Salt Lake City: Official Development News Thread - Part 4

[EPdesign]

facebook photos hosting

[Comrade]

Originally Posted by meman

Have any of you guys seen the new building going up in Sandy next to the new Hale Center Theater? It will be the tallest office building in the Salt Lake valley outside of downtown. I have seen renderings of it and it is beautiful. Its 11 stories tall and is the new headquarters for Mountain America Credit Union.
I know it isnt exactly a skyscraper but at least it is something to watch being built until we have more excitement downtown.

I don't believe it's as tall as the County High Rise right next to the county offices on 2100 S in Salt Lake City - which isn't downtown.

[asies1981]

Originally Posted by bob rulz

And now I'm reminded why I don't come to this forum a lot. I want to see news about developments and instead I get people complaining about why the development we have just isn't good enough.

I walk the streets of this city a lot. Everywhere you turn there's new development going on. Could we be building more big skyscrapers and marquee projects? Sure, but a big skyscraper isn't what brings a city life. Infill is absolutely a necessary step to building a real, vibrant city. Salt Lake is booming right now. We only just recently finished a new skyscraper with a top-of-the-line Broadway theater and now people are complaining things aren't happening fast enough. Sure, not getting the CCH up and going is a disappointment, but there's a lot more than that one big project...

In downtown alone, there are more residential units under construction and in development than in the past 100 years combined. I've said this before, but skyscrapers do not make a city vibrant. Density and walkable design do make a city vibrant. As more and more infill comes in, there will be less available land to develop which will make land costs higher which will, in turn, incentivize taller buildings. We need this infill development if we want to see more skyscrapers.

[asies1981]

The HLC approved the revised plans for Liberty Square tonight.

[StevenF]

Originally Posted by asies1981

In downtown alone, there are more residential units under construction and in development than in the past 100 years combined. I've said this before, but skyscrapers do not make a city vibrant. Density and walkable design do make a city vibrant. As more and more infill comes in, there will be less available land to develop which will make land costs higher which will, in turn, incentivize taller buildings. We need this infill development if we want to see more skyscrapers.

When this increased housing development first started in Salt Lake we were getting mainly 4-5 story buildings, and now we are seeing more 6-8 stories. Many here were upset about the heights and now that they have increased a couple floors many are still complaining. There have been increases and if this demand continues for another 5 years I can see SLC start seeing 10+ story buildings along 400 south and hopefully the Gateway District. Future Sugar House developments might end up being 8-10 floors on all residential, which I believe we are already seeing. North Temple and the S-Line are where Sugar House and 400 south was 10 years ago and thus on the lower end of the curve.

[EPdesign]

Originally Posted by StevenF

When this increased housing development first started in Salt Lake we were getting mainly 4-5 story buildings, and now we are seeing more 6-8 stories. Many here were upset about the heights and now that they have increased a couple floors many are still complaining. There have been increases and if this demand continues for another 5 years I can see SLC start seeing 10+ story buildings along 400 south and hopefully the Gateway District. Future Sugar House developments might end up being 8-10 floors on all residential, which I believe we are already seeing. North Temple and the S-Line are where Sugar House and 400 south was 10 years ago and thus on the lower end of the curve.

It is definitely exciting times for salt lake. The hardware project alone has changed the entire area behind West High. And with the new residential project going in to the south of West high that area has definitely become and example of how drastic the changes by these developments can be. Include to this the projects that will go in to the West of the Gateway. Or even in close proximity to the south and south west of the Convention Center....AND the 900 south (Canary?) area. The entire central city is transforming. This density will bring with it more growth and business. The incentive to build higher is ever increasing. Patience fellas and gals

[delts145]

