Mixed-Use Development Proposed at Site of U's Stadium Parking Lot

Mar 28, 2008 by Eric Ray

(KCPW News) An idea that began as a class project for University of Utah architecture students has graduated into a full blown proposal for a new mixed-use development on the school's campus.

"You'll typically see retail elements at street level. Those types of things really do promote the energy that occurs in these districts," says Mike Perez, Associate Vice President of Facilities Management at the University of Utah. "Then in upper levels there can be all sorts of activities, be it housing or office space."

Perez says Project Universe will be built in the large parking lot immediately west of Rice-Eccles Stadium. The school hopes to take advantage of the proximity of the TRAX line by including space for its continuing education program, and it will be sensitive to the view corridors from the stadium and other university buildings, adds Perez.

"The other parameter is to not have any net loss of parking, and if at all possible, maybe to enhance parking in the area. What that means will be determined at the point in time that we have identified a partner," says Perez.

Perez is hopeful there will be developers interested in the project. Currently the school is collecting input on the project from the Salt Lake City Planning Commission, the Historic Landmark Commission, and the surrounding community.

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