Salt Lake City: Official Development News Thread - Part 5

[taboubak]

Originally Posted by RC14

^
I'll take it! A 575-600' tower would be taller than anything I would have expected in the next 10-15 years. I would be happy with a new tallest even it's only 425 feet. I would have considered a 500' propsal, anywhere in the city possible but unlikley. I would consider this a dream proposal, especialy if it is a mixed use building. It's tall, it includes residential, it will proably include restaurants and some type of nightlife componant...

I don't think the location is unreasonable at all. It's only a blcok away from Main street, near most of the major hotels and it will help fill the skyline gap between the Wells Fargo Center and the Grand America. If I was to pick the location for a new tallest I would of course pick the Carol's Jr site but I'm fine with this location.
I just hope this information is true.

Agreed. Another thing to consider is west temple also has the CCH going up so it will start to fill in nicely. I think it is great to expand our skyline outside of main st with all these new projects. Also someone breaking that height barrier could encourage others to do it in the future. Then when the Zions bank lot and the Carl's Jr site are ready the developers will be more likely to build taller to compete with 370. I don't see anything to be upset about with this, this unbelievable news for Salt Lake development if it pans out.

[bob rulz]

Hopefully we're not all getting our hopes up for nothing - although of course I'm going to remain skeptical until steel is actually rising. I couldn't care less about the location of our new tallest - as long as it's in the downtown core of course.

You know what they say - beggars can't be choosers.

[delts145]

[CENTER]

Punch Bowl Social, a new ‘eater-tainment’ bar with food and games, is coming to Salt Lake City’s Gateway

Kathy Stephenson - Salt Lake Tribune - https://www.sltrib.com/artsliving/fo...wl-social-new/

Punch Bowl Social — one of the country’s hottest eat-drink-play concepts, where one can enjoy a fried bologna sandwich, sip a spirited fruit punch and then challenge friends to a game of darts or shuffleboard — is coming to Salt Lake City.

On Wednesday, the Denver-based company announced that it would open its 15th location at The Gateway, 6 N. Rio Grande, in June 2019.

Punch Bowl, which plans to get a bar license from the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, will be housed in the former Barnes & Noble bookstore at the north end of the downtown development.

While it’s similar to Dave & Buster’s — another Gateway tenant — officials say these new-generation “eater-tainment” businesses are complementary.

“Dave & Buster’s is geared toward families,” said Jenny Cushing, vice president of leasing for Vestar, Gateway’s owner. Punch Bowl, she added, is popular with those in their 20s and 30s. Earlier this year, Nation’s Restaurant News listed it as one of the Hottest Concepts of 2018.

At least in Utah, there is another difference: Punch Bowl guests will be able to carry their drinks from their tables to the gaming areas, which state law allows in bars. Dave & Buster’s has a restaurant license from the DABC, which requires patrons to consume an alcoholic product only if they are seated at the table, counter or bar structure.

With Punch Bunch Bowl’s arrival, The Gateway takes another step away from its shopping mall roots, said Cushing. In recent years, it has focused on becoming an urban destination by offering a mix of food, beverages and entertainment while also serving as a hub for technology and creative office spaces. Punch Bowl Social will be the third bar at The Gateway, behind Bout Time Pub and Grub and the soon-to-open Seabird Bar and Vinyl Room. Seabird will be near its sister business — La Barba Coffee — on the second level overlooking the Olympic Fountain.

(Courtesy photo) An artist rendering of Punch Bowl Social's new Salt Lake City location. The eat-drink-play concept is set to open in The Gateway in June 2019.https://www.sltrib.com/resizer/wt4S1...YU6ZABI3QI.jpg

.

[Orlando]

As much as I would like to see a tall tower built in SLC, I am kind of with Stenar and Comrade on this one. I don't think it will be built to that height, and I agree that that is not a good location for a new tallest. The city won't support a tower that tall outside of the CBD. Also, I'm a little doubtful that it will get built. Though, again, I'd be happy to be wrong. More important to me, though, is creating a vibrant and attractive urbanscape along that part of 4th south.

