Salt Lake:Official development news thread

[utenation]

Originally Posted by 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

Just curious, how does hosting the Olympics for the world stack up when rating "on the map" and "world class" status? Last I checked, SLC received great reviews and our economy is still benefiting from that experience.

[Scraperdude801]

After school today I rode trax to the new Planetarium stop. I have to say that it was awesome being dropped off right at Gateway's doorstep (Arena was good at the north end, but it was a pretty long walk from the Arena stop down to where the movie theater is.) If that Gordon project happens than this neighborhood will be awesome with the cafes, bistros, condo and office towers, hotel, etc that Gordon has planned for his property.

Just wanted to share my thoughts with you guys. Did anyone else on here have a chance to test out the new stops yet? Anyone ride FrontRunner? (I know this is technically a transit post but it is DT related)

[MetroFanatic]

Yeah, every Monday and Wednesday I am going to the Old Greektown stop, which makes life a whole lot easier.

[ski_steve]

Originally Posted by Scraperdude801

After school today I rode trax to the new Planetarium stop. I have to say that it was awesome being dropped off right at Gateway's doorstep (Arena was good at the north end, but it was a pretty long walk from the Arena stop down to where the movie theater is.) If that Gordon project happens than this neighborhood will be awesome with the cafes, bistros, condo and office towers, hotel, etc that Gordon has planned for his property.

Just wanted to share my thoughts with you guys. Did anyone else on here have a chance to test out the new stops yet? Anyone ride FrontRunner? (I know this is technically a transit post but it is DT related)

Whats the Gordon project? I dont think I have heard of it, unless it is that sports complex.

[Scraperdude801]

Originally Posted by stevena07

Whats the Gordon project? I dont think I have heard of it, unless it is that sports complex.

The Article was originally posted by Viperlord. I call it the Gordon project because I don't know what else to call it.
http://www.sltrib.com/ci_8976716

Perhaps the boldest change could come east of The Gateway on the block bordering the new 400 West Planetarium TRAX stop and 300 West.
Property-owner Richard Gordon, who is unveiling the Westgate Lofts on 200 South, is working with city planners to dice the block into four chunks - complete with two new through streets. He wants to add shops, bistros, offices and more lofts when Utah Paperbox makes its move to Glendale in four years.
And a boutique hotel, perhaps a W, is planned by a Las Vegas development group that recently bought three acres on the block's northern end.
Gordon says the goal is to make the once-impenetrable parcel walkable. "We'll tie comfortably into the mall and the convention center and the arena," he predicts, "so it ties these four blocks together."


Sports Complex question:

Where is thhis sports complex going exactly? I know it is going in at 200 S. some where. What are the E. or W. coordinates?

[ski_steve]

I heard about this at the U of U Architecture building. Apparently they will demolish the Central Warehouse across from the Old Greek Town Stop. I have just heard that it will be on that block, maybe extending more north. As to what it is I dont know. The guy I was talking to, who is one of the people planning it said, its some kind of sports complex, but he didnt know how much he could tell me.

I also saw the northern half of the hubs warehouse had a sign that said future development. I have heard that its going to possibly be a bike storage area and maybe some shops.

There was also a building across from the Central Station stop that said it was going to be developed aswell.

Oh and the Gateway Mall is expanding south. There is a new restaurant next to, I think its Gateway 5 offices.

So yeah, lots of stuff with be happening in the Gateway District soon, we just dont really know all the details. Hope we find out soon!

[Boiseguy]

Originally Posted by utenation

Just curious, how does hosting the Olympics for the world stack up when rating "on the map" and "world class" status? Last I checked, SLC received great reviews and our economy is still benefiting from that experience.

it puts you on the world stage, but doesn't create a name for itself... you wan't people to talk about salt lake city for what the city offers, rather than just being "that city where the olympics were" dunno if that makes sense.. I am not putting salt lake down at all, in fact I think that with more residential and downtown becoming more of a neighbourhood the city is moving in that direction. I just know that many people after visiting salt lake talk about the good skiing around it.. but not much about the city itself.. and if they do its more around whats strange about it... I think becoming more cosmopolitain and changing laws surrounding alcohol and zoning could play a big part in it.

