

Issue Date: March 1, 2008, Posted On: 3/4/2008

http://www.indusbusinessjournal.com/ME2/...er=4&id=8AC7FD3659054B439047695CCACF76C9

At the heart of the trip was a visit to the Mumbai World Trade Center and an agreement signed with the center to take part in the development of the World Trade Center Utah, which is being built now and is scheduled to be completed in 2010.

Gov. Huntsman views the World Trade Center Utah as a focal point of the state’s increasing international scope. “It is a fairly sizable building that will symbolize our commitment to globalization,” he said.

I think it was simply written poorly. I interpreted it as follows. At the heart of the trip was a visit to the Mumbai World Trade Center, which is being built now and is scheduled to be completed in 2010, and an agreement signed with the center to take part in the development of the World
Trade Center Utah.

But after doing some quick research I don't think that is correct either. I looks as if the WTC Mumbai has a 35 story tower and a 26 story tower that are both already completed.

I do think the Japan Town Block or the SW corner of the block just north of the City County building would be the best locations for the WTC Utah.

[UTvision]

I emailed the CEO of the World Trade Center Utah asking to clarify. I will let you know more when I get a response.

[urbanboy]

I just went by the Japantown block again to look at it, and still think it would be an ideal spot for the convention hotel. The south side of the Salt Palace is quite nice and already has pedestrian features, such as covered walkways leading to the south entrance of the Salt Palace. The loading docks on the Convention Center's west side are hidden from the pedestrian's view by a wall. There is also a strong enough visual connection from that site, so that the visitor has no question as to where they should go, in order to get to an entrance. The Salt Palace wraps around that block giving that site somewhat of an advantage, because of it's close proximity to all entrances.

If anyone is concerned about the convention center blocking visitors views of downtown, the convention hotel could have amenities such as a gym and conference rooms on the first couple of floors so that all rooms facing the city will be high enough to look out over the Salt Palace Convention Center. Then, when the County finally puts rooftop gardens above the Convention Center (I don't think there are any plans for this, but think it is something that should be pushed as a "green city"), those staying in the hotel can look out over a field of native grasses and plants with the business/theater district skyline just beyond it. The Convention Center could also use the rooftop gardens as a showcase for conventions that sell outdoor/camping gear, since they will eventually be losing the little park at arrow press square, wether it's a theater or something else that is built in that spot.

[Future Mayor]

While I am all for green rooftops was the Salt Palace designed to accommodate green roofs? From what I know, I'm not claiming to be an architect, it's not just simply placing vegetation on a roof in order to make it a green roof especially with large roof expanses that the convention center has.

While I like your enthusiasm about Japan Town and the convention center hotel on that location, I am not sure how the county plays a role in developing Japan Town. I don't anticipate the county building the hotel.

As for the views, I don't think anyone was saying that the Salt Palace would be blocking views of downtown from the hotel. The view comments were stated as a site line issue from the entrance to the hotel to the entrance of the Salt Palace.

I'm not saying that the Japan Town site is a horrible location I simply think there are several better options.

[urbanboy]

How are convention hotels usually implemented?

And I understand that you don't just put vegetation on a roof that is not structurally designed for that. It would probably require a new roof and new support columns. I really don't know how feasible that is. It might not be, but it's something we can try to demand of newer construction or any other Salt Palace expansions, which at this point would probably have to go up. I just wish rooftop gardens were required before the Convention Center (which has a expansive roof covering the majority of three blocks (30 acres)) was built. A rooftop garden could have served as a world class kick-ass outdoor/camping gear convention space. It would have also reduced the temperature in that area of downtown.

