Salt Lake:Official development news thread - Page 322

TANGELD_SLC · #**6421** Posted **Aug 11, 2008, 7:02 AM**

I love love LOVE the metro condos! I didn't realize they were finished. Thanks for the pics, T-mac!

jedikermit · #**6422** Posted **Aug 11, 2008, 1:08 PM**

I do like the design, the location and the size of the Metro Condos...some of the materials inside and out seem a little shoddy for the price you're paying to live there.

delts145 · #**6423** Posted **Aug 11, 2008, 2:33 PM**

Exactly what elements are you referring to Jedi?

jedikermit · #**6424** Posted **Aug 11, 2008, 2:56 PM**

We already talked about the wood framing on the inside of the structure--and while it was debated at the time, I still think that there will be more noise issues with wood than with other materials. I'm also not digging the treatment of the majority of the outside of the building. I'm not sure if its stucco or cement, but I'd prefer brick or stone. I do like the "pop-outs" and the stone at street level, but not the stuccosity.

Still, a much better effort than the Gateway condos or some others we've seen rear their ugly heads lately.

cololi · #**6425** Posted **Aug 11, 2008, 4:25 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by jedikermit

We already talked about the wood framing on the inside of the structure--and while it was debated at the time, I still think that there will be more noise issues with wood than with other materials. I'm also not digging the treatment of the majority of the outside of the building. I'm not sure if its stucco or cement, but I'd prefer brick or stone. I do like the "pop-outs" and the stone at street level, but not the stuccosity.

Still, a much better effort than the Gateway condos or some others we've seen rear their ugly heads lately.

It is much cheaper to build with wood than steel. I think we are going to see much more of this type of building over the next 3-5 years. One of the major obstacles is overcoming the building height with wood. Most cities that experiencing successful Transit oriented developments are altering their building codes to allow an additional story of frame construction. It helps make jobs pencil and helps offset land costs associated with TODs.

SLC Projects · #**6426** Posted **Aug 11, 2008, 4:59 PM**

I also agree that they shouldn't have used wood for the project. Sure it's cheaper. But is it safe? How many stories of wood can these developers built before it becomes unsafe?

cololi · #**6427** Posted **Aug 11, 2008, 5:06 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLC Projects

I also agree that they shouldn't have used wood for the project. Sure it's cheaper. But is it safe? How many stories of wood can these developers built before it becomes unsafe?

Yes, it is safe. They still are engineered to meet the same structural standards as if it were still, it is just wood. As far fire issues, the structure still has to meet the same fire safety standards.

Orlando · #**6428** Posted **Aug 11, 2008, 7:25 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Viperlord

Anyone care to buy the old Zims place???

Zim's Downtown
150 South State
Salt Lake City, UT 84111

http://www.loopnet.com/xNet/MainSite/Lis...0&StepID=104&sourcecode=1aetdt0004a00075

click on this link for a historic pic of the facade
http://www.loopnet.com/Attachments/3/2/0/320B4441-86EB-4639-AC22-4E3ACF1BB26A.pdf

Property Description:
4 Story plus mezzanine and full height basement which has been home to Zim's Crafts for over 40 years is now available. This building was built as a warehouse in the early 1900's and is virtually unchanged on the interior. Wood plank floors on all levels, cast iron decorative columns and windows on all sides of the building make this property a natural for retail/residential conversion. Many historic features are still intact underneath the current facade.

That has got to be the ugliest building in downtown

Please someone take advantage of a cheap building shell and convert it into something attractive. How about lofts? Take off the skin they must have placed on it in the 60's and expose the existing brick if that is what is there still.

utahboozer · #**6429** Posted **Aug 11, 2008, 8:22 PM**

I'm a n00b here, so I'll just be short and clear:

I really like this thread and, though I won't have much to add other than my opinion, I fully enjoy the work that everyone has put into it. It's great to see how my hometown of SLC has grown (and hopefully will continue to grow). I have a great deal of pride in Salt Lake, and I think it is the best urban environment in Utah (culturally and politically).

Keep up the good work!

urbanboy · #**6430** Posted **Aug 11, 2008, 8:46 PM**

Welcome Utahboozer!

T-Mac · #**6431** Posted **Aug 11, 2008, 9:00 PM**

Welcome Utahboozer. It will be good to have your opinions and insights.

ctobsl · #**6432** Posted **Aug 11, 2008, 9:12 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLC Projects

I really like the way the Metro Condos turned out. We need more projects to have this type of design.

I agree with you, but I wish they would build some of them a little taller when they build in the downtown area. I always think they are wasting space when they build 5 or 6 story buildings. I would like to see apartments or condos in this height when they build on the edge of the city.

http://aycu11.webshots.com/image/21850/2000809668373947858_rs.jpg

Anthony

utahboozer · #**6433** Posted **Aug 11, 2008, 9:43 PM**

Thanks for the welcome.

I live now in the Marmalade District, so I have a pretty nice view of downtown from the northwest. There are some interesting projects in the works in the area right now, namely the Marmalade condos.

I am interested to see what happens to Almond Street. Right now there is a lagre vacant lot on the west side of the street, and my gut is telling me that a new set of condos will be springing up soon (much to my chagrin, because the view of the west valley is really great).

