Salt Lake:Official development news thread - Page 362

ctobsl · #**7221** Posted **Oct 22, 2008, 1:17 PM**

Okay you guys, I just heard on the news this morning at 7:10 AM. A developer haves approved plans for an 850' high rise with a spire on 1st South and State Street. Who haves the details and the renderings?

That would be on the corner where the Harmons is going tobe built. It was on KSL radio news. I hope I wasn't dreaming!

Hopefully I will get a chance to read your replies, if the server will let me on today. hehehehe Anthony

Orlando · #**7222** Posted **Oct 22, 2008, 2:36 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctobsl

Okay you guys, I just heard on the news this morning at 7:10 AM. A developer haves approved plans for an 850' high rise with a spire on 1st South and State Street. Who haves the details and the renderings?

That would be on the corner where the Harmons is going tobe built. It was on KSL radio news. I hope I wasn't dreaming!

Hopefully I will get a chance to read your replies, if the server will let me on today. hehehehe Anthony

wake up. wake up. It's time to get up now.

Really? 850'? Are you sure it wasn't 450' Are you sure you weren't mistaken?
If it was announced, it's probably the office tower that was proposed by PRI/CCRI for the original city creek development. This would be awesome if it were true. Please tell me you weren't dreaming. This will be designed by SOM, one of the worlds' best highrise designers. They are the designers of the Burj Dubai(the worlds tallest highrise under construction) and 222 Main.

arkhitektor · #**7223** Posted **Oct 22, 2008, 3:07 PM**

KSL was probably referring to the Proscenium in Sandy, which was approved to have a spire of up to 852' by the Sandy Planning Commision:

http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_10781351

NYC Rick · #**7224** Posted **Oct 22, 2008, 3:26 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctobsl

Okay you guys, I just heard on the news this morning at 7:10 AM. A developer haves approved plans for an 850' high rise with a spire on 1st South and State Street. Who haves the details and the renderings?

That would be on the corner where the Harmons is going tobe built. It was on KSL radio news. I hope I wasn't dreaming!

Hopefully I will get a chance to read your replies, if the server will let me on today. hehehehe Anthony

I hope it is true but I will bet anyone that it is not 850 feet...does not have a spire...is not the Procineum (sp?) and would be 3 to 4 hundred feet if true.

More likely 250 feet with a 600 foot spire (underground).

Here is my main question to all: Does anyone actually feel SLC needs or could have the kind of business that could sustain an 850 foot building? In this particular point in time I think that there are few cities besides NYC and Chicago that could...more to the point NYC has canceled more than a few of the partially built over 1,000 foot buildings until they look to be viable again.

wrendog · #**7225** Posted **Oct 22, 2008, 3:38 PM**

Yeah, it was probably referring to the proscenium, unfortunately. 100th south and state was probably what they said. It's not an actual building proposed, just zoning changes that would allow buildings up to 560 ft (or so) with a spire to 850.

SLC Projects · #**7226** Posted **Oct 22, 2008, 4:17 PM**

arkhitektor is right. They were talking about the proscenium project and that Sandy city has approved the height of the first tower to be around 550 feet plus the spire would put it at over 800 feet.
I wish Salt Lake City would get the balls to built something over 500 feet. But it looks like Sandy will beat them to that.

Makid · #**7227** Posted **Oct 22, 2008, 5:02 PM**

With the current state of the economy, I honestly don't think that SLC has anything to worry about from Sandy.

While the zoning change does allow taller buildings, the economics behind the building won't justify any bank loaning money to the developer to build the project.

The theater alone isn't phase 1. Phase 1 is the theater and 1 tower. If the developer can't get financing, nothing will happen there for a very long time.

With the economy, I don't see any developer getting financing without a 50% pre-sale rate and Sandy doesn't have the demand for that level of commitment to the project.

utahboozer · #**7228** Posted **Oct 22, 2008, 5:11 PM**

Does anyone have the vacancy rate numbers for Sandy's current "skyscraper?"