[SLC Projects]

TRAX coming to the west side
KSL.com

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=2907727




West-side residents who can't wait for TRAX to come their way can finally see some progress toward that goal.
Today, construction crews began bringing in heavy-duty equipment that will eventually build the west-side's TRAX line.
Ever since TRAX began in the Salt Lake Valley, it's always been an east-side project, and a lot of people on the west side didn't think it was fair their tax dollars were going toward it.
Today, the west, as far as TRAX is concerned, has won. Construction crews will build Utah Transit Authority's (UTA) headquarters across from West Jordan City Hall.
The line will run from Daybreak in South Jordan, through West Jordan, past Redwood Road, to Gardner Village and eventually connect to the current TRAX Sandy line at 6400 South.
This is a project that has been in the works for years, but now residents can actually see something being done instead of hearing about something being done. Tom Burdett, with West Jordan Community Development, said, "This is big. It provides a whole new dimension for transportation to the west side, West Jordan and the central west side of the valley."
UTA spokesman Gerry Carpenter said, "We're excited to be reaching this milestone. We're actually moving onto the site and getting ready to start work. The official groundbreaking will take place in the next couple of months."
There will be 10 stops in all.




This is great news for me since I live out on the west side on redwood.

[Future Mayor]

Originally Posted by urbanboy

How are convention hotels usually implemented?

I'm not sure, I'll have to do a little research into that.

[SLC Projects]

I like the Salt Palace, however I think it's gotten too big over the years. I mean look at it. It takes up two and a half city blocks and the whole thing is only two stories. When I was looking at Flyguy's over shot view of downtown the Salt Palace looked like a giant gray box right in the middle of downtown. I hate the way the roof looks. Something needs to be done about that. Also at this point if the Salt Palace gets any bigger they need to build up, not outwards. I have enjoyed seeing the Salt Palace grow over the years. But it's now taking up too much downtown space. They need to built up for now on if there is to be another expansion.
Also I would like to see a new tallest 1000+ room hotel somewhere on South temple or West temple right next or across the street from the Salt Palace. IMHO

[Comrade]

Originally Posted by SLC Projects

I like the Salt Palace, however I think it's gotten too big over the years. I mean look at it. It takes up two and a half city blocks and the whole thing is only two stories. When I was looking at Flyguy's over shot view of downtown the Salt Palace looked like a giant gray box right in the middle of downtown. I hate the way the roof looks. Something needs to be done about that. Also at this point if the Salt Palace gets any bigger they need to build up, not outwards. I have enjoyed seeing the Salt Palace grow over the years. But it's now taking up too much downtown space. They need to built up for now on if there is to be another expansion.
Also I would like to see a new tallest 1000+ room hotel somewhere on South temple or West temple right next or across the street from the Salt Palace. IMHO

Are you familiar with convention centers? I've never seen a really vertical convention center. In fact, the Salt Palace, though bigger than average, is still smaller compared to many bigger cities.

Here is the San Diego Convention Center, one of the largest in the country:





It's a bit taller than the Salt Palace, but not by much. I don't see how they could build up.

[SLC Projects]

Originally Posted by Comrade Reynolds

Are you familiar with convention centers? I've never seen a really vertical convention center. In fact, the Salt Palace, though bigger than average, is still smaller compared to many bigger cities.

It's a bit taller than the Salt Palace, but not by much. I don't see how they could build up.

Yes I am familiar with convention centers. That one in San Diego you posted has a much cooler roof design then ours. The S.P. roof is just flat. If Salt Lake could do something kind of like what San Diego did with their convention centers then it wouldn't look so bad.
You don't see how they can built up, but I don't see how they can built out anymore. Not without taking up even more city blocks. And if they did that then it will just look even worst. It just becomes a point when a two story building that takes up two and a half blocks becomes a waste of space.They will have to find a way to built up.
At least they did that on the South Temple end where there is now three stories of meeting spaces.

[Comrade]

Originally Posted by SLC Projects

Yes I am familiar with convention centers. That one in San Diego you posted has a much cooler roof design then ours. The S.P. roof is just flat. If Salt Lake could do something kind of like what San Diego did with their convention centers then it wouldn't look so bad.
You don't see how they can built up, but I don't see how they can built out anymore. Not without taking up even more city blocks. They will have to find a way to built up.

