Salt Lake City: Official Development News Thread - Part 3

[wrendog]

Nothing about the tower = major meh from me.

[ajiuO]

Originally Posted by SLC Projects

Word is demolition will begin in Jan. 2014. Makes sense since March 2016 is now less than three years.

Sweet.. Can they just rip down eat-a-burger now? It's not doing anything but rotting away.

[Future Mayor]

Originally Posted by ajiuO

Sweet.. Can they just rip down eat-a-burger now? It's not doing anything but rotting away.

Eat-a-burger has absolutely nothing to do with the PAC project.

[(Eco)nomy_404]

CNN Money - New York

Jobs within 3 miles of a city center fell from 24.5% of overall positions in 2000 to 22.9% in 2010, according to a report released Thursday from the Brookings Institution. During the same time, jobs in the outer suburbs -- between 10 and 35 miles of a city's center -- grew from 40.9% in 2000 to 43.1% in 2010.

The metro regions with the highest rate of job density are San Jose, Calif.; Las Vegas; Virginia Beach; Salt Lake City and New York.

The regions with the most "job sprawl" are Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta, Philadelphia and St. Louis.

http://money.cnn.com/2013/04/18/news/economy/suburbs-jobs/

[(Eco)nomy_404]

Originally Posted by Comrade Reynolds

To whom? Can either of you point to an example where SLC was hurt by its current population, and would have, without a shadow of a doubt, benefited from the increase to 250,000? From what I can tell - the city still holds an immense amount of weight at the county & state level and I doubt they've been marginalized over these years for their population.

There just doesn't seem like a specific issue that has arisen in the past that could've been rectified by the addition of 60,000 people - not getting the MLS Stadium or the aquarium or whatever.

Now you could certainly make the case if Salt Lake consolidated with the county, it would have more influence, since it would be the county - but we're not talking about that (and the logistics of this make it nearly impossible).

Unfortunately, I am unable to provide an example to prove to you "without a shadow of a doubt" that SLC would have been better/worse off due to an active vs passive annexation policy (and its resulting population figure) since I am unable to get in a time machine and alter reality. As I have mentioned in prior posts, population figures are far more important than you give them credit for. They are very central statistics used by governments, companies, and organizations to determine where to invest, expand, and grow. While SLC has clearly missed out on various opportunities that are being swallowed up by its immense suburban girth, we are unable to quantify exactly how many developments have gone to other cities as a result of our deflated population figure. Local losses include Real SL Stadium, the numerous office parks that litter the valley in Sandy, South Jordan (by I-15), and Cottonwood, etc. As for projects that opted for other regions, we will never really know. Then there is the fact that SLC has to fiercely compete with pending projects and proposals, including the Performing Arts Center, that could have very easily gone to the suburbs.

While I do think we have turned a corner in being able to better attract new developments to the city center, it is a fairly recent phenomenon. Who`s to say where we could be today had we been more proactive in expanding the city limits. Had SLC incorporated 40-50% of the valley back in the 60`s and 70`s, it would have commanded much more control over zoning and development in the valley that could have altered the suburban landscape from that of today. Though the larger population figure and more expansive tax base could have been a plus, I think where SLC really dropped the ball was in zoning power that it could have had over the past decades and today.

Since that is all history, what we could do today is actively try to annex the few remaining areas left unincorporated. Some pretty common-sense, low-hanging fruit includes the Emigration Canyon Township, the Parley`s Canyon Community, and the Millcreek Township (that includes Canyon Rim, Millcreek, E. Millcreek, and Mnt Olympus Communities). Those areas could bring the city population figure closer to 300k.

[scottharding]

There was an interesting article buried in the Salt Lake Tribune today that I think touches on a number of topics we've discussed on here recently. I think anyone who watched the documentary "Urbanized" will also find this interesting. It discusses the many problems of sprawl, not the least of which is social isolation. I think this is a good demonstration of why Urban areas tend to be more liberal and open-minded while suburban and exurban areas really tend to be more of.... well, mob mentality. I know that's a bit of a blanket statement, and is not applicable to every individual. But on the grand scale, it's true, and this article really spells out the fundamentals of why that is.

