Mixed-use project coming to 400 South
It appears that the “third time is the charm” for development on 400 South. The under-construction, Encore Apartments and Seasons at Denver Street Apartments will bring significant density to the 400 East block of 400 South, but both projects lack a mixed use and the Encore Apartments provide almost no street engagement on what is one of Salt Lake’s most important corridors.
A new development less than a block from Encore and Seasons, appears to right those project’s wrongs. Construction will soon begin on the Steve Black Apartments at the intersection of 400 South and 400 East. The new development intends to provide good street engagement and also ground-floor retail along 400 South.
Developers have applied for building and demolition permits for the 110-unit, seven-story development. The project replaces what was a Sizzler restaurant and a surface parking lot. The project consists of 5 wood-framed floors above a two-level parking structure.
The development will have 129 parking spaces and ample bike parking on both the lower and ground level floors. Parking will be accessed from 400 East adjacent to the lobby.
Ground-floor retail and a fitness center will occupy the project’s entire north side fronting 400 South. The ground-floor level will have glass doors and large windows helping the project feel more open to the sidewalk.
The project is located in the Transit Station Area Zoning District (TSA). Under TSA guidelines, any new project within a quarter-mile of a transit station must have a TSA development score of at least 100 to be approved for construction. Scores are based on a checklist giving developments points for various project elements that encourage walkability and maximize the project’s proximity to mass transit. Projects that score less than 100, must face either an administrative hearing or a review by the planning commission.
The Steve Black Apartments received a TSA development score of 144. The development earned points for its materials, project density, mixed-use, rooftop common space, bicycle storage, off-street parking structure and that it replaces a surface parking lot with a building.
Four large residential projects have either just finished or are under construction within a two block radius of 400 South and 400 East. The four projects combined will add just under 500 residential units to the area between 300 and 500 East and 400 and 500 South. When the Steve Black Apartments are finished there will be close to 650 new residential units in the immediate neighborhood.
