City seeks input on redesigning downtown’s westside
The Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City’s (RDA) Salt Lake Central Station Area, encompasses some of the most transit-rich blocks in the Intermountain West. RDA officials in the process of creating an Implementation Plan area bounded by 300 North and 400 South, and 300 West and Interstate 15.
On Wednesday, August 1, the city will co-host an urban design workshop for the Salt Lake Central Station Area Plan Project (the “Project”) and is inviting the public to observe the process and provide feedback to the participants. The area is experiencing rapid residential growth and is anchored by the Central Station/Intermodal Hub to the south and the North Temple TRAX and FrontRunner Stations to the north.
“This is an opportunity for residents to weigh in on the future of an area that is vital to connecting our city,” said Salt Lake City Mayor and RDA Executive Director Jackie Biskupski in a statement. “I’m pleased that the RDA, City divisions and key community organizations are driving this effort to develop an area plan based on a community vision and shared goals.”
According to RDA officials, the workshop will build upon the community and stakeholder input staff gathered earlier this year. The project’s design team will analyze and work on alternative plans for redevelopment and connectivity in relation to two of the city’s most highly used light rail stops.
In addition to the workshop, residents will be able to discuss the developing area plan designs with the design team during an open house immediately following Wednesday’s workshop and on Thursday, August 2 in a second open house following a formal presentation of the proposed designs. Both days’ events will be held at a pop-up studio at the Gateway, at 70 South Rio Grande Street.
The Project’s design team is comprised of urban design, transportation, and financial experts – Urban Design Associates, Alta Planning + Design and Zions Bank Public Finance. The team has reviewed current plans and studies, conducted an economic market study and gathered community input from key area stakeholders, transit riders, future users and local area residents.
The project area expands on the Station Center Project Area that the RDA adopted in 2015 under former Mayor Ralph Becker. That project area focused on the two blocks between the Intermodal Hub and the Rio Grande Depot. While developers have been selected for several parcels in the project area, development has been delayed by uncertainty with the nearby Road Home Shelter and a delay in utility work after the RDA reallocated those funds to go to affordable housing projects.