[Orlando]

After modelling this, I'm in complete agreement with Stenar. That is a terrible place for a new tallest. It's a ghost town around there, surface parking lots, small 2 to 4 story building built away from the property line. I think a 20 something story tower might work, and then if there really is that much demand, build on one of the many underused lots adjacent to it.

[Comrade]

The reason I am skeptical of this development is due to a few reasons:

1. Held Properties, a co-developer of the tower, is based out of Southern California but has no actual property that's been developed recently. Most of the property they own are older or acquired properties. Of the high-rises they actually developed, none have been recent and all are much smaller than the proposed 370 Millennium Tower. In fact, most of their high-rises predate the 1970s. There isn't a single high-rise property they own that was developed after the 1980s. That's a red flag in and of itself.

Now Held Properties is moving into the Salt Lake market, actively buying property in the area but nothing high-rise related (mostly residential and some non-tower commercial property).

2. LCC Properties, who's co-developing with Held, has some issues as well. They literally have zero projects of this scope. Most their projects are small and geared toward residential. The closest project they have on this level is Via - a five-story residential building in South Salt Lake.

3. Combine these two and you can see why I'm iffy. It sounds like a bold proposal by one established group and a fledgling one that's trying to make a name for itself. But none of these groups have the history, or frankly recent condition, that tells me they can seriously develop a 41-story tower.

4. The initial tower was supposed to be 27-stories and now it's 41. What gives? Why the change - and why no updated announcement to go with it? Moreover, the last substantial news we received on the development was back in October, 2017. That stretch of having hardly any information tells me it's likely more ambitious than anything.

We'll see ... but I am skeptical. Hope to be wrong, tho!

[wrendog]

I'm 100% skeptical as well, but it's fun to think about! As far as location, yeah, as of this date, it's a bad place, but that said, I'm quite sure it would spur more development in that area, so that could be a major positive.

[tchild2]

Originally Posted by Stenar

That's a terrible location for a new tallest.

If you look at the envision Utah 30 year plan, you see that the city grows much denser going south. At the moment, it might mean that people have to walk a few extra blocks to get lunch, but in the long term it is a superb location IMO. First and foremost it has much better freeway access than any of the downtown core.

[Blah_Amazing]

Originally Posted by Orlando

After modelling this, I'm in complete agreement with Stenar. That is a terrible place for a new tallest. It's a ghost town around there, surface parking lots, small 2 to 4 story building built away from the property line. I think a 20 something story tower might work, and then if there really is that much demand, build on one of the many underused lots adjacent to it.

When I look at this image (thanks for doing that btw), I actually feel like there is tons of potential and land that could be easily redeveloped around where the tower would be. If the area was zoned, designed, and developed properly, the tower could be the center of an entire new section of downtown.

And even if it remains somewhat similar to the model in the future, there are plenty of cities in the US with random buildings shooting up here and there. If anything, I think that makes the city feel more organic and natural, rather than a super controlled and level skyline.

[ThePusherMan]

Originally Posted by Viperlord

Also, if it helps hide the ugly borg cube courthouse across the street I am all for it.

I love the Borg Cube. I think in 50 years it will still be one of our best buildings. Maybe not from a distance but up close/inside it is absolutely gorgeous.

[Utah_Dave]

That view reminds me to ask about that parking lot block north of Little America. There has to be some grand plan for that big ole block right? I think the last thing I remember hearing was a “tech Campus” for that block. Who owns that now? Is that in the holding family still? About 25 years ago I heard an idea of making it a shopping center/ mall in the SLtribune I think. I believe there was mention of a world trade tower on the Zion bank property too. I can believe it’s sat empty for that long. I guess that goes to show we have a lot of land left to develop on the perimeter of downtown

[delts145]

I don't remember seeing this particular recent Silicon Slopes tech center building(inovation pointe) posted on the forum, so I thought I would give it a little photo bump. I would like to see some towers with interesting design elements such as this built downtown. A combination of designs into one tower consisting of this and the former Boyer 151 office tower proposal would be exciting. If the Held 370 tower does materialize I'm hoping they make a few refinements to the design, particularly the base.

http://www.laytoncompanies.com/news/...ointe-1200.jpg

Originally Posted by ThePusherMan

I love the Borg Cube. I think in 50 years it will still be one of our best buildings. Maybe not from a distance but up close/inside it is absolutely gorgeous.