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/money/56173895-79/urban-social-sprawl-centers.html.csp

[delts145]

This might be of some interest to a few of you. A few weeks ago, I stopped by to pick up a slice of cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory while in Brentwood. To my surprise it had just shut down. Then even more recently I was in the Beverly Center vicinity, and I decided to stop by the Grande Lux for another pick up to go. For the few who don't know, Grand Lux is owned by the Cheesecake Factory. Well, to my shock, the Grand Lux at the Beverly Center had just been closed down a few days before. So, yesterday I was talking to someone who had close connections with insiders, and he claimed that The Cheescake Factory was closing all of their underperforming locations nationally. He also went on to say their days were numbered for the entire chain, but I think the source had some bad blood still fuming. Anyway, I did notice that both Denver's and Scottdale's Grand Lux locations had been closed in March. The one in Scottsdale hadn't even given hardly a days notice. Hopefully, this is just a pick and choose scenario for under performers, because the ones in Salt Lake Metro seem to be performing outstandingly.

Maybe UTAZLoVer will give us a little insider skuttlebutt update.

[SLC Projects]

According to KSL construction on theater begins at the END of THIS year. A bit sooner then what I was told before. ( Early next year )

"Construction will begin at the end of 2013 and be completed in 2016."

http://www.ksl.com/?sid=24833399&nid=120...sign-unveiled&fm=home_page&s_cid=queue-2

[tygr]

This could be posted in either the City Creek Center thread or the Salt Lake Transit News thread... so I'll post it here since it really applies to Salt Lake City Development as a whole.

I saw an article on Forbes.com that really talks up the new TRAX Airport Line, City Creek Center, The Leonardo, Natural History Museum, and more. The article is about long layovers at airports at Heathrow, in Singapore, et al., and... Salt Lake City.

Here's our segment...

"Unfortunately, few U.S. airports rarely offer the ease or public transport connections into their affiliated cities that Heathrow does, but one rare exception is Salt Lake City, a major Delta hub, which just this week debuted TRAX, a light rail train into downtown. Trains depart every 15 minutes, and with a 20-minute ride, it is easy to hit the main downtown sights – Salt Lake is wrapping up a $5 billion downtown infrastructure renaissance that includes the new Leonardo Science Museum, new Natural History Museum, new mixed use indoor/outdoor City Creek Center, along with existing attractions such as Temple Square, the most visited site in the State.

"Even before TRAX, Salt Lake, just 6-miles outside of town, was one of the very few US cities offering scheduled free airport tours for passengers with layovers of 2-hours or more. The tours of Temple Square are run with small vans departing and returning from each terminal from 11AM- 5:30 PM and are free to anyone holding a boarding pass or ticket. The unique service is a joint venture of the Salt Lake Convention and Visitor Bureau, the Utah Travel Council, the 2002 Olympic Visitor Information Coalition, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Travelers Aid Society, and the airlines serving the Salt Lake City International Airport."

Read the article.

It almost seems as if this article was specifically timed for release just after the TRAX line to the airport opened.

And to think... Provo thought they were the only ones garnering international attention this week.

[Comrade]

Originally Posted by (Eco)nomy_404

Unfortunately, I am unable to provide an example to prove to you "without a shadow of a doubt" that SLC would have been better/worse off due to an active vs passive annexation policy (and its resulting population figure) since I am unable to get in a time machine and alter reality. As I have mentioned in prior posts, population figures are far more important than you give them credit for. They are very central statistics used by governments, companies, and organizations to determine where to invest, expand, and grow. While SLC has clearly missed out on various opportunities that are being swallowed up by its immense suburban girth, we are unable to quantify exactly how many developments have gone to other cities as a result of our deflated population figure. Local losses include Real SL Stadium, the numerous office parks that litter the valley in Sandy, South Jordan (by I-15), and Cottonwood, etc. As for projects that opted for other regions, we will never really know. Then there is the fact that SLC has to fiercely compete with pending projects and proposals, including the Performing Arts Center, that could have very easily gone to the suburbs.

While I do think we have turned a corner in being able to better attract new developments to the city center, it is a fairly recent phenomenon. Who`s to say where we could be today had we been more proactive in expanding the city limits. Had SLC incorporated 40-50% of the valley back in the 60`s and 70`s, it would have commanded much more control over zoning and development in the valley that could have altered the suburban landscape from that of today. Though the larger population figure and more expansive tax base could have been a plus, I think where SLC really dropped the ball was in zoning power that it could have had over the past decades and today.

