Salt Lake:Official development news thread

[Makid]

Hopefully these conventions will speed up a convention hotel being built.

[delts145]

Hopefully! You and me both Makid. It's amazing how many of these smaller 150 to 500 room combinations are announcing, but still no one has committed to a 1200 or so room center. I like the fact that a lot of new, smaller hotels are coming on line. I mean, they do a great job of filling in the blanks downtown. I just wonder what exactly will be the point of tipping the scale toward a mega-convention hotel.

[WASDEN]

Originally Posted by delts145

I just wonder what exactly will be the point of tipping the scale toward a mega-convention hotel.

I think that "tipping point" will be City Creek. Convention friendly cities (Las Vegas, San Diego, New Orleans come to mind) offer convention goers plenty to do once the workshops are out. Temple Square is cool to see, and City Creek will help concentrate that argument for Salt Lake as a destination.

Honestly I'm surprised that a mega-convention hotel was not incorporated into City Creek (I kinda wish the Marriott would have been part of the makeover of those blocks). Seems like a convention hotel combined with City Creek would have created a symbiotic/synergistic situation by providing entertainment/customers for each other.

[T-Mac]

Photos of some of the areas that we have been discussing as of late. Take this morning.

Intermodal Hub





Central Warehouse





John Deere Building - Goodbye John Deere to the paint.

[T-Mac]

More Photos from this morning of other projects.

Trolley Square





One & Nine Condos







OC Tanner Building on State Street





LDS Church History Library

[Viperlord]

Thanks as always for the updates T-mac. Nice pics.

some of you had asked what they were doing with the "john deere building"... if i recall I remember about half a year ago reading in the city planning commission minutes that a mini storage unit place was wanting to expand in that area. If I recall that is whats going on. I think the building would be better off as lofts though.

http://www.slcgov.com/boards/plancom/2006/may/sr_4100608.pdf

Its amazing how we completely almost forget about Trolley square development. lol.

The one and Nine condos look great on that corner.

[Makid]

Nice Pic's T-Mac. Thanks for the update.

[SLC Projects]

LOL, I for one have forgotten all about the Trolley square development project. Thank T-Mac.

[delts145]

Originally Posted by WASDEN

I think that "tipping point" will be City Creek. Convention friendly cities (Las Vegas, San Diego, New Orleans come to mind) offer convention goers plenty to do once the workshops are out. Temple Square is cool to see, and City Creek will help concentrate that argument for Salt Lake as a destination.

Honestly I'm surprised that a mega-convention hotel was not incorporated into City Creek (I kinda wish the Marriott would have been part of the makeover of those blocks). Seems like a convention hotel combined with City Creek would have created a symbiotic/synergistic situation by providing entertainment/customers for each other.

I'm surprised too Wasden. I agree that the CCC will probably be the tipping point, not only for the mega-convention hotel, but a whole list of new projects for Downtown over the next ten years. It's also interesting to see what will finally be the streamlining of the liquor laws. The Governor is really putting on the full court press to make Downtown, 'tourist friendly.'

Something that this forum hasn't paid a lot of attention to, but is extremely important, "is the soon to be completed ultra-luxe hotels in the Park City area." In addition to the flood of development at our ski resorts over the past few years, there are three major five-star properties under construction right now around that little 'Metro Salt Lake Gold Mine' of Park City. Soon Waldorf Astoria's, "Dakota Mountain", Starwood's, "St. Regis" and the uber-prestigious, "Montage" will come on-line.

With what is now happening Downtown in general and being developed at CCC, the close proximity of our ski resorts to downtown and the convention business, and the pending 'world-status' of Salt Lake's Delta hub, it all should continue quite the explosive expansion for Salt Lake." The volume and type of world travelers that will be making their way to the area each year, is going to elevate the downtown in a major way, at an even faster clip than what we've seen over the past six years.

