Salt Lake:Official development news thread

[arkhitektor]

Originally Posted by urbanboy

Are you sure? 100 and 200 South seem to be more narrow than 300 South.

It certainly feels wider than other streets, but I think that's just a matter of perception. The street feels bigger because of the wider sidewalks and center parking and median.

Take Main St. and State Street. Main feels cozy and State seems as wide as a freeway, but from building to building the width is the same on both streets.
Sidewalks treatment can go a long way toward how vast or intimate a streetscape feels.

As for what is a Blvd. and what isn't, it really seems like you could stretch the word to describe any street if you really wanted to. There doesn't seem to be a cut and dry definition of what a boulevard is.

Whatever you call it, I'm excited to see something more done with 500 S. and 600 S. (The grand boulevards district as the area is called in the downtownrising masterplan.) They could bury some overhead power lines, plant and some trees and really vamp up the landscaping in the area to make it a beautiful gateway to the city. They are both one-way streets, so a median would be pointless, but there is still a lot that could be done to make the area more welcoming.

[delts145]

Originally Posted by Cottonwood

:So, which streets are you considering Boulevards in downtown SLC? Especially ones considered "iconic" or in your opinion "iconic"--- Just curious. Have some of the streets added landscaping and grass in the last year? State Street has the potential to become a true Boulevard much like Capitol Blvd here in Boise. North Temple could even join in on the action.

It is perfectly legitimate to interpret and physically create many definitions of the term boulevard today. As a native Parisian, I tend to think of Boulevardes as wide thoroughfares, lined with trees and graced by an abundance of beautifully landscaped plazas. IMO it should be a wide street, lined with not just one or two, but many stunningly beautiful and or historical buildings, and truely grand depots, hotels, palatial mansions, chapels and cathedrals, etc., such as South Temple. Frankly, if you don't have a grand (very wide) street to work with in the first place, along with a large number of iconic, monumental, stunning buildings already built or being built, then what do you have, "but a pleasant street or expressway." Again from a European perspective, if you have a large amount of mediocre architecture lining a street downtown, all the trees in the world won't hide the ugly buildings. Unfortunately, I seriously doubt that certain cities will ever have a large amount of iconic buildings, or at least not in our lifetime. Of course, I wouldn't want to cause a tiff by comparing library's, city hall's, or the shear mass of iconic buildings in downtown Salt Lake with other cities in the region. Fortunately for downtown Salt Lake City, it already has an abundance of grand squares, monumental architecture, destination centers for shopping, worshipping and conventioneering, a booming network of mass transit, TOD's, and billions more is currently being invested to add to and fill in the picture.

Thankgoodness, it is already built or is being built now in downtown. I think it would be so depressing to live in many cities, knowing that it doesn't already exist and really nothing much is happening to add to the scene."Of course, at least from an iconic architectural standpoint."

[Cottonwood]

Originally Posted by delts145

It is perfectly legitimate to interpret and physically create many definitions of the term boulevard today. As a native Parisian, I tend to think of Boulevardes as wide thoroughfares, lined with trees and graced by an abundance of beautifully landscaped plazas. IMO it should be a wide street, lined with not just one or two, but many stunningly beautiful and or historical buildings, and truely grand depots, hotels, palatial mansions, chapels and cathedrals, etc., such as South Temple. Frankly, if you don't have a grand (very wide) street to work with in the first place, along with a large number of iconic, monumental, stunning buildings already built or being built, then what do you have, "but a pleasant street or expressway." Again from a European perspective, if you have a large amount of mediocre architecture lining a street downtown, all the trees in the world won't hide the ugly buildings. Unfortunately, I seriously doubt that certain cities will ever have a large amount of iconic buildings, or at least not in our lifetime. Of course, I wouldn't want to cause a tiff by comparing library's, city hall's, or the shear mass of iconic buildings in downtown Salt Lake with certain other cities in the region. Fortunately for downtown Salt Lake City, it already has an abundance of grand squares, monumental architecture, destination centers for shopping, worshipping and conventioneering,a booming network of mass transit, and billions more is currently being invested to add to and fill in the picture.

Thankgoodness, it is already built or is being built now in downtown. I think it would be so depressing to live in many so called middle to larger cities in the West, knowing that it doesn't already exist and really nothing much is happening to add to the scene."Of course, at least from an iconic architectural standpoint."