[Boiseguy]

Originally Posted by utenation

Wow!!! What is the deal with all these Boise bozos on this forum? I've never seen such Little Man's Disease before.. You mentioned we should stop comparing the two cities, why don't you start right now?

I've been lurking for sometime now but finally felt the urge to say something about these clowns.

Boise's skyline is not in the same ballpark as SLC's.. You maybe have 3 or 4 buildings that are even worth mentioning.. SLC has around 16 buildings built or under cunstruction that are taller than your best.. The Boise Place mess is only getting worse.. I really don't see how you can compare the two skylines.. Infill and density aren't close either. You could make a decent case for a more vibrant downtown but that's about it..

As far as populations, it's not even close.. And yes, you have much more in common with Provo than SLC..

Boise is about 600K metro
Provo is about 500K metro
SLC is about 1.3 million metro

SLC's metro is closer to the size of your entire state.. If you think that Boise being the capital and largest city in the state is a true comparison, you need to think again.. It sounds more like envy to me..

so if you're not living in utah, you're not welcome to participate and voice a perspective? great... f u dude.. you're a douchebag... I takes too much effort to participate with you folks.. you're so quick to get defensive and insulted... and it turns into a flashback to high school... Welcome to the forum, glad to see more people participating... I'll leave u to it... and go back "where I belong"...

[SLC Projects]

Originally Posted by Scraperdude801

Anyone ride FrontRunner? (I know this is technically a transit post but it is DT related)

I did. I also make a video of it.

[Scraperdude801]

Why do people fight on message boards?

Personally I think the Boise VS. SLC argument doesn't have a leg to stand on so I usually refrain from joining the debate because I don't want to waste my time. ... Lately though it has been one fight after another on this forum. Can't we all just get along? ... Boiseguy - you know that this subject is not a hot topic for us from SLC. I've seen you get into a couple fights on our thread throughout the year and a half that I have been on here. So I have to ask myself (or better yet you guys) why you Boise people keep coming back to debate something like this? Is it boredom, jealousy, or delusion?

I am certain that none of the forumers from Salt Lake mind if you join our discussions, just don't diss our city!

[Boiseguy]

you know u might be right, but I wasn't aware of attitudes that many forumers have, and I have made it a point to be constructive in all of my input, I have family that is LDS, and some that live down there so just because I'm in boise does not mean that I can't and am not interested.. and seeing as how I am not from boise or salt lake origionally, but I know a lot about both places.. I think it is fair to compare some things so long as it is done in good taste, there are a few people that want to bark at any comparisons to boise and put boise down, and all that does is provide ammunition for a fight... It really does go both ways.. because many utah posters frequent our threads on a regular basis and provide insight.. and there rarely seems to be a problem..... I just think that comparing cities whether it be boise and salt lake.. or reno and boise.. or calgary and salt lake.. what is so wrong with that? these outbursts have very little to do with reality and a lot to do with emotion....
just because I am speaking on the subject doesn't mean I'm here to instigate anything... but it seems all it does is promote more douchebags like utenation to come out of the woodwork and make the situation worse

[delts145]

Boiseguy, Of course, not only do we not mind your participation on the Wasatch Threads, but I think it is now enjoyed and very much welcomed. Your opinions while not always the same as mine, are very insightful,(since when do any of us agree on everything.)
Imo however, I think you would be a little too quick this particular time at calling Utenation a 'douchebag.' Realize, that after a half a dozen or so people from Boise 'FIRST' trolled onto our local threads,"some of which were clearly marked as closed." and taking all kinds of cheap shots, "then and only then did Utenation respond in kind." This doesnot include you. I noticed that you tried time after time to be restrained and objective. However, this definately includes a handful of Boise forumers.