Wow, I haven't seen such a long string of positive posts on this thread in a while. While I concur with everything you guys are saying, I am also very anxious to see the beginning of a high rise
boom too. Have you guys noticed though, that the interest of major outside developers in Salt Lake is beginning to increase. Influential and accomplished developers from areas like Seattle
and Texas are beginning to announce major prospective projects. This is a great sign. We need more outside capital, even from major players from Asia etc. It's past time that additional deep
pockets other than the usual locals or the LDS Church and Zion Bank start adding to downtown. I only mean that in the sense that there has to be additional players who are into developing,
who also have the ability to play the long game. Players who are not desperate for a quick wham bang turnaround. I mean, I appreciate developers like Cowboy and Boyer being careful with
their profit/loss margins. Somehow though, it seems as if they're never going to reach the ability to come through with the really impressive towers that Salt Lake City deserves. Not just towers,
but major Hardware Village type projects also. I don't think a Boyer would have ever conceived and followed through with a Hardware Village. Cowboy, well we won't even go there. They
have their place, and I respect that. We just need to continue to see the additions of major outside influence coming into the SLC market.

EPdesign, Great Pics!! I especially like this one.

Originally Posted by EPdesign

EPdesign, How much convincing would you need to take update pics of the skyline from the iconic northwest angle? One that actually has the 111 tower in it.
I keep checking google images etc., but no one seems to be in any rush to update with the 111 Tower from this incredible angle. No major metro beats the
backdrop of the Wasatch!

http://www.nationsonline.org/gallery/USA/Salt-Lake-City-skyline.jpg

[ucsbgaucho]

Originally Posted by delts145

How much convincing would you need to take update pics of the skyline from the iconic northwest angle? One that actually has the 111 tower in it.
I keep checking google images etc., but no one seems to be in any rush to update with the 111 Tower.

http://www.nationsonline.org/gallery/USA/Salt-Lake-City-skyline.jpg

Where is the spot to take a photo from this angle? (also including the Capitol building) I've wanted to get a skyline shot for awhile, but being new to the area, not sure where to get the vantage point.

I noticed driving up 15 going past downtown, the best angle to make downtown look extremely dense is on 15 just past 1300 S. Only problem is the mountain backdrop behind the Capitol is not nearly as impressive as the angle you posted above.

[Liberty Wellsian]

Originally Posted by ucsbgaucho

Where is the spot to take a photo from this angle? (also including the Capitol building) I've wanted to get a skyline shot for awhile, but being new to the area, not sure where to get the vantage point.

I noticed driving up 15 going past downtown, the best angle to make downtown look extremely dense is on 15 just past 1300 S. Only problem is the mountain backdrop behind the Capitol is not nearly as impressive as the angle you posted above.

I love that photo. It looks to me that that photo is taken somewhere close to the 600 North I-15 overpass. May even be taken from that overpass. I would love to see an updated version of this pic

[Marvland]

Originally Posted by asies1981

In downtown alone, there are more residential units under construction and in development than in the past 100 years combined. I've said this before, but skyscrapers do not make a city vibrant. Density and walkable design do make a city vibrant. As more and more infill comes in, there will be less available land to develop which will make land costs higher which will, in turn, incentivize taller buildings. We need this infill development if we want to see more skyscrapers.

Thank you for this. This is the most important development kick in our history. No skipping steps.

Delts, I'm going to try to get a few shots from the NW angle. I've got a buddy that is a commercial drone pilot. Stay tuned. IMHO the best view of our skyline is form the 10th north overpass, not 6th north.

[delts145]

Originally Posted by ucsbgaucho

Where is the spot to take a photo from this angle? (also including the Capitol building) I've wanted to get a skyline shot for awhile, but being new to the area,
not sure where to get the vantage point.

I noticed driving up 15 going past downtown, the best angle to make downtown look extremely dense is on 15 just past 1300 S. Only problem is the mountain backdrop behind the Capitol is
not nearly as impressive as the angle you posted above.

I agree that nothing beats the East bench and Wasatch wall. However, I have seen some really impressive pics looking toward the north at the avenues, the capitol and the mountains behind
the Capitol. You just have to be back far enough so that the higher range behind the avenues and foothills is fully visible. It's an especially beautiful pic when the spring green is at it's peak
and snow is still on the peaks.

[delts145]

That would be great Marvland if you could get that done. I've been patiently waiting to see 111 in that pic for a while now.