[RFPCME]

Originally Posted by delts145

I'm surprised too Wasden. I agree that the CCC will probably be the tipping point, not only for the mega-convention hotel, but a whole list of new projects for Downtown over the next ten years. It's also interesting to see what will finally be the streamlining of the liquor laws. The Governor is really putting on the full court press to make Downtown, 'tourist friendly.'

Something that this forum hasn't paid a lot of attention to, but is extremely important, "is the soon to be completed ultra-luxe hotels in the Park City area." In addition to the flood of development at our ski resorts over the past few years, there are three major five-star properties under construction right now around that little 'Metro Salt Lake Gold Mine' of Park City. Soon Waldorf Astoria's, "Dakota Mountain", Starwood's, "St. Regis" and the uber-prestigious, "Montage" will come on-line.

With what is now happening Downtown in general and being developed at CCC, the close proximity of our ski resorts to downtown and the convention business, and the pending 'world-status' of Salt Lake's Delta hub, it all should continue quite the explosive expansion for Salt Lake." The volume and type of world travelers that will be making their way to the area each year, is going to elevate the downtown in a major way, at an even faster clip than what we've seen over the past six years.

Ah, men.

[T-Mac]

I am really liking the new home for OC Tanner. I can't wait to see it finished on the inside and have the building restored. This building picks up really cool reflections of the sun from the Eagle Gate Tower. Great building with great neighbors.

[delts145]

Speaking of nice buildings T-Mac, the One & Nine is turning out even better than I had expected from the renderings. I hadn't expected the developer to put so much effort into the exterior treatment. The amount of brick, and the detailing around the windows etc. is a real plus. I would like to see a few more of that design and quality around downtown.

[ski_steve]

A while ago I talked about the Gateway District Master Plan, but I couldn't get it online. Well I found it was already on line, a version of it.

http://www.railvolution.com/rv2005_pdfs/rv2005_227a.pdf



Its has the plans for the Intermodal Hub expansions and the block patterns etc.. As for the rest of the building used for the Hub, it is or was planned to be included in the parking structure. This link doesn't go in depth but its the best thing if you want to know about this project.


I was also looking at Downtown Rising and I began to wonder if this sports complex is the same kinda of thing that is presented in their vision.

http://www.downtownrising.com/vision/fitness.php



It sounds like this is almost the same thing, to me at least. Or at least something similar. I cant imagine the city would ok the Central Warehouse to be demolished if it is allowed to happen anyway.

[delts145]

59% see no need for theater - Also, 44% of residents in poll favor S.L. over Sandy

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,700229310,00.html

.

[Sight-Seer]

Isn't a Whole Foods store supposed to be built at Trolley Square? I drove by TS and nothing is happening there. They were supposed to move the water tower and tear down the bank building. I was disappointed. While in Washington DC a couple weeks ago, I bought several meals at Whole Foods. They have a great buffet. The store was very popular with the locals. I was looking forward to one in Salt Lake. I think one would do well at Trolley Square and bring in some much needed food traffic. Speaking of DC, it has the kind of urban lifestyle that Salt Lake wants. I'm not sure the open, free-wheeling culture would translate well to Salt Lake. Among the throngs of people I was shocked to see guys walking down the street holding hands. For this sort of urban life-style to occur, you have to escape the infuence of the church, which discourages any enjoyable activity except for begetting and raising a flock of little clone copies of themselves.

[delts145]

All of the Wild Oats stores have been purchased by Whole Foods. Infact, Whole Foods is at this time is slated to actually have all legalities complete and start opening stores/changing over the name along the Wasatch in early 2009. Regarding the construction at Trolley Square, my understanding of the reasoning behind not tearing up the East side yet, is to not have the whole Square in a big mess at the same time. As soon as the West side is closer to completion and able to accomodate patrons, then they'll begin tearing up the East side.

As far as that last comment made, I'm sure most of us would find it as suspect as we would find those Mormons, Prostestants, Agnostics, Catholics, Muslims or Jewsish biggots who would make a similar comment blanketing Gays. I'm sure it was just a momentary slip and doesn't reflect your overall attitude.