You can't build up, it would be a logistics nightmare. There is a reason why convention centers aren't towers and it's because they need MASSIVE floor space. Creating levels would not work, because it splits the floor space.

Right now, the convention center is ok at its size, with recent expansion, I don't expect another one for probably 10 or so more years. If they expand, it's possible to go up maybe another floor, but it's very unlikely they can get away with going vertical.

[SLC Projects]

Originally Posted by Comrade Reynolds

You can't build up, it would be a logistics nightmare. There is a reason why convention centers aren't towers and it's because they need MASSIVE floor space. Creating levels would not work, because it splits the floor space.

Right now, the convention center is ok at its size, with recent expansion, I don't expect another one for probably 10 or so more years. If they expand, it's possible to go up maybe another floor, but it's very unlikely they can get away with going vertical.

LOL. Ok I wasn't asking for a 10+ story Salt Palace Tower. I was just stating for them to just add another floor or two and also to do something with that flat ugly roof. Looking downwards at downtown all I see is a two block gray roof. I thought you of all people would agree that the roof is plain, boring and ugly.
I think we both agree for the most part that they can't really go outwards anymore and that the next expansion should go upwards. Just another floor.

[Comrade]

Originally Posted by SLC Projects

LOL. Ok I wasn't asking for a 10+ story Salt Palace Tower. I was just stating for them to just add another floor or two and also to do something with that flat ugly roof. Looking downwards at downtown all I see is a two block gray roof. I thought you of all people would agree that the roof is plain, boring and ugly.
I think we both agree for the most part that they can't really go outwards anymore and that the next expansion should go upwards. Just another floor.

Well I don't even know if they can go up a floor, it depends on how they originally built the center. If need be, they can expand a bit to the west, as they did a couple of years ago. Maybe it'll look something like this:



It connects to the main hall, going over 200 West and you can even now connect a new convention center hotel to the center. I put it on 300 West, which could possibly open the area up even more. As for Japantown, there is enough room left on the block for something -- whether it's a Japanese garden, or some Japanese shops.

[Future Mayor]

Originally Posted by Comrade Reynolds

Well I don't even know if they can go up a floor, it depends on how they originally built the center. If need be, they can expand a bit to the west, as they did a couple of years ago. Maybe it'll look something like this:



It connects to the main hall, going over 200 West and you can even now connect a new convention center hotel to the center. I put it on 300 West, which could possibly open the area up even more. As for Japantown, there is enough room left on the block for something -- whether it's a Japanese garden, or some Japanese shops.

That really is the only place that they could possibly expand, unfortunately for Japan town. They may have some options to place some additional meeting room space on an additional floor on top, but like someone said, logistically it may not be possible. I'm not sure they could really do much as far as Japan Town goes with a SP expansion like this, a mere half block hemmed in by a hulking convention center on three sides. I guess Japan Town could expand to the block west as well, just south of ESA. That would give it a full block and may increase traffic to it from the Gateway. If the SP were to expand to this site I would think they would need to provide for underground docks otherwise Japan town has no hope of ever doming back.

One other thing, is that they would really need to add some retail opportunities along the street front of 200 S in the expanded part, otherwise there will be a massive two block from W. Temple to 300 W with nothing but convention center. Maybe they could wrap retail along the East, as the street drops down, South and West sides that would wrap Japan Town around from the other half of the block to the north and to the block to the west.