What good will building one three times as large do for the city's economy?

scottharding · #**7229** Posted **Oct 22, 2008, 5:20 PM**

The Proscenium isn't gonna happen as proposed. I simply don't believe it.
Nothing will happen at all until the economy is righted, and then the project will be scaled down drastically. Especially since the theatre will be built in SLC by then.
That's my prophecy and I'm sticking by it.
As to the REAL downtown, and the Wasatch Front in general, I'm thinking that we seem to poised to emerge from this economic crisis (should it ever end) as the premier city in the nation. Analysts are predicting it will be roughly three years for the economy to right itself (beginning under a new President). In roughly three years, City Creek Center will be just completed, the new rail lines (airport, West Valley, Draper, South Jordan and the Front Runner to Provo) will all be completed or nearing completion. Salt Lake may have added at least two international flights from SLC international, we may have a Trolley system being developed. The Sugarhouse Crater may be under development (god-willing) and Market Station may be being developed as well. We'll have the Transit hub expanded, the new Theatre downtown, and the new buildings in downtown Provo, where the Front Runner will be arriving. It seems that not only are we lucky enough to be in a position to weather this economic crisis better than most of the country, but also are in a perfect position to come out of it at the top of the class.
Agree? Disagree? Food for thought and discussion anyway. It seems to me that the next few years Salt Lake will be coming into its own. Not just locally, but on a national level.

ctobsl · #**7230** Posted **Oct 22, 2008, 5:44 PM**

YEP!

I knew it was too good to be true.
The news this morning was misleading.
KSL did say an 850' tower was approved, 300 of that was the spire and that it was aslo located at Onehundred so and State. So the whole thing was misleading, at least to me it was. DAMN

Well, wishful thinking...

Anthony

cololi · #**7231** Posted **Oct 22, 2008, 5:56 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYC Rick

Here is my main question to all: Does anyone actually feel SLC needs or could have the kind of business that could sustain an 850 foot building? In this particular point in time I think that there are few cities besides NYC and Chicago that could...more to the point NYC has canceled more than a few of the partially built over 1,000 foot buildings until they look to be viable again.

At this point I would have to agree with you, there is not a market for it. II also don't want SLC to become a city like Chicago or NYC. Just like I don't think Sandy should become like SLC, every city and town has their place and role in the world and they need to respect that.

RFPCME · #**7232** Posted **Oct 23, 2008, 12:20 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottharding

The Proscenium isn't gonna happen as proposed. I simply don't believe it.
Nothing will happen at all until the economy is righted, and then the project will be scaled down drastically. Especially since the theatre will be built in SLC by then.
That's my prophecy and I'm sticking by it.
As to the REAL downtown, and the Wasatch Front in general, I'm thinking that we seem to poised to emerge from this economic crisis (should it ever end) as the premier city in the nation. Analysts are predicting it will be roughly three years for the economy to right itself (beginning under a new President). In roughly three years, City Creek Center will be just completed, the new rail lines (airport, West Valley, Draper, South Jordan and the Front Runner to Provo) will all be completed or nearing completion. Salt Lake may have added at least two international flights from SLC international, we may have a Trolley system being developed. The Sugarhouse Crater may be under development (god-willing) and Market Station may be being developed as well. We'll have the Transit hub expanded, the new Theatre downtown, and the new buildings in downtown Provo, where the Front Runner will be arriving. It seems that not only are we lucky enough to be in a position to weather this economic crisis better than most of the country, but also are in a perfect position to come out of it at the top of the class.
Agree? Disagree? Food for thought and discussion anyway. It seems to me that the next few years Salt Lake will be coming into its own. Not just locally, but on a national level.

ScottHarding: Love your assessment. Lots of things will positively change in the next few years. But NYC Rick keeps trying to drive home a very important point--all the positive infrastructure and development in the world is NOT going to change the skyline. There has to be money to do that.

Some how, some way, there must be a NEED for major expansion of Class A office space to warrant new high-rise development within the CBD in SLC. And there are only certain kinds of businesses that will pay the extra-tariff for downtown, Class A office space: the financial industry (including accounting), legal, and corporate offices in need of some kind of corporate symbol. So let's take each one and figure out if what the possibilities are.

We all know where the financial industry is right now. The brightest hope would be for Fidelity, a fund manager. Not much hope here because because Fidelity is pinched just like everyone else. Will another financial titan relocate to SLC? Not likely. Finance people need other finance people around them. You need a critical mass. SLC is not a financial center, nor are financial companies likely to move anywhere for a while.

Legal? Too small of an industry, unless we all start suing each other like there is no tomorrow and if we did start suing each other, there wouldn't be another tomorrow.

Companies needing a corporate symbol? Possibly, but one of the most likely candidates, Rio Tinto, just built on their own land to prop up the value of their holdings. Other candidates? OverStocked.Com? Unlikely, I don't think the online auction industry has very good margins. Oracle? No chance. Geeks need other geeks around them. No way is Oracle, or any other Silicon Valley titan, moving. Intel? Same story. Microsoft? Now I'm being ridiculous. Does anyone have likely candidates in search of a corporate symbol? I can think of one possibility--Key Bank. A super regional bank, who is surviving the financial crisis and who already has a Utah presence.