[arkhitektor]

Originally Posted by delts145

There are still be quite a few Whole Foods stores in the Metro Sight-Seer, no matter how long it takes them to construct the one at Trolley Square. All of the Wild Oats stores have been purchased by Whole Foods. Infact, haven't stores like the Sugarhouse location, etc. already changed hands/management? My understanding of the reasoning behind not tearing up the East side yet, is to not have the whole Square in a big mess at the same time. As soon as the West side is closer to completion and able to accomodate patrons, then they'll begin tearing up the East side.

Yeah, all of the Old Wild Oats locations are now being operated as Whole Foods Markets. I've noticed that for a few months, everything inside was Whole Foods while the sign outside was still Wild Oats, but last week I was in the Sugarhouse store and everthing had been changed to Whole Foods, not a trace of the old Wild Oats left. From what I understand, the store on 4th S. will close when the new location opens at Trolley Square.

[NYC Rick]

Originally Posted by WASDEN

I think that "tipping point" will be City Creek. Convention friendly cities (Las Vegas, San Diego, New Orleans come to mind) offer convention goers plenty to do once the workshops are out. Temple Square is cool to see, and City Creek will help concentrate that argument for Salt Lake as a destination.

Honestly I'm surprised that a mega-convention hotel was not incorporated into City Creek (I kinda wish the Marriott would have been part of the makeover of those blocks). Seems like a convention hotel combined with City Creek would have created a symbiotic/synergistic situation by providing entertainment/customers for each other.

Convention friendly cities offer a lot more to do than see Temple Square. Most convention attendees are looking to have a great time when they are not at the convention. Off times usually mean get together, parties and doing things that you would not get the chance to do at home.

Temple Square is interesting for about an hour (of course this depends on your affinity to the LDS church). Here I am assuming that most (read 99%) people are not LDS and not coming to a convention to convert.

A drive to the mountains is awesome but it really is a daytime thing and conventions are during the day.

I think that it would really pay off for SLC to expand its viability of things to do at night. Seeing the Jazz (while awesome) is not enough to keep an convention attendee alive.

There is a reason that NO and LV get so many conventions. Building larger hotels would be great but there has to be that something else to keep the visitor's mind alive.

"Seems like a convention hotel combined with City Creek would have created a symbiotic/synergistic situation by providing entertainment/customers for each other."

City Creek will definitely add a little more urban vibe but people do not go to conventions to see the new downtown enhancement. Some might but convention centers are usually wildly flexible cities. Do not get me wrong, getting these conventions are critical to any city. SLC's vibe should not be around a downtown that many cities already have but because of the sheer beauty. That is what you advertise.

Before someone pipe's in, I have nothing against Temple Square or the LDS church.

[Viperlord]

once again I received an e-mail from one of the main guys in the planning division at Salt Lake City....

I asked about the following projects....


"Here are responses to your questions:

1) Earl Holding’s properties are not in the process of development. The properties were included in the overall plans for Downtown Rising but not a specific development.

2) World Trade Center Plaza – I think this is still in the very conceptual phases. No developers have been named or specific sights for the building.

3) There were rumors that Wasatch Properties would develop a condominium project on the parking lot in front of the Chamber building. Those plans have been put on hold considering the current status of the housing/condo market. With the success of the Metro Condominiums, I’m sure we’ll see a project there in the next couple of years.

Sorry, not a lot going on with these projects/properties in Downtown. My theory is that once the Downtown Malls are complete, other developments will follow."


hmm, I am starting to wonder if we will ever see these projects become reality.

[MetroFanatic]

I'm not sure if anybody posted anything on this since I haven't been here a while, but the other day there was a story on KUTV 2News and an article in the Tribune about World Trade Center Utah sprouting up in the next 2-3 years. I think they said it'd be something like 25 stories.