Salt Lake:Official development news thread - Part 2

[John Martin]

Yes, I like that area (right at the mouth of Emigration). I know my grandmother lived up there, and I just went up there to explore a few months ago, as I hadn't been there in at least a decade. I was actually just scouting places to get good shots of the downtown skyline but realized there's an interesting atmosphere in that area. I'm curious to know how old most of the buildings in that area are, some were obviously brand new. There's also a really nice big park to the west, seems like an excellent area.

[wrendog]

I wonder why that area is never mentioned or discussed on here. I nominate T-Mac to drive up there to take some street level pics of the area. All in favor? Say aye!

[Comrade]

I've mentioned it before and I did a photo thread a few years ago.

But I'm not sure how many photos remain from there, since I lost much of my photos when I got a new computer.

Here's what I have found, though:







The street-level isn't anything interesting.

[cololi]

that density belongs in a more urban neighborhood. Not on the foothills. It kind of sucks that you have one of the most dense areas in the City (on a per acre basis) and it is completely removed from everything. You need a car for everything, except to go to the park and the zoo. Most of those things were built 20+ years ago. the zoning in t hat area changed in 1995, with a few lots having development agreements that were/are still valid. I think only two developments have been built since, and I think there is maybe one more parcel that can be developed in a similar fashion.

[jmonkey]

Originally Posted by Comrade Reynolds

The street-level isn't anything interesting.

I really like that building--the one on top--call me crazy. But the rest of the buildings there--meh. And comrade is totally right about the street level. It's a typical suburban streetscape, with some higher density buildings thrown in. There isn't a business anywhere in the neighborhood to my knowledge. It's completely car-centric. But I bet they have killer views.!

Speaking of killer views, thanks for the pics from atop the City County Building, cololi!! Were you out on the catwalk?

[MetroFanatic]

Originally Posted by stevena07

Retailer expo can translate into big money


As thousands roll into Salt Lake City for the outdoor retailer convention this week, Utah's economy welcomes the growing reputation for outdoor recreation and the $19 million impact officials say the 20,000 attendees make during the weeklong visit.

And as a long-term impact, Utah has benefited from several companies relocating to the state after becoming aware of it through the semiannual convention.

"It's very significant. These companies get to see Utah as a great place to recreate and have fun and a great business environment," said Jeff Edwards, president of the Economic Development Corporation of Utah. "To companies like Amer Sports, creating a site in Utah was pretty appealing. It's a lower cost place to do business; and there are so many recreational opportunities that attract potential customers and workers."

The estimated $19 million in spending by attendees can seem small in comparison to companies relocating to Utah, bringing in revenue and creating jobs....

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/70531...ate-into-big-money.html?linkTrack=rss-30

This is where I'll be all week.

Originally Posted by cololi

I have been enlightened. I'll heed my own advice.

Sorry if it came off as yelling at you. It was just one of those "cant-tell-from-text" sort of things. Zionide and Future Mayor are correct.

[wrendog]

Originally Posted by Comrade Reynolds

I've mentioned it before and I did a photo thread a few years ago.

But I'm not sure how many photos remain from there, since I lost much of my photos when I got a new computer.

Here's what I have found, though:







The street-level isn't anything interesting.

Thanks for the pics... That would be a perfect area to have street level retail... groceries, delis, cafes etc. Oh well.

[Comrade]

Yes, it's unfortunate the area was so poorly developed. I know there were talks of building more high-rises where the zoo stands had they moved out to the middle of the valley (as was proposed earlier this decade). Obviously, though, that isn't happening.

The street names up there are interesting. One is named after President Kennedy and the other after the goddamn Donner Party.

And for those who are interested in what the streets look like:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s...3Xvk82iFLr-ZSS2LTA&cbp=12,11.93,,0,-5.71

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s...vz44g1suWlOh4KOhsnxcw&cbp=12,0.97,,0,1.8

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s...g1suWlOh4KOhsnxcw&cbp=12,214.11,,0,-0.91

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s...J0WUKKVgJQT0ax2dw&cbp=12,100.35,,0,-0.01

Pathetic, actually.

[Future Mayor]

It really is to bad that there was no small retail planned. Even a coffee shop or a little convenience type store would be nice for the neighborhood, I'm sure a dry cleaners would do killer business up there. It would be a huge change to be able to get a decent size retail outlet/grocery store up there but even a few small shops would improve it so much. The residents would have to get in their cars for absolutely EVERYTHING.

I'm sure they could manage to find space for a small market like the one at the top of Suncrest in Draper.

[WeST]

I don't see why there can't be some rezoning to allow mixed use development and some stand alone retail. There seems to be plenty of room to remedy this mistake.