Well , thanks for your explanation and opinion! Your definition explains Capitol Blvd to the tee! Just like SLC, we have some hideous modern buildings too but the historic bldgs make up for it.
Capitol Blvd in Boise pulls the job off well with the buildings I mentioned in my earlier post, the Blvd crosses a pristine wooded River, and passes by many historic buildings in downtown Boise that line the Blvd on the way to the Capitol.
We have some beautiful plazas and squares downtown too, some adjacent to and near Capitol Blvd. and don't forget the stately, lush parks that are adjacent to Capitol Blvd. as it nears and passes the river into downtown. Oh yes, and we have everything else you mentioned in your downtown in our downtown too...except the light rail....which will happen in time. But this isn't about comparing, so I will stop there and let you take what I said in your own manner.
I think it is commendable that SLC is going to "upgrade" some of the streets in and out of downtown and make them more Boulevard like. Salt Lake has an attractive downtown and I have always thought it could use more greenery, so the upgraded streets will be nice.

Your definition is great.
Thanks Delts!

[delts145]

Sorry Cottonwood, Boise is a nice town, but my opinion on the subject is a universe apart from yours.

[Cottonwood]

Originally Posted by delts145

Sorry Cottonwood, Boise is a nice town, but IMO, not even in the same universe as far as shear volume of buildings like Salt Lake's City Hall, or towers like the Boston Building, the JSMB, or the new library for that matter. But that is just my opinion and this is a SLC thread. I certainly wouldn't go over to the another town's thread and try and bait formumers with this opinion.

You've got it wrong buddy. As a past resident of SLC I find it ok to involve myself in discussion here once in a while and when I saw discussion about Boulevards I wanted to join in and offer an opinion. My intention was not to compare in a negative way....just like you have turned this into...of course.
Your earlier response is seeping with hidden sarcasm and negativity towards little old Boise when I wasn't making any negative comparisons. Hey Delts, I just used Capitol Boulevard as an example because I do live in Boise and Capitol is a major artery here and a good example of a Boulevard...I was not trying to turn this discussion into what you are trying to turn it into.
This is a public forum. Since when cannot residents of a city involve themselves with another city? Especially if that resident used to live in a certain city as I did?
Delts, this is a forum. By the way you act I am led to believe this is more of a social scene for you and your opinions.
I thought my question about Boulevards in SLC generated some good discussion that wasn't negative until you became involved in the discussion.
Get over your insecurities and don't get so worked up when Boise and SLC are compared on occasion.
Love Makes the World Go Round.

[delts145]

LOL. Cottonwood, obviously you will notice that I immediately erased and posted a much more politically correct statement. So erase yours, tone it down and move on.

[Cottonwood]

Originally Posted by delts145

LOL. Cottonwood, obviously you will notice that I immediately erased and posted a much more politically correct statement. So erase yours, tone it down and move on.

[SLC Projects]

Ok everybody group hug. Moving on.

[delts145]

The Capitol's Guardians


Tim Hussin, Deseret News

This is a pretty cool little Audio Slideshow, if you havent seen it already.

Link: http://deseretnews.com/photo/slideshow/1,5587,80,00.html

.

[T-Mac]

Kirtland Condos
Taken today.

[airhero]

Originally Posted by urbanboy

I'm not trying to create enemies, Really, it's not that difficult to specify which church is being discussed. In this particular case, all that is needed is "LDS."

Oh, duh...I completely forgot the name could be abbreviated. I'm such an airhead sometimes.

[Boiseguy]

Originally Posted by Cottonwood

You've got it wrong buddy. As a past resident of SLC I find it ok to involve myself in discussion here once in a while and when I saw discussion about Boulevards I wanted to join in and offer an opinion. My intention was not to compare in a negative way....just like you have turned this into...of course.
Your earlier response is seeping with hidden sarcasm and negativity towards little old Boise when I wasn't making any negative comparisons. Hey Delts, I just used Capitol Boulevard as an example because I do live in Boise and Capitol is a major artery here and a good example of a Boulevard...I was not trying to turn this discussion into what you are trying to turn it into.
This is a public forum. Since when cannot residents of a city involve themselves with another city? Especially if that resident used to live in a certain city as I did?
Delts, this is a forum. By the way you act I am led to believe this is more of a social scene for you and your opinions.
I thought my question about Boulevards in SLC generated some good discussion that wasn't negative until you became involved in the discussion.
Get over your insecurities and don't get so worked up when Boise and SLC are compared on occasion.
Love Makes the World Go Round.

there's very few places in the United states that have a boulevard in respects to european design. I don't think either boise OR Salt lake will ever achieve the essence that delts is speaking of... because frankly europe is old and has existed through many different periods of modern civilization.. As for comparing two cities.. boise definetely has the concept down better than salt lake... but its all relative to a city's culture.. I mean salt lake has a much more historical presence in its downtown because of the LDS and the preservation of their culture...and boise has the greenery and layout...
I think both cities have both of the aspects needed, but each is lacking in the other...

