A concept drawing recently released by the Larry H. Miller Co. imagines how a part of the planned Power District development in the
northwest part of Salt Lake City might look. Included are a revitalization of the Jordan River into a Riverwalk feature with dining and
entertainments and a big league ballpark (left). Illustration copyright 2024 by Larry H. Miller Co.
A 'ONCE-IN-A GENERATION' OPPORTUNITY
The Larry H. Miller Co. and the Miller family recently unveiled renderings and videos of plans for the development of the Power District in the northwest part of Salt Lake City.
The Power District is a nearly 100-acre site adjacent to the Utah State Fairpark and the Jordan River along North Temple Street.
The development “features unprecedented transportation access ideally located between the Salt Lake City International Airport and downtown. The project will serve as an economic and cultural catalyst for the state and the westside community,” the Miller Co. said in a release accompanying the announcement of the plans.
“We are passionate about this once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in our capital city,” said Steve Starks, CEO of the LHM Co. “This project will serve as a vibrant extension of and gateway to downtown Salt Lake, complements the mission of the State Fairpark, and brings the Jordan River to life. The Power District will be a gathering place for Utah’s families to live, work, play and enjoy the best views in Major League Baseball.”
“The project is a historic development opportunity to create a modern, sustainable and vibrant space for businesses, residents and visitors alike,” the Miller statement continued. “It will feature views of the downtown skyline and the pristine Wasatch Mountains and is readily accessible from I-80, I-215, I-15 and TRAX. The Power District also serves as an ideal, shovel-ready site for an MLB ballpark.”
The Miller group has been active in an organization called Big League Utah that is working with Major League Baseball to bring a team to Utah. Part of the Power District planning includes a stadium for any eventual team.
The Power District development vision includes the Utah State Fairpark and improvements to the Jordan River, Starks said. The LHM Co. is working closely with the Utah State Fairpark board, Salt Lake City, the Jordan River Commission and state leaders to incorporate various community master and land-use plans into the development framework. Larry H. Miller Real Estate is collaborating with Boston-based Sasaki, an international urban planning and community design firm, to develop the vision. The release said the LHM Co. is working with westside community leaders and will continue to engage with key stakeholders and neighbors as plans develop.
“The Power District is an investment in human capital and will bring infrastructure and economic and educational development opportunities to the area,” said Steve Miller, board chair of the LHM Co. “Our family is committed to this project and is humbled by the rallying of community support around this initiative. We are invested in this area because we believe in creating enriching experiences.”
The planned multi-function, mixed-use development will feature abundant green space and trails, a beautified Jordan River walk, innovative residential options, majestic views, a focus on local dining and retail and a potential Major League ballpark. It will be walkable, bikeable and transit-connected.
“The partnership between the Power District and the Utah State Fairpark will create economic development and allow investment in Fairpark infrastructure,” said Larry Mullenax, executive director of the Utah State Fairpark. “This development continues the State Fairpark’s position as a self-sustaining state asset.”
Development at the Power District is scheduled to begin in late 2024 with the construction of the new headquarters for Rocky Mountain Power.
“Utah’s economy thrives when it has a strong center. Economies have a heart — they have a gathering place. These centers include professional sports. If you have a vibrant center, it actually helps the regional economy statewide,” said Natalie Gochnour, director of the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah.
“The location of the Power District and the potential ballpark are catalytic opportunities for the westside community,” said Derek Miller, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber. “This project is focused on doing things the right way and is involving the community and key stakeholders.”