1. I absolutely despise Mecham's non-work in Sugarhouse. The Sugarhouse Crater is abhorrant, and I fear that new development there will be cookie-cutter.

2. Salt Lake City should land the Broadway-style theater. I would love to see it placed on...well, Broadway. It makes sense!

3. DV8's old decrepit building is sad to see. But it would be even sadder to see it become a parking lot. That corner seems to valuable to be made into a flat parking lot, IMHO.

These are just some of my opinions...sorry if I seem obtuse. However, I may be able to share some great pics with you all.

Until then

urbanboy · #**6434** Posted **Aug 11, 2008, 9:46 PM**

Hey neighbor!

NYC Rick · #**6435** Posted **Aug 11, 2008, 9:47 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stenar

Your issue with timelessness I can get behind, but...

You want the styles to be homogenous!?? That I do NOT agree with. The worst neighborhoods are those where everything looks the same. By the "Gateway" are you referring to the mall/apts/condo development by the Boyer Co. or the overall "Gateway" area of surrounding blocks? It seems like you're referring to just the Boyer development, which "everyone" was "on the same page" for that development because it was all developed by one company... and I think it looks like crap. Too much beige stucco, which is not what the plans looked like that they presented to the public.

In the most insignificant definition of ": homogeneous" would be bland with a sense of sameness.
Homogeneous in a city environment can mean variant styles but with the ability to blend together with the goal of artistic creativity not being clashing.

The differences that I see in the new condos etc that I am seeing on here is more clashing. Their type of homogeneous seems more on being an equal level of being different for difference sake and not for the creativity of a timeless urban local.

I mean I have seen the condos and plans you are talking about. What I do not see is a:homogeneous aspect where quality and interaction are the most important. A blending with style and design.

I am still willing to bet that in 20 years almost every one of these structures (not all) are going to look OLD and TIRED.

I am not just talking about SLC either. You can see it all over. The quality of materials has a lot to do with it.

ski_steve · #**6436** Posted **Aug 11, 2008, 10:30 PM**

The Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts and Education Complex

On August 11, 2008, the University of Utah announced that the Sorenson Legacy Foundation has donated $12 million to the University for construction of an interdisciplinary arts and education complex at its Salt Lake City campus. It is the largest single donation in support of fine arts or arts and education in the University's history and one of the largest such donations in the state.

The new facility will be named the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts and Education Complex and will be built at the southern entrance of the campus adjacent to Milton Bennion Hall. Sorenson, a University of Utah alumna, is a philanthropist and former teacher who founded the innovative art works for kids! program and has been a long-time champion of arts education for Utah elementary school children.

http://www.artsed.utah.edu/

urbanboy · #**6437** Posted **Aug 11, 2008, 10:32 PM**

That's great! Thanks Stevana!

ski_steve · #**6438** Posted **Aug 11, 2008, 10:37 PM**

Davis County leader named new SLC planning director
By Jared Page
Deseret News

Wilf Sommerkorn says he's ready for a new challenge, and Salt Lake City certainly has one for him.

Sommerkorn was introduced Monday as director of the capital city's troubled planning division, ending a five-month search for a candidate Mayor Ralph Becker believes is qualified to steer the division out of a decades-long downward spiral...

The addition of Sommerkorn, the mayor said, "completes a leadership team at our department of community and economic development that will provide superb guidance to achieve Salt Lake City's potential as a great American city."

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,700250077,00.html

ski_steve · #**6439** Posted **Aug 11, 2008, 10:40 PM**

Transit authority considers streetcar line

Associated Press

The Utah Transit Authority and city planners are considering bringing a streetcar line to the Sugar House neighborhood.

Salt Lake City, South Salt Lake and UTA are considering using the streetcars to connect a light rail line with the neighborhood.

Planners are modeling the line after the 4-mile, city-owned loops in Portland, Ore., that connect downtown neighborhoods to light rail.

A $300,000 study will decide if the 2-mile line is feasible.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,700249996,00.html

We already know all of this though, i guess the Associated Press just heard about it

UTAZLoVer · #**6440** Posted **Aug 11, 2008, 10:41 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevena07

Davis County leader named new SLC planning director
By Jared Page
Deseret News

Wilf Sommerkorn says he's ready for a new challenge, and Salt Lake City certainly has one for him.

Sommerkorn was introduced Monday as director of the capital city's troubled planning division, ending a five-month search for a candidate Mayor Ralph Becker believes is qualified to steer the division out of a decades-long downward spiral...

The addition of Sommerkorn, the mayor said, "completes a leadership team at our department of community and economic development that will provide superb guidance to achieve Salt Lake City's potential as a great American city."

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,700250077,00.html

That's awesome! Wilf is a cool guy for sure, hopefully he can help SLC a lot. His wife was my Algebra teacher in high school, and she's pretty darn cool too.

Cool Sommerkorns. Cool.

No really though I'm glad they picked somebody from in-state, and I trust Becker would make a wise decision on this position, as evidenced by the fact that he waited five months to fill it - waiting for just the right person!