[ski_steve]

Originally Posted by SLC Projects

TRAX coming to the west side
KSL.com

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=2907727




West-side residents who can't wait for TRAX to come their way can finally see some progress toward that goal.
Today, construction crews began bringing in heavy-duty equipment that will eventually build the west-side's TRAX line.
Ever since TRAX began in the Salt Lake Valley, it's always been an east-side project, and a lot of people on the west side didn't think it was fair their tax dollars were going toward it.
Today, the west, as far as TRAX is concerned, has won. Construction crews will build Utah Transit Authority's (UTA) headquarters across from West Jordan City Hall.
The line will run from Daybreak in South Jordan, through West Jordan, past Redwood Road, to Gardner Village and eventually connect to the current TRAX Sandy line at 6400 South.
This is a project that has been in the works for years, but now residents can actually see something being done instead of hearing about something being done. Tom Burdett, with West Jordan Community Development, said, "This is big. It provides a whole new dimension for transportation to the west side, West Jordan and the central west side of the valley."
UTA spokesman Gerry Carpenter said, "We're excited to be reaching this milestone. We're actually moving onto the site and getting ready to start work. The official groundbreaking will take place in the next couple of months."
There will be 10 stops in all.




This is great news for me since I live out on the west side on redwood.

YAY! Thats good news!

But the Airport line should really be built before the Mid-Jordan. They need to get moving on the airport line.

[Viperlord]

found this...

We should get someone to attend

http://www.saltlakechamber.org/calendar/events/detail/?EventID=2044

Downtown Economic Forum

The Downtown Alliance presents the 2008 Salt Lake City Downtown Economic Forum. This is an opportunity for the public to discover the details about downtown…and the considerable changes taking place.

Leading experts, planners, developers, and community leaders will highlight the following initiatives: 2008 Downtown Benchmarks Report, City Creek Center, Downtown Arts and Cultural District Plan, The Gateway District, and other Downtown Development.


Date: 3/26/2008
Time: 7:30 AM TO 9:30 AM
Register Now
Event Description:



2008 Salt Lake City
Downtown Economic Forum

"Big Projects, Big Plans, Big Ideas, Big Benefits"

Get the lowdown on Downtown by leading experts,
planners, developers, and leaders.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008
23rd Floor, Wells Fargo Center
299 South Main Street, Suite 2300
Registration at 7:30 a.m., Program at 8:00 a.m.
Cost: $20
Continental Breakfast Served


Welcome
Mayor Ralph Becker

2008 Downtown Benchmarks Report
Jim Wood, U of U Bureau of Economic & Business Research

City Creek Center
Mark Gibbons, CCRI

Downtown Arts & Cultural District Plan
Prescott Muir, Prescott Muir Architects

The Gateway District
Jake Boyer, The Boyer Co.

Other Downtown Developments
Bruce Bingham, Hamilton Partners

Special Guest
Governor Jon M. Huntsman, Jr.

For questions, please contact Camille Winnie at 801.333.1106 or [email protected]

Directions:
The 23rd Floor - Event Center
299 South Main, Suite 2300
Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Details:

Phone:
(801) 364-3631


special guest governor,... do you think we may learn more about the WTCUT?

[Viperlord]

i found this interesting...



http://utahwater.net/

I didn't really read into the polotics of it or anything, just though the idea of dams up in both cottonwood canyons was kinda interesting.

[SLCforme]

Interesting? how about fucking horrifying. If they really did build dams in the cottonwoods I would personally blow them up and spend the rest of my life in prison and call it a good trade. I slept up by lake Blanch last night and spent today backcountry skiing, something I do often, and I hike and climb in those canyons all summer long. To see two massive dams and reservoirs scar those canyons would be a travesty.
This must just be a scare tactic, there is NO WAY the people of Salt Lake would let this happen. Here is a brilliant idea as to how to make sure there is enough water in this valley far into the future, USE LESS WATER!!! If everyone in this valley planted vegetation on their property that was actually appropriate for the arid grass and shrub land that the Wasatch Front is then there really wouldn't be a problem with water shortage. Also, the county really needs to update their water utilities; I remember a few years back hearing the statistic on how much water leaks out of our pipes and it was astronomical, SLC was the worst out of SLC, Denver, and Boise.

[T-Mac]

Here are some photos from this morning.

Broadway Park Lofts





300 South Building with Odd Fellows in the Background.





I believe this is the Daynes Music Building on Main between 100 S and 200 S.