Here's that angle and distance I was talking about. It's from the Bonneville Golf Course area. The picture I saw was clearer and further into the Spring, but as you can see those mountains behind
the high avenue benches and Capitol are quite stunning when you see them from further back. Kind of like viewing the West facing side of Timp from Suncrest vs. say the eastern half of Highland.
From further back the visual perspective of Timp becomes jaw dropping.


Another visual that has always enchanted me is how majestic the Oquirrh Range becomes from further back, say around American Fork and Highland.
You would naturally think that they would become smaller as you distance yourself. I will never get bored with the mountain views around the Wasatch Metro.

[Makid]

Originally Posted by ucsbgaucho

Where is the spot to take a photo from this angle? (also including the Capitol building) I've wanted to get a skyline shot for awhile, but being new to the area, not sure where to get the vantage point.

I noticed driving up 15 going past downtown, the best angle to make downtown look extremely dense is on 15 just past 1300 S. Only problem is the mountain backdrop behind the Capitol is not nearly as impressive as the angle you posted above.

This pic is from the 6th North overpass. I do agree with Marvland that 10th North is better for the skyline.

I haven't used 10th North in a while so I can't remember if you can see the Hardware Village impact or not. It is very noticeable from 6th North.

From either vantage point though, you do get to see a lot of cranes. While they are primarily the shorter cranes, it is still nice to see them. I do enjoy the view from 6th North as I cross the bridge each morning heading towards downtown.

A few good skyline viewpoints are off of 215 at roughly 1500 North - The overpass by the new soccer fields and the 201 to I-15 North Collector (You get to see SSLC, SugarHouse, University/4th South and Downtown). For the 201 to 15 collector, either use a video camera or take the pictures as a passenger, some people on the ramp are crazy.

While not a viewpoint really, I do recommend taking the 9th South/West Temple exit from I-15 every now and then. You can feel the changes that have and are occurring between 1300 south (BallPark) through the Granary area. I hadn't taken this route in a few months and was shocked by the recent changes.

[Liberty Wellsian]

Originally Posted by delts145

That would be great Marvland if you could get that done. I've been patiently waiting to see 111 in that pic for a while now.

Here's that angle and distance I was talking about. It's from the Bonneville Golf Course area. The picture I saw was clearer and further into the Spring, but as you can see those mountains behind
the high avenue benches and Capitol are quite stunning when you see them from further back. Kind of like viewing the West facing side of Timp from Suncrest vs. say the eastern half of Highland.
From further back the visual perspective of Timp becomes jaw dropping.


Another visual that has always enchanted me is how majestic the Oquirrh Range becomes from further back, say around American Fork and Highland.
You would naturally think that they would become smaller as you distance yourself. I will never get bored with the mountain views around the Wasatch Metro.

The view of Tim from the backside of Utah Lake is awesome. So is the view of the Wasatch from the west bench in Salt Lake county. The Range seems to go on forever from out there.

[ucsbgaucho]

Here's a couple vantage points that I've thought about:

600N


I-15

[Marvland]

While we're talking about views, I think the view of Timpanogos over Provo has to be the most impressive urban mountain scene in the country:



Along with Loan Peak from Alpine/Lehi:



Also gotta love the Twins from the valley:

[DMTower]

Originally Posted by airportvids

I agree it's going to be a nice building, but be careful, there's a lot of Sandy haters on here.

It's because Sandy fucks up the street level of their projects EVERY TIME. They don't understand urban planning whatsoever.

[Comrade]

Originally Posted by DMTower

It's because Sandy fucks up the street level of their projects EVERY TIME. They don't understand urban planning whatsoever.

And they did on this one too. Sandy has thought year after year, "how can we build a viable downtown...why can't we have a viable downtown?"...and this is why. They continue to have landmark buildings being developed in the middle of parking lots. No urban connectivity whatsoever.

[EPdesign]

So there is a at the old LaPort site?

[AllOutOfBubbleGum]

[QUOTE=ucsbgaucho;7823091]Here's a couple vantage points that I've thought about:

If you can talk your way on top of this building it will give you another great view of Downtown and the mountains. But the 600 N overpass is the easiest spot. Unless you have a Drone then we are talking about some great shots with that.

https://www.google.com/maps/@40.7873042,-111.8998274,347m/data=!3m1!1e3