You and me both PusherMan. Also, it's refreshing in that it is so strikingly different from any of the other structures downtown. Los Angeles also built a similar sister to it downtown at about the same time. While the one in Los Angeles looked great as a rendering, its plot setting and skin did not translate as well as the Salt Lake Court House. Also, like you said the Salt Lake Court House interior is undeniably gorgeous.

Along with many others, I agree that the Held location's surroundings has tremendous future potential. At the rate Downtown Salt Lake City is transforming I don't think having a new tallest at that location is a negative. I would enthusiastically welcome it, if it actually happens. Of course, it goes without saying in our perfect world, it would be ideal to then follow up with an even taller bank tower at the southwest corner area of 1st South and Main. The COB at the north end, Zions Bank Tower toward the middle, and 370 to the south. Yeah, in my perfect world 10 year projection!

While we're on the topic of the Held property vicinity. My someday, hopefully within the next ten years dream is to be involved in the development of an authentic replica of the former Port O'Call building. I still miss its charming presence. I would want to build it a little taller, but with all the same authentic charm. Also the Templeton Hotel, the Arrow Press Sq. building, the former Deseret News building at S. Temple and Main, and the former Sullivan at 1st. South and W. Temple. All a little taller, but with the same authentic elements. All would be a commercial/residential mixed use.

Port O'Call

https://c8.alamy.com/comp/DEY0GX/pri...und-DEY0GX.jpg


https://media2.fdncms.com/saltlake/i...3272458/10.jpg


Templeton Hotel

http://signaturebookslibrary.org/wp-.../017-19731.jpg


Arrow Press Sq.

https://downtownsaltlakecity.files.w...3_n.jpg?w=1400


Deseret News Building

http://www.robertwalkertribute.com/deseret.jpg


The Sullivan

https://www.urbanremainschicago.com/...15253884-2.jpg

.

[Old&New]

Originally Posted by Stenar

That's a terrible location for a new tallest.

I don’t think so; I would love the really tall towers to move out of historic downtown. Lots of parking lots in that area could be developed with tall towers, and a trax extension/connection along 400 South could support an influx of density. I’m all for moving the visual summit of our skyline further south and even west.

[Stenar]

Originally Posted by Always Sunny in SLC

I agree, not the place I would like to see it. It at least for the next decade will stick out awkwardly. That area does have a lot of development potential, so hopefully that will help. With that said tower height isn’t much of a thing for me. I would take two 20 stories over this. I know this forum loves height so I am happy if you are.

Same. I'd be all for a height limit of 25 stories, personally.

[jedikermit]

Originally Posted by Comrade

The reason I am skeptical of this development is due to a few reasons:

1. Held Properties, a co-developer of the tower, is based out of Southern California but has no actual property that's been developed recently. Most of the property they own are older or acquired properties. Of the high-rises they actually developed, none have been recent and all are much smaller than the proposed 370 Millennium Tower. In fact, most of their high-rises predate the 1970s. There isn't a single high-rise property they own that was developed after the 1980s. That's a red flag in and of itself.

Now Held Properties is moving into the Salt Lake market, actively buying property in the area but nothing high-rise related (mostly residential and some non-tower commercial property).

2. LCC Properties, who's co-developing with Held, has some issues as well. They literally have zero projects of this scope. Most their projects are small and geared toward residential. The closest project they have on this level is Via - a five-story residential building in South Salt Lake.

3. Combine these two and you can see why I'm iffy. It sounds like a bold proposal by one established group and a fledgling one that's trying to make a name for itself. But none of these groups have the history, or frankly recent condition, that tells me they can seriously develop a 41-story tower.

4. The initial tower was supposed to be 27-stories and now it's 41. What gives? Why the change - and why no updated announcement to go with it? Moreover, the last substantial news we received on the development was back in October, 2017. That stretch of having hardly any information tells me it's likely more ambitious than anything.

