City approves land write-offs for two Central Ninth area developments
Two Central Ninth/Granary area projects are moving forward with financial assistance from the Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City (RDA). On Tuesday, August 21 the Salt Lake City Council, acting as the RDA Board of Directors, approved requested two land discounts that will allow both projects to move forward.
The projects, as currently proposed will bring more jobs and affordable housing to the neighborhood and consist of the proposed headquarters for local nonprofit, The Bicycle Collective and the proposed mixed-use second phase of the Central Ninth Market. In both instances, city council members approved discounting 100 percent of the land value.
Central Ninth mainstays, Atlas Architects designed both projects and is the co-developer of the Central Market’s second phase.
“I think this is a great project and I’m happy to see the second phase coming to fruition,” said Councilmember Erin Mendenhall. “The applicants here, know this neighborhood better than anybody.”
The Bicycle Collective plans to build a two-story, new 15,000-square-foot multi-purpose center at the southeast corner of 900 South and Gale Street between 300 and 400 West. Bicycle Collective staff expect the project to cost $3.5 million. The multi-use building will include a retail center, bicycle repair shop and classroom space.
The Bicycle Collective distributes refurbished bicycles and provides educational programming to youth, refugee and low-income communities through community and skills-building.
According to RDA staff, the 0.26-acre property is valued at $280,000 and that discounting the land will allow the Bicycle Collective to expand its operations with increased programming and additional staff. The nonprofit hopes to secure the remaining funds needed to start construction through a mix of new market tax credits, traditional financing and fundraising.
The project will also include several neighborhood amenities that will complement the adjacent 9-Line Trail. Amenities will include a public drinking fountain for passersby, covered bicycle parking and a public bicycle repair station.
The Central Market’s second phase was originally going to consist of four, for-sale townhomes. The project will now consist of 4,150 square feet of ground-floor commercial space below six, second-story residential units and 12 to 14 surface parking stalls directly south of the Central Ninth Market at the 100 West block of 900 South. The city estimates the parcels’ land value at $385,000.
According to Jesse Hulse of Atlas Architects, the units are intended to be workforce housing for residents that want to live and work in the Central Ninth Neighborhood. At least half of the units will be reserved for residents earning at least 60 percent Area Median Income (AMI). Under the terms of the land write-off, the affordable units will need to remain affordable units for at least 30 years after construction is complete.
The developers of both projects hope to start construction by fall 2019.
