I remember growing up and occasionally my mom would go to the Old Harmons in Fort Union, where Smiths is now and it always seemed a lot lower end than the Dans that she normally went too. I too have noticed recenlty that Harmons has really started to step it up, they along with Dans and Maceys are the only "locally" owned stores anymore. I think as the Wasatch has matured and diversified Harmons has probably decided to go for the higher end niche of the market, I think alot of times it is that market segment that appreciates the locally owned businesses and if they are providing a higher end product or atmosphere they are more than willing to support it. Good move for Harmons. I have always felt that of the various grocery stores chains along the Wasatch that Harmons was the best fit for the CBD.
I'm not sure Delts how this comment relates "
You will also understand a reason for perhaps why the new downtown location opted out of additional floors above it's store on the Social Hall Block". Why would Harmons throwing down the gauntlet regarding Whole Foods make them not want additional floors above the DT location? Maybe I'm not following the logic.
I would think that to create an even more urban, chic atmosphere they would want to be part of a more mixed use building.
Bingham Junction
I really like the reuse of a former brownfield site rather than a new swatch of greenfield for this project. This really is developing responsibly. I have also always thought that Historic Main St in Midvale had a TON of character. It has gone through it's phases of being really popular and having it's hard times as well, (currently). I think this development could really help Main St. revitalize. Yes the amenities that a mixed use center provide are great, but it seems that despite the new factor and the attempt to recreate Main Streets of days gone by, that the historic places still hold some allure to people.
I remember several years ago maybe 6-10, there was a proposal for a microbrewery on historic Midvale Main St, and the city did not approve the zoning to allow it, they didn't feel it was the right atmosphere for their city, I think that was the nail in the coffin of the street at that time. (apparently they thought that decaying and abandoned was a more appropriate atmosphere)
Bingham Junction being so close, with potentially a few thousand residents, and being a transit oriented development, this mix of demographics would be prime to transform Main St back into something exciting and vibrant. A place for clubs, restaurants, eclectic shops, maybe even a comedy club again. Hopefully Mecham doesn't own the buildings so that as soon as it become vibrant he rips it down.