Salt Lake:Official development news thread

[jmonkey]

I agree with Future Mayor and Urbanboy--Arrow Press Square should not be considered for any high-rise development. It is, on the whole, a quite well preserved section of lovely, historic buildings. The recent loss of the DVD building, and the earlier closure of the Dead Goat Saloon, highlight how fragile this site is. Just a few years back it was a pretty lively place. It could really blossom under a smart developers eye!! If I had money, Future Mayor, I'd be first in line to invest!

As far as police cameras in Pioneer Park, I personally don't really care what the police resort to there any more. I'm so tired of it being a crime-ridden cesspool, I'd be almost willing to resort to fire hoses and angry doberman pinchers. That spot has been a thorn on the city's side for nearly twenty years. A long, long time ago, I remember stopping there for boxed lunches on elementary school field trips. It would be nice if that environment could be brought back. Sadly, I don't think it will unless they build a police substation in the middle of the park.

[Zionide]

You know, in comparison to bigger-city parks across the country, I've never found Pioneer Park to be that terrible. I ate lunch there with coworkers at least once a week last spring and summer (before the construction) and never had any serious problems. Yes, it was/is by far the most derelict park in our city, but I kinda like the urban grittiness it brings. Some smelly homeless guys and a woman dealing weed were as "crime-ridden" as it got. Of course, I'm sure nights are different....

[Urban_logic]

I think that SLC needs to explore devloping parking lots before it starts looking at bulldozing old buildings. Once all (and I mean ALL) parking lots are elliminated, then I would support exploring redevelopment of older buildings (but such buildings should be ones that aren't historic - unstable, unsightly buildings). Then, down town can expand outward - there are a lot of places to develop outside the current down town core. I think this hotel would be great, but I would perfer it on the corner of the Salt Palace.

Speaking of getting rid of SLC's unsightly parking lots, I heard a rumor that the BYU Salt Lake Center will eventually expand from the Triad Center into the massive parking lot between South and North Temple and 2nd and 3rd West. I think this is an excellent idea!! I fear that developing this lot may disrupt views of the current skyline as viewed from the west looking east. A college campus would be great because it would fill the space with something attractive, but it wouldn't have massive towers that would block the skyline. It would also have a lot of open space to provide a non-concrete haven within a concrete jungle. Having a college campus in the city center is deffinately a great asset for a city. I do know that LDS Business College and BYU Salt Lake Center are currently open and operating at the Triad center. I have heard this rumor, but I haven't heard much more about the expansion plan. Anyone know about this rumor? Any specifics (like dates, developers, etc.)?

Maybe they could also develop the smaller parking lot by the Gateway bordering South Temple and 4th West while they're at it

[Urban_logic]

The description on downtownrising.com is rather vague, but I did notice that it says in the top right corner "Opening Date: Phase 1 - July 2006". I think it's safe to assume that if this is called "phase 1", then there will be a phase 2 (and possibly more). It mentions the addition of a "career center", which would probably be placed in the parking lot block.

http://www.downtownrising.com/projects/college_project.php

Does anyone have any info about phase 2???

[jmonkey]

^That's not a rumor, Urban Logic, but there are no specifics yet. Perhaps we'll see some announcements on it sometime in the not too distant future, but I definitely don't think we'll see any action on that block until after CCC is put to bed. I can't imagine the LDS Church leaping into another major project until the one on their plate is done. The schools are now in operation at the Triad Center, and the Plaza Hotel is now student housing. Does anyone know the fate of the mansion where LDS Business College was residing?? Is it staying with the church, or is it up for sale? Any announced plans for it?

I do hope that the church tries to tie that block into the rest of the city as well as they can. A 'campus' is usually quite insular, and this is of course private property, but there is a great opportunity on this block. If designed well, I think it will be another chance to further tie Main Street and The Gateway together.

I personally don't mind the open area at the SE corner of the Salt Palace. I think it is important that a city have multiple open spaces--parks and plazas. This one could be designed better, and may eventually function better if (hopeful) new hotel is built on 200 South.

[DMTower]

I'd like to see some 8-12 story residential buildings (possibly student housing) put in on the land around Triad Center. That corner of downtown seems so open and an abrupt end to the urban vibe... apartment mid-rises would go a long way in visually continuing downtown in that direction, and tie in the Marmalade area as well.

[Urban_logic]

Originally Posted by DMTower

I'd like to see some 8-12 story residential buildings (possibly student housing) put in on the land around Triad Center. That corner of downtown seems so open and an abrupt end to the urban vibe... apartment mid-rises would go a long way in visually continuing downtown in that direction, and tie in the Marmalade area as well.

I totally agree. And since it's a college compus, it's going to require a lot of buildings. As big as that parking lot is, it's not really that big for a college campus. That will force them to build up, thus making some good 8-15 story buildings. I mean, LDSBC alone is 10 stories - and it's just a business college. Imagine the building heights a BYU Center could produce!!

