Before it was razed last year, Salt Lake City’s Fleet Block was known for its large abandoned warehouse featuring murals of people killed in confrontations with police. City leaders have now announced the selection of the developers that will transform the north half of the block into a residential and commercial zone. (Photo courtesy Salt Lake City)
Salt Lake City has long envisioned a walkable center for families, businesses and neighborhood life for the city property known as the “Fleet Block” south of the downtown business district. The city has now taken the next step in seeing that vision become a reality.Two nationally recognized development partners have been selected to redevelop the northern parcels of the Fleet Block, located between 800 South and 900 South and 300 West and 400 West. Mercy Housing, an affordable housing developer headquartered in Denver, and Evanston, Illinois-based Brinshore Development were chosen to develop the northeast and northwest corners of the block, respectively.
After issuing a request for qualifications in May, the city convened a selection committee composed of community members, nonprofit leaders and city staff to review the applications and choose the developers.
Fleet Block is mostly city-owned property located within the Granary District that was previously used for trucking fleet storage and maintenance. The city owns 8.1 acres on the block, while the rest is privately owned. The Granary District is an historical industrial district in transition, with many of the older warehouses repurposed for office, retail and restaurants. Several new housing developments, including the adjacent ArtSpace, have gone up in the area in recent years.
Fleet Block is perhaps best recognized for the large, abandoned warehouse where murals featuring people killed in confrontations with police were rendered in red and pink graphics. Since the city’s decision to redevelop the area, the warehouse was razed despite protests from citizens’ groups wishing to preserve the murals.
“These developers have proven they know how to build community-focused development that works for families, and I’m excited to see them do just that for the Fleet Block,” said Mayor Erin Mendenhall. “Right now, this lot is a barrier between beautiful neighborhoods. But soon, it will be a bridge — alive with affordable homes, welcoming green space and public art.”
Nearly a decade ago, the Salt Lake City Council adopted its Downtown Master Plan, envisioning a Fleet Block with mid-block streets and public spaces connecting Central Ninth and the Granary districts and creating a more cohesive urban environment.
In partnership with the city, Mercy Housing’s plan will provide affordable housing while Brinshore Development will develop commercial space.
“The Fleet Block is a canvas for the best Salt Lake City can be: connected, livable and people-centered,” said Council Member Darin Mano, who represents the area on the city council. “With this redevelopment, we’re bringing much-needed amenities and laying the groundwork for a thriving space our community can enjoy for decades to come.”
Mercy Housing, touted as the nation’s largest nonprofit affordable housing provider, has a record of developing and operating high-quality housing for families across the West. The Fleet Block project marks Mercy’s second Utah development, following Francis Peak View in Kaysville.
“Mercy Housing is proud to partner with Salt Lake City to transform the Fleet Block into a vibrant new community that will expand affordable housing opportunities for individuals and families near downtown,” said Mercy Housing Mountain Plains President Shelly Marquez. “We look forward to working with the community and our partners to shape the vision for this important development.”
Brinshore Development most recently built the SPARK apartment complex on North Temple with 48 “deeply affordable” units, 152 affordable units and an on-site child care center.
“Brinshore is excited to be a part of the Fleet Block development,” said David Brint, Brinshore Development’s co-founder. “There is no substitute for vision and leadership, and Salt Lake City is showing they have both.”
“Both developers’ proposals focused on bringing affordability, neighborhood connection and new spaces and resources for families and residents,” Salt Lake City said in its release announcing the selection. “Their approaches align with the city’s goals, as outlined in the anti-displacement strategy, ‘Thriving in Place,’ to turn underutilized land into much-needed housing.”
The city said the developments will also comply with its Community Benefits Agreement: a commitment to invest in the surrounding neighborhood based on feedback and negotiations with residents. Benefits could include public art, child care or space reserved for local businesses.
“Instead of guessing what the neighborhood needs, the Community Benefits Agreement provides a unique opportunity for representatives of residents, businesses and other stakeholders to directly work with developers,” said Tammy Hunsaker, director of the Salt Lake City Department of Community and Neighborhoods. “The people who live and work in the Granary District will help shape what is built here.”