Capital blvd. Boise

[SLC Projects]

That's nice. Why would we want a giant Boise pic in a Salt Lake thread?

[Boiseguy]

Originally Posted by SLC Projects

That's nice. Why would we want a giant Boise pic in a Salt Lake thread?

sorry I was responding to the boulevard topic in salt lake.. and cottonwood was comparing the two cities.. and I thought I would present my point of view on the issue, and I tried to be diplomatic about it, while presenting some sort of visual reference.. boise thread believe it or not has plenty of examples of architecture in salt lake.. i just refuse to participate in this boise vs. salt lake fuck fest.. I'd prefer to be open and honest and forthcoming with a perspective... you can either a take it for what its worth and be enlightened by the conversation...and an outside perspective that is actually interested in salt lake developement...or you can be a twit about it...

[SLCdave]

Hey Delts145 do you know why trees line the streets in Paris ?

[T-Mac]

Nice pic Boiseguy. I actually appreciate your input in the matter and I think that the pic is a good example of what we could be doing here in Salt Lake. I think that we need to look to all examples to make sure that we make Salt Lake City the best that it can be. Thanks for your input.

[wrendog]

It's a nice pic, but I can't see the boulevard, or how it is a boulevard from that pic. All the people in the way.

[Boiseguy]

thanks.. although I have my own beef with the LDS church, nonetheless its culture is part of downtown salt lake, and adds to historical significance for the city, and I think whatever does happen in salt lake, I for one would like to see that presence continue to exist and be preserved amongst a more liberal and diverse cityscape. Salt Lake would be so intriguing if you saw grand boulevards lined with people and outdoor cafe's and night life, only to already compliment the light rail and architecture... I guess what I'm trying to say is.. changing the culture of salt lake the city, all while preserving the past and history... That is how the city will get put on the map...and I think that is being realized more and more with more residential developement. when people from elsewhere visit and don't feel it so strange, they will be much more apt to embrace the history that is part of the city, and it will make people talk about how exciting, vibrant and sophisticated salt lake city is.. rather than all of the negative strange things commonly associated with it it... hope that makes sense?
being a world class city and on the map doesn't involved tall buildings a big airport and mass transit... its how a city presents itself and its vibe... that makes people talk... that is what salt lake needs to do.. a

[Boiseguy]

Originally Posted by wrendog

It's a nice pic, but I can't see the boulevard, or how it is a boulevard from that pic. All the people in the way.

you can't see how the street is 5 lanes on each side.. and how it is seperated with a park in the middle and it converges into one big boulevard in the front where the people jogging are turning? as well as being lined with trees and flanked by two parks on both sides of it...
its not the best prepresentation of a blvd.. but probably one of the best as far as mountain west is concerned...

[delts145]

Maybe we can post a few pic bumps that are more appropriate for this specific thread, and also just help us to get off this page as soon as possible



The American Planning Association yesterday released it’s first list 'Great Streets in the country.' Among the ten great streets was South Temple Street in downtown Salt Lake City.



True to Its Original Character Down to the Smallest Details

First envisioned in Joseph Smith’s Plat of Zion of 1833 and later employed by Brigham Young in 1847, South Temple Street was meant to be the finest and most prominent avenue in Salt Lake City, as well as a model for other cities and towns in the west. Much of South Temple’s success today is a direct reflection of this original bold vision.

The American Planning Association has selected South Temple Street as one of 10 Great Streets in America for its historical residential design and craftsmanship, diversity of land uses, and the integration of multiple forms of transportation throughout history — as well as commitment on the part of the community to preserve its legacy.

A major east-west corridor, South Temple Street is bounded by a historic residential neighborhood and the University of Utah to the east and the historic Union Pacific Railroad Depot to the west. Running 18 blocks long, the street encompasses everything from a mature tree-lined, mixed use district with historic homes, churches, commercial services, and retail establishments to the city’s central business area and downtown.

“South Temple simply tells the great story of our city’s past,” says Salt Lake City planner Ana Valdemoros, “and is also a statement of the efficient combination of historic preservation and modern planning tools.” Thanks to community leaders, residents, planners, and others, there is an ongoing commitment to Brigham Young’s vision that this be the finest street of the city.


Just a handful of some of South Temple's and Downtown Salt Lake's outstanding architecture and sight-lines
I love this shot taken by SLCrising

SLCrising

citydata


prestige




Pics4
Coming Soon!

tower 1








[/QUOTE]

Kevin Delaney

wikimedia




Temple Square Campus




citydata



Taken by Arkhitektor


Arkhitektor


A Forum Favorite, "The Alta Club Details"
Cathedral of the Madeleine




First Presbyterian Church

Govenor's Mansion, One of many palatial homes along So. Temple


scenicutah