[East2Westback]

Originally Posted by cololi

that density belongs in a more urban neighborhood. Not on the foothills. It kind of sucks that you have one of the most dense areas in the City (on a per acre basis) and it is completely removed from everything. You need a car for everything, except to go to the park and the zoo. Most of those things were built 20+ years ago. the zoning in t hat area changed in 1995, with a few lots having development agreements that were/are still valid. I think only two developments have been built since, and I think there is maybe one more parcel that can be developed in a similar fashion.

It definitely does not suck.

If you are lucky (ie Salt Lake City) you have gorgeous sight views that are spectacular.

It does not suck that they were built where they are. What a great area. Great view, you have a sense of being removed... PLUS you are still close to the downtown etc.

I remember going out with a girl that lived in the white structure in the center. It was NICE!

High rise...(maybe mid rise) should not be relegated to urban downtowns.

[cololi]

I hear ya, but it does suck that there is virtually nothing else there. You literally cannot walk to anything except the park and zoo. I think that is what I was getting at, not so much that the apartments and condos are there, but there is nothing else there. I wonder if any sort of street level commercial would be successful there, meaning is there enough rooftops to be the sole support for even one or two businesses?

And High rise should most definetely be in an urban setting. Mid rise (10 stories or less), sure, pop them up in appropriate locations with appropriate uses.

[esirhgih]

Actually, I don't know how well a retail or restaurant space would do there. It seems that most of the people that live there are too old or wealthy to be bothered with walking around their neighborhood. They'd much rather drive to Foothill Village. It would take a lot more than a zoning change to make it work, there would have to be demand. Suncrest is a similar story. Most of the people who live there are content to just drive down the mountain for whatever they need. As odd as it may sound, the market up there closed last year because there was little demand for a store there. Same reason I rarely see any of the elderly mormons who live in condos downtown or the residents of American Towers walking around the city center and shopping. They don't want to and would rather drive to a store somewhere else.

If you've never been up there to see what its like at street level, just look at the google street views of the area. There is nothing urban about it at all.

[skierforlife17]

Yeah I have a friend who lives up there and we go hot tubing all the time. Its always really really dead up there. Most people are inside and not taking advantage of the outside living space they have available there.

[Viperlord]

I was over vistiting

http://www.thestreet.com/

and right on their homepage they have the following article:



Wells Fargo Credit Book in the Spotlight

Wells Fargo unveils its second-quarter results Wednesday in an environment in which investors are scrutinizing the deteriorating credit quality at banks.

thought it was kinda cool that they used our wells fargo building in the photo.

[WeST]

Originally Posted by esirhgih

Actually, I don't know how well a retail or restaurant space would do there. It seems that most of the people that live there are too old or wealthy to be bothered with walking around their neighborhood. They'd much rather drive to Foothill Village. It would take a lot more than a zoning change to make it work, there would have to be demand. Suncrest is a similar story. Most of the people who live there are content to just drive down the mountain for whatever they need. As odd as it may sound, the market up there closed last year because there was little demand for a store there. Same reason I rarely see any of the elderly mormons who live in condos downtown or the residents of American Towers walking around the city center and shopping. They don't want to and would rather drive to a store somewhere else.

If you've never been up there to see what its like at street level, just look at the google street views of the area. There is nothing urban about it at all.

I wouldn't worry too much about the demand. First, a good development or number of developments would likely draw a younger crowd that wants to live there. Second, if it is the right type of establishments they will succeed (pharmacy). A store with good ideas could do very well if they know their customer base. If most of your patrons live close by and are old, you could offer to take their groceries up to their room. Some of those buildings on Donner and Kennedy could convert some of their ground level space into restaurants and services. That would certainly be enticing for the older crowd.

P.S. I am impressed you can tell the difference between elderly Mormons living downtown versus other the elderly folks.

[delts145]

Exactly WeST, delivery service is often the norm for seniors in New York, even when the market is right on the street below the building. I think there are several types of businesses that could flourish in that type of senior, upscale environment. Delivery service would be a must.

When the majority of those buildings were constructed, their typical buyer would be someone who both appreciated the views and the quiet,(what we call dead). Times are changing perhaps, as people like us, who appreciate a more urban setting become more numerous, and will someday approach these type of projects with different demands.

[Justnslcsugarhood.]

so, Urbana on eleventh is going up!!!

[T-Mac]

Broadway Park Lofts

[WeST]

Downtown Alliance Executive Director Talks About Future of Downtown

http://utahpolicy.com/featured_article/jason-mathis-executive-director-downtown-alliance