Advocates Hope To Save State Street Buildings

None by Eric Ray

(KCPW News) Housing advocates spoke out today against the Salt Lake City Redevelopment Agency's likely plan to demolish what they say is a historic part of the downtown area. The threatened buildings are located on the East side of State Street between 200 and 300 South.

Tim Funk, Housing Director for the Crossroads Urban Center, says the RDA will issue a request for proposal shortly after the General Election. He says the city wants to replace the existing buildings with condominiums with ground floor boutiques.

Two single room occupancy hotels - home to 125 people - along with the Children's Theatre School, the Tivoli Gallery, and the Capitol Hill Academy are among the businesses in jeopardy.

Funk is hoping to convince newly elected city officials to reconsider the RDA's plan. Of the mayoral candidates, Funk says Ralph Becker has pledged to take a closer look at the area while Dave Buhler wants to move ahead with the decision of the RDA.

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