Since that is all history, what we could do today is actively try to annex the few remaining areas left unincorporated. Some pretty common-sense, low-hanging fruit includes the Emigration Canyon Township, the Parley`s Canyon Community, and the Millcreek Township (that includes Canyon Rim, Millcreek, E. Millcreek, and Mnt Olympus Communities). Those areas could bring the city population figure closer to 300k.

It's obviously not 'pretty common-sense' or it would have happened already. You have to ask yourself - why hasn't SLC actively worked to annex these areas and why aren't they actively working to be annexed into the city?

Again, I ask, do you even know if people living in those communities want to be in Salt Lake? It's pretty presumptuous of us to even suggest that's the case and I don't believe we should force 'em solely for the sake of artificially inflating the city.

I also notice people seem to focus in on these communities - but would you be opposed to Salt Lake annexing Magna?

[Orlando]

Please all checkout this website and join: http://www.wasatchchoice2040.com/ It's about metro regional planning for the wasatch front. It has specific information about meetings and presentations about new town centers and opportunities to influence the decision makers about the future growth of the Wasatch Front.

Btw, thanks for the article, ScottHarding.

[Comrade]

Is this like Envision Utah - which was big in the late 90s, early 00s, but kinda fizzled the last decade or so?

[ajiuO]

Originally Posted by Future Mayor

Eat-a-burger has absolutely nothing to do with the PAC project.

It has somthing to do with Regent street.. Isnt the regrnt street redevelopment part of the same project?

[Comrade]

Originally Posted by ajiuO

It has somthing to do with Regent street.. Isnt the regrnt street redevelopment part of the same project?

I'm not sure it expands that far south-east or if they're mostly going to redevelop the area around 100 S.

Speaking of that building - does anyone know how long it's been there? It could have been a cool little diner for the city, but alas...

[Atlas]

Here are some photos of SLC I took today from the Block U.

Day:

Sunset:

Twilight:

[youngatheist]

Oh cool pics Atlas, is that the lake on the right?

[Atlas]

Originally Posted by youngatheist

Oh cool pics Atlas, is that the lake on the right?

Yes

[Future Mayor]

Originally Posted by ajiuO

It has somthing to do with Regent street.. Isnt the regrnt street redevelopment part of the same project?

It's on Regent St, however the portion of the PAC Project that is on Regent St will encompass the former printing press buildings on the west side of Regent, down to the north side of the Walker Garage.

[ajiuO]

Originally Posted by Future Mayor

It's on Regent St, however the portion of the PAC Project that is on Regent St will encompass the former printing press buildings on the west side of Regent, down to the north side of the Walker Garage.

Bummer.. I was under the impression regent street was getting a full make over... I would also like to see the building right across from the former des news building on regent street go.. That would bee a good place for a restaurant.

Something also needs to be done with the section of state street between social hall av & 200 south... That has got to be the most boring part of town... Don't know how else to describe it.... I would love to see the AT&T building tuned in to a department store with windows put in the alcoves on the bottom level. Then there needs to be some major infill on the east side of state street between 100-200 south. Then something more exciting needs to be done with the west side of the streets.. The buildings in the middle of the block are nice but should be put to better use... The small brown building on the SW corner of 100 south and state is just a waste of good space as is Carl's jr... As many have said Carl's jr would be a great place for a tower... I wouldn't mind seeing Carl's jr in the base of the tower though.... That section of state street is the only section of town that feels like it sucks the life out of me when I walk down it.

[delts145]

I'm sure Regent Street will be getting a full makeover sooner than later, as a result of the huge impact the UPAC will have on the immediate surroundings. I agree with you about the sections of State Street you mentioned. I am also anxious to see more activity along West Temple.

I really like the design of the PAC for many of the reasons already mentioned. In particular, I am glad they made a generous use of glass and openess along Main. At that particular location, many of the theater designs around the country I have checked out would not have been an attractive fit.

I think the rendering of Regent St. is not the final outcome. As Hirsch mentioned there will yet be adjustments, and they would like to continue to take input from the community.

I hope the recent influx of interest in Salt Lake City as a financial center will create a real need for a new tallest structure on the corner of Main and 1st. Even just simply from an aesthetic perspective, that particular location would create such an excellent site for the overall balance of the skyline for many years to come.