I would have to strongly agree with Scaperdude's comments above. Only one of many examples on this local forum, which happened yesterday with someone from Boise, " first coming over to this local forum" and making snotty little comparisons. Ohhhh... yes, they protested and acted so oblivious to any infraction, but given that person's well known bitter history, it was obvious what kind of game they were playing. Now, if they had been playing that game on the Boise forum, then okay. But as Scaper justly pointed out, "what the Hell business do they have coming over here and making these laughable, stupid, non-sensical comparisons," or 'FIRST Out Of The Box' lobbing their crap. What was hilarious is that no sooner had I responded to their long littany of baited posts, they were ready to pounce back as if on their stocked prey. LOL. It's pretty obvious by the familiar posting notations and the order of the post, that I had immediately deleted a response and toned it down. Again, Utenation like most of us, was simply fed up and responding in-kind out of sheer frustration. Don't a certain small number of Boise forumers understand that Boise is waaay too vulnerable to have even the least bit of a superior attitude on this REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT forum? I mean, the failure of BoisePlace is but one of many issues, that if local forumers are given a good reason to respond, or Throw-Back and Follow-Up with other comparisons, they will.

If a minority, and I emphasize minority of Boise Former's want to make the snarky put downs or delusional, big dick comparisons, then they should at the very least keep them over on the their own Boise forum. They shouldn't be brought over here. And especially, if a small number of Boise forumers are having a Freudian problem with their upbringing then please, KEEP IT OFF OF OUR FORUM. They should deal with it somewhere else.

[delts145]

Some excellent development points.

Architect urges local leaders to develop funding for Utah green-guilding projects

Eco-friendly sites would help reignite economy, he says.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695275273,00.html


Edward Mazria

.

[utenation]

Originally Posted by delts145

Again, Utenation like most of us, was simply fed up and responding in-kind out of sheer frustration..

Bingo... I've been reading a for a little while, 99% of the information here is outstanding.. I'm just tired of the insecure comparisons and brash personal insults.. A strong sign of mental weakness for sure..

Here's to getting back to the progress in SLC and letting the Boise guys go about their business on their forum. I'm all for guests but I didn't come here to consistently read about Boise in SLC threads.

[NYC Rick]

Originally Posted by i-215

Boise is Salt Lake as Salt Lake is to Denver.

I can understand - I compare SLC to Denver all the time - but in actuality, we're much smaller.

This is definitely an appropriate analogy. As far as the city goes.

What really makes Salt Lake City a viable Denver analogy is the fact that both have Consolidated Metro Areas that are both basically larger than the core and are both virtually the vast majority of their state's populace.

The CMSA for SLC (the Wasatch Front) is between 2.2 to 2.25 million and growing. Denver is getting closer to 4 million. No matter how you cut it, 2 to 4 million people is a large group of people. The Wasatch Front, even if you exclude Logan and Tooele (only because they add massive amounts of sq miles and very little population for the size of the area) is still close to 2.2 million...and if you consider the populace is about 70 miles long (Ogden to Provo) and really only about 8 miles wide minus the western part of the SLC valley, then there is a contiguous density that exists between 800 to 900 square miles of inhabited land that actively interacts.

I like Boise but it is not metro SLC by the broadest wannabe definition.

Denver has been a plus 1 million people metro since the 50's or 60's. Metro SLC has been one since the 80's. Boise is not one yet. What else can you say.

In New York City, where I live, everything is considered metro NYC. Southern Connecticut, Eastern NJ and down toward Philly. Sounds weird but it is total interaction and one total mass of populace. Over 21,000,000. It does not feel that way but it really is huge. I love it but I know many could not care if it even exists. It may be far bigger than anything in our country but the interaction that makes it this way is no different than the CMSA's of Salt Lake City or Denver or any contiguous urban area.

[Cottonwood]

Originally Posted by NYC Rick

This is definitely an appropriate analogy. As far as the city goes.