So NYC Rick's point is reality. There is not a business environment in Utah that lends itself to building skyward. SLC will go up, but not at the pace we want. The only wild card I see is energy. So if the culture does not shift to alternative energy and conservation is short-lived, then we may see some vertical growth as the result of energy-related development, which reminds me: I'm going to research what is the latest from the central Utah oil fields.

Viperlord · #**7233** Posted **Oct 23, 2008, 12:24 AM**

Artspace Commons

http://www.artspaceutah.org/800SProject.html

Artspace is designing an affordable mixed-use creative community with an emphasis on the arts and culture close to downtown. The building will have solar photovoltaic cells and many green features. Construction begins fall 2008.

Residential Component (102 units)

Affordable apartments
Affordable rent-to-own units.
Commercial Component
Artist studios
Galleries
Nonprofit offices
Retail shops

photos from the project bidding site. Bids end Nov 1, so I would imagine we will see a fast start on this project.

Viperlord · #**7234** Posted **Oct 23, 2008, 12:40 AM**

A little downtown update...

The little old house on the corner of 800 south and 200 west saw the wrecking ball today. I watched out the window as it came down in lke what seemed like 5 minutes flat. It was demolished so that the Mark Miller toyota dealership on the block can expand their car lot.

I know what you are thinking, a car dealership lot so close to a trax station, yep great walkability right there.

Also the Super 8 motel on 600 south and 200 west is getting its facade refinished. The Crystal Inn on 500 south and 250 west is also getting its facade refinished. While these are just small little "suburban style" hotels. It atleast goes to show that if they are updating the facades that they are profitable. Also, every little bit does help the downtown area.

RFPCME · #**7235** Posted **Oct 23, 2008, 12:41 AM**

Viperlord: Really like the concept behind Artspace Commons. Makes me wish I had any artistic talent. I don't. Maybe I should take my meager savings, move back to Utah, buy up some crappy track of land on the westside of the CBD, and create a Buttheads Commons, for people like me. Think of it! People like me (and a few other forumers) could live in the same place, scowl at each other as we passed in the common areas, then sit around making fun of Sandy in our spare time, believing we are all extremely clever. "Buttheads Unite!"

I am RFPCME and I approved this message.

Scottk · #**7236** Posted **Oct 23, 2008, 1:16 AM**

hey guys. I'm from denver, but I was just in salt lake last weekend visiting family, and wanted to share my thoughts with you guys.

You have a very nice downtown. There aren't alot of skyscrapers in salt lake when compared to Denver. But you guys do have some very nice street-life, and decent density throughout. It should be noted that while your skyline isn't particularly impressive, your city makes up for it in other ways. Salt lake seems to have fewer surface parking lots than Denver, and I saw some nice architecture.

Overall I was pleasantly surprised!!

Future Mayor · #**7237** Posted **Oct 23, 2008, 1:47 AM**

Scott K Thank you for your comments on our city. I think sometimes we as locals think to the two extremes. We think that our city is the best city ever and nothing compares or that our city sucks because we don't have a lot of skyscrapers, especially anything really tall. As to your point about surface lots, yes we do have several but you're right, compared to some other cities with taller and bigger skylines we don't have all that many.

Glad you enjoyed your visit. Come again soon.

SLC Projects · #**7238** Posted **Oct 23, 2008, 6:13 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by RFPCME

People like me (and a few other forumers) could live in the same place, scowl at each other as we passed in the common areas, then sit around making fun of Sandy in our spare time, believing we are all extremely clever. "Buttheads Unite!"

LOL, it would be hell on earth.

cololi · #**7239** Posted **Oct 23, 2008, 1:55 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Viperlord

A little downtown update...

The little old house on the corner of 800 south and 200 west saw the wrecking ball today. I watched out the window as it came down in lke what seemed like 5 minutes flat. It was demolished so that the Mark Miller toyota dealership on the block can expand their car lot.

I know what you are thinking, a car dealership lot so close to a trax station, yep great walkability right there.

Amen. The City really needs to rethink the zoning in that area. Unfortunately, it is too late for that block. Or the block to the east. The only good thing is that at least the land is being assembled under a common owner so in 30-40 years it will be much easier to redevelop.

utahboozer · #**7240** Posted **Oct 23, 2008, 2:32 PM**

So, this being a development thread, can anyone make sense of the new Airport TRAX line's layout?

According to UTA's press release, there will be a new station spurring from Arena at 800 W South Temple. How is this going to get from Point A to Point B when the Union Pacific Building is right in the middle of South Temple and there is a large bridge overpass at North Temple and 400 West?

Much obliged