SLC Legend Approves of New Vision for Capital City

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Forty years ago, a handful of business people and community leaders envisioned Salt Lake City as a tourist destination with a bustling convention center and world-class performing arts. This week the Salt Lake Chamber unveiled its vision for the next twenty years, called "Downtown Rising." Philanthropist Jack Gallivan - who helped create the city's first visionary plan - says it's right on target:

"I'm especially excited about the plan to build many high rise apartments and condominiums here," says Gallivan. "A city, to be vibrant, has to have big population downtown."

Gallivan adds that without an influx of a hundred thousand people living downtown, Salt Lake won't have the 24-7 action needed to help business thrive. When he and others created the Second Century Plan in 1962, they dreamed of building the Salt Palace, Abravanel Hall and attracting tourists on par with other mountain states. In fulfillment of their dream, a record 300,000 convention visitors came to Salt Lake City in 2006.

The Capital City's future will be shaped by "Downtown Rising." It's a twenty-year vision of Salt Lake City as a booming metropolis with tree-lined streets, bustling retail and cultural districts to rival those of Seattle and San Francisco.

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