We'll see ... but I am skeptical. Hope to be wrong, tho!

All of these were questions I had, Comrade, so thank you. These have me more skeptical than anything about the height and location...if the stars lined up and a new Tallest was there, that's fine. I do think it would spur development in that pocket around it (I also wonder about the negative pull it could have away from other parts of the city, but it could also encourage more restaurants etc along south Main Street)...I doubt anything on that scale would happen on that site with that company, but I admire the ambition.

And as long as the New Tallest isn't in say, Sandy or Lehi, I'm all in.

[Stenar]

Originally Posted by delts145

https://media2.fdncms.com/saltlake/i...3272458/10.jpg

I was really bummed when The Shubrick was torn down because when my Mom was a young woman and first moved to Salt Lake City, she lived in those when they were still apartments.

[Stenar]

Originally Posted by Utah_Dave

That view reminds me to ask about that parking lot block north of Little America. There has to be some grand plan for that big ole block right? I think the last thing I remember hearing was a “tech Campus” for that block. Who owns that now? Is that in the holding family still? About 25 years ago I heard an idea of making it a shopping center/ mall in the SLtribune I think. I believe there was mention of a world trade tower on the Zion bank property too. I can believe it’s sat empty for that long. I guess that goes to show we have a lot of land left to develop on the perimeter of downtown

The Holdings sold that block to the LDS Church back in Jan. 2010, which has no known plans for the land. The new DA offices got built on the extra 3 acres across the street.

"SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has purchased 13 acres of prime downtown Salt Lake City real estate from The Sinclair Companies, formerly known as Sinclair Oil Corp., the hotel and oil corporation owned by Utah billionaire Earl Holding.

The property is located on two city blocks between 400 South and 500 South and between West Temple and the Matheson Courthouse.

The LDS Church confirmed the sale Thursday afternoon.

The sales price was not disclosed by either party nor on the special warranty deed filed with the Salt Lake County Recorder's Office.

"The land was purchased as a long-term investment with no immediate plans for development," said LDS Church spokesman Scott Trotter."

Source: desnews.com

[Utah_Dave]

^^^^

Thanks Stenar, I bet they have some ideas now. It would be great get inside their heads about it. I also wonder just how robotic and analytical the church’s development branch really is. You would think their development group are itching to break the ceiling and create a new tallest right. You gotta think they thought about it when drawing up the plans for tower 8 but thought not to. I’m assuming cost and space played a factor but a few more floors wouldn’t break the budget or go unfilled very long. I have to assume they have no ego about the height of a building and are very cut and dry when it comes to the numbers... or they have other buildings in the line up for the future that they have put the emphasis on for height and prominence. That last part is wishful thinking on my part. Tower 8 was a perfect opportunity for a new tallest... so close, I wonder what held them back.

[Orlando]

Originally Posted by Utah_Dave

^^^^

Thanks Stenar, I bet they have some ideas now. It would be great get inside their heads about it. I also wonder just how robotic and analytical the church’s development branch really is. You would think their development group are itching to break the ceiling and create a new tallest right. You gotta think they thought about it when drawing up the plans for tower 8 but thought not to. I’m assuming cost and space played a factor but a few more floors wouldn’t break the budget or go unfilled very long. I have to assume they have no ego about the height of a building and are very cut and dry when it comes to the numbers... or they have other buildings in the line up for the future that they have put the emphasis on for height and prominence. That last part is wishful thinking on my part. Tower 8 was a perfect opportunity for a new tallest... so close, I wonder what held them back.

Both tower 8 and 111 Main were shown to be tall towers from the City Creek Center plans in 2006ish. They appeared to be around 30 to 35 stories each. I'm not sure why 111 shrunk, but Tower 8 was capped due to the City's desire to step the heights down outside of the CBD. It certainly had the square footage to go taller, if it was more slender.

[jedikermit]

Food Alley story, I'm not sure how much information is new, the renderings look to be the same as what we've seen before.

https://kutv.com/news/local/salt-lak...-alley-in-2019