[Neuroguy]

The old building (Mansion) is or was up for sale. I don't know if they have sold it yet but can ask my father-in-law who works for LDSBC. Last time I picked his brain about the vacant lot just east of their new location he said that he was told by Bishop Burton that it would be 2012 before they even began planning anything for that block. So sounds like they are waiting until a few of their other projects are completed.

[urbanboy]

I'd imagine something similar to the medical school density and hight.

[Urban_logic]

Originally Posted by Neuroguy

The old building (Mansion) is or was up for sale. I don't know if they have sold it yet but can ask my father-in-law who works for LDSBC. Last time I picked his brain about the vacant lot just east of their new location he said that he was told by Bishop Burton that it would be 2012 before they even began planning anything for that block. So sounds like they are waiting until a few of their other projects are completed.

Crap!! I hate waiting Oh well, I can wait

I was just thinking that this is going to complete a "Mormon Corridor". Triad, the parking lot, Temple Square, Joseph Smith Mem. Building, Church HQ, Church Office Building straight in a row east to west. Then you have the Conference Center and LDS Hist. Library just across North Temple. Then I guess CCC is technically owned by the church, so it looks like they will pretty much run the show on the north part of town. I'm not sure if I like this or not. I suppose it's appropriate, due to it being church world HQ. It's kinda like America's version of the Vatican lol

Note: I just realized that I forgot to shade in the Church Off. Bldg and Joe Smith Mem block. Just imagine it's there

[SLC Projects]

I really like the size of the new convention hotel. That will really help fill in the skyline.

[anyiliang]

Originally Posted by shakman

I like the concept. People may say "privacy violation", however if one has nothing to hide, then why worry.

London has a very extensive system throughout which has worked quite well.

It is quite disturbing to see parkland, something that people strife to achieve for there neighborhoods, become a haven for thugs.

Cameras don't bother me. Over here in Taiwan every street has a camera every 50 meters. So when you walk down the street, at least 5 cameras can see what you are doing. I don't mind it because I have nothing to hide and there is almost no real crime over here.

[jedikermit]

Hopefully around 2012 we'll see some movement on those blocks--does anyone know how long those have been surface parking lots? Since Triad Center/Delta Center were completed? Before that? It's an insane amount of surface parking in what could be the heart of downtown. I'd love to see some student housing and other buildings go up there too, making it a true campus for BYUSLC or LDSBC or whatever they're calling it.

I think the infusion of students LIVING there, not commuting there, would be great for both CCC and the Gateway, and would hopefully spur further, smaller development in adjoining districts like Marmalade...I'd love to see little independent bookstores, music hangouts, coffee shops (er...are there "hot chocolate shops" in Provo and Rexburg?)(what do those college students do if they don't go to coffee shops and bars to hang out?) and the like popping up down there.

It's a great opportunity for all that open land...I hope the LDS Church moves on it. And if anything, it'd cost less than the bajillion dollars they've poured into CCC. Maybe they can hike tithing to 15%?

[delts145]

New Marriott hotel opens west of airport
- Lodging » SpringHill Suites has 143 rooms

http://www.sltrib.com/business/ci_11742964

White Lodging has opened a 143-room SpringHill Suites by Marriott hotel at 4955 Wiley Post Way, in the cluster of hotels west of Salt Lake City International Airport...

.

[shakman]

Com - Check your PM about cameras.

How many rooms is the Convention Hotel? Operator /brand?

I thought I read something about it, but I cannot remeber when and /or where. Anyone familiar with any related literature?

[ski_steve]

ugh, why does byu have to sprawl out... they should just stay in provo where they belong, and stay out of utah territory hehe

[Orlando]

Originally Posted by SLC Projects

I really like the size of the new convention hotel. That will really help fill in the skyline.

What new convention hotel and where?

[arkhitektor]

Originally Posted by stevena07

ugh, why does byu have to sprawl out... they should just stay in provo where they belong, and stay out of utah territory hehe

Maybe the University of Utah should open a campus in the UC to get back at them.

[Orlando]

Ah, nevermind. Projects, you're talking about the one modeled on the post from the previous page, right? Well, if Arrow Press Square is an issue, they could build the hotel just to the east of it where all that surface parking is. It's a shame no one has developed on that corner. They could just move the little Zion's bank to the side a little. They shouldn't keep that surface lot as is just because of that little old building. They should preserve it and move it.

[Future Mayor]

That spot has been mentioned a couple of times for the possibility of a Hotel or office building. I really think they could develop it in possibly two towers or an L shape and leave the bank were it's at.

Several months ago we got deep into the Convention Hotel discussion, many of us had suggested razing the Shilo and putting it there or placing it on the NE corner of W. Temple and 200 S. UrbanBoy had suggested on the Post Office block.

When reading the public market report, I was reminded the the owners of the former Ferrari Color building, shamrock, ginza and the surface lot on the SW corner of 200 S and 200 W wants to place a hotel there.

As for as connectivity to the Salt Palace, Shilo and NE corner of 200 S and W. Temple would be ideal but all the spots would be great for a 1,000 room hotel.