What really makes Salt Lake City a viable Denver analogy is the fact that both have Consolidated Metro Areas that are both basically larger than the core and are both virtually the vast majority of their state's populace.

The CMSA for SLC (the Wasatch Front) is between 2.2 to 2.25 million and growing. Denver is getting closer to 4 million. No matter how you cut it, 2 to 4 million people is a large group of people. The Wasatch Front, even if you exclude Logan and Tooele (only because they add massive amounts of sq miles and very little population for the size of the area) is still close to 2.2 million...and if you consider the populace is about 70 miles long (Ogden to Provo) and really only about 8 miles wide minus the western part of the SLC valley, then there is a contiguous density that exists between 800 to 900 square miles of inhabited land that actively interacts.

I like Boise but it is not metro SLC by the broadest wannabe definition.

Denver has been a plus 1 million people metro since the 50's or 60's. Metro SLC has been one since the 80's. Boise is not one yet. What else can you say.

In New York City, where I live, everything is considered metro NYC. Southern Connecticut, Eastern NJ and down toward Philly. Sounds weird but it is total interaction and one total mass of populace. Over 21,000,000. It does not feel that way but it really is huge. I love it but I know many could not care if it even exists. It may be far bigger than anything in our country but the interaction that makes it this way is no different than Salt Lake City or Denver.

I don't think anyone from Boise has ever said that our metro is as large as SLC's metro. It seems like a very few Utah forumers are the ones who constantly push the whole Boise vs. Salt Lake thing.
Bigger isn't better anyways, which is the case when the two cities are compared.
And to you utenation, I have family roots that go back to the settling of Salt Lake City, and I have many, many relatives in the SL Valley and I have lived there for a long time before moving back to Idaho. So, if I decide to join in on conversation once in a while in this thread then so be it.
Back to the whole boulevard discussion------it was going fine, nothing nasty-until a certain forumer piped in and then the discussion went to hell.
The nastiness started when that ONE utah forumer decided to join in.
Both cities can learn from each other since both are emerging smaller cities hidden away in the mountain west. But if you are going to such a bigot then that will just be the way it is...i guess.
Have a good day neighbor!

[utenation]

Originally Posted by Cottonwood

I don't think anyone from Boise has ever said
And to you utenation, I have family roots that go back to the settling of Salt Lake City, and I have many, many relatives in the SL Valley and I have lived there for a long time before moving back to Idaho. So, if I decide to join in on conversation once in a while in this thread then so be it.

Maybe you should move back considering your obsession.. You continually talk about the greatness of Boise but have your ass firmly planted in SLC topics.. Go figure.

I think there's some deep envy for our city's development to be honest..

[Cottonwood]

Originally Posted by utenation

Maybe you should move back considering your obsession.. You continually talk about the greatness of Boise but have your ass firmly planted in SLC topics.. Go figure.

I think there's some deep envy for our city's development to be honest..

My ass planted in SLC topics?
I hardly even participate in this thread or any Utah thread.
DId you not ready my previous post? I have lived in SLC so what is your big deal? There are people who used to live in Boise and live in SLC who participate on the Boise forum once in a while.
If you and Delts145 really want the very few of us Boise people who sometimes participate in SLC threads to stop, then maybe we should.

Congrats, you and Delts145 can have your way.

[delts145]

So There, You Meanies...

As far as the vast majority of Boise Forumers !! Please, WELCOME!!! I'm sure we can discuss the development challenges of our metros without having to START a pissing contest.

[utenation]

Originally Posted by delts145

So There, You Meanies...

As far as the vast majority of Boise Forumers !! Please, WELCOME!!! I'm sure we can discuss the development challenges of our metros without having to START a pissing contest.

I'm all for some development discussion without the clowns.



Anymore news on the Social Hall sites or 1st S. and Main? I realize Social Hall is being used as a staging area for CCC but both those sites are begging for some large towers..

I really think the Carl's Jr. needs to go too.. It just doesn't fit anymore..