The transformation of South Jordan, Utah, is taking a monumental step forward with the development of Downtown Daybreak, a vibrant mixed-use urban center designed to address some of the most pressing issues facing the region today.
With roots tracing back over 20 years, the project has evolved through the collaborative efforts spearheaded by the City of South Jordan, the Wasatch Front Regional Council, and the original landowner, Rio Tinto Kennecott. Now under the guidance of the Larry H. Miller Company, the initiative is set to redefine urban living in the area.
Mayor Dawn R. Ramsey of South Jordan expressed her enthusiasm, highlighting the community’s commitment to fostering environments that promote connection, innovation, and an enhanced quality of life.
“We’re honored to work together to shape a thriving future for our residents,” Mayor Ramsey noted.
The vision for Downtown Daybreak revolves around creating a healthy and affluent lifestyle for its residents. The design focuses on being walkable, bikeable, and seamlessly connected via various transit options. This ambitious development aims to tackle Utah’s critical challenges, such as traffic congestion, air quality, water conservation, and housing diversity.
Stephen James, Chief Visioning Officer for Larry H. Miller Real Estate, articulated his belief that Downtown Daybreak stands to become “a new center of gravity for the Salt Lake Valley.” He emphasized that the project not only positions Daybreak as a model of smart growth but aims to advance it significantly further.
The first phase of this ambitious venture is marked by the opening of Utah’s premier sports and entertainment district. Anchored by The Ballpark at America First Square, the new home of the Salt Lake Bees, this district promises to invigorate the area with culture and recreation.
In addition to the ballpark, the square boasts a Megaplex cinema entertainment center that offers movies, interactive bowling, arcade games, and an elevated dining experience. Throughout the summer months, residents and visitors can enjoy live concerts and community events at the performance stage presented by Rio Tinto Kennecott, while the winter months invite fun on the outdoor ice rink.
The expansive Downtown Daybreak will serve as a year-round destination, complete with retail shops, diverse restaurants, office space, and various housing options, catering to the workforce and community alike.
Plans for future phases are already underway, with the total development of Downtown Daybreak projected to take approximately 10-15 years.
As the region experiences rapid growth, the location of Downtown Daybreak proves to be advantageous, sandwiched between vital transportation links such as TRAX light rail and the Mountain View Corridor. Mayor Jenny Wilson of Salt Lake County noted that the majority of the county’s population resides on the west side of I-15 while job opportunities lie predominantly on the east side, highlighting the need for job creation close to where residents live.
Brad Holmes, President of Larry H. Miller Real Estate, underscored the importance of this transformation as a unique opportunity to provide collaborative solutions for families and businesses in Utah.
“This innovative and transformative approach is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to provide a visionary and collaborative solution to Utah’s families and businesses,” Holmes said.
The foundations of Downtown Daybreak are set within the larger framework of Daybreak as a community, which is acclaimed for its focus on promoting healthy living, fostering a strong economy, and enhancing residents’ quality of life. As Utah’s #1 best-selling new home community, Daybreak is nationally recognized for its commitment to innovative community planning.
The attention to detail is evident, with an emphasis on creating unique parks, extensive trail networks exceeding 50 miles, and the picturesque 67-acre Oquirrh Lake. Furthermore, a thoughtfully designed series of waterways, known as the watercourse, only enhances the community’s charm.
The multiple phases of Downtown Daybreak showcase a wealth of family-friendly activities under the broader initiative termed the “Season of Openings.”
In April 2025, The Ballpark at America First Square officially opened its doors after just 14 months of construction, realizing a vision of a Major League caliber facility.
The baseball park, featuring field-level suites, state-of-the-art amenities, and stunning views of the Wasatch Mountains, sets a new benchmark for Triple-A baseball in Utah.
Moreover, the Salt Lake Bees have launched a unique year-round public team store at the ballpark, creating an immersive shopping experience, particularly known for its vast array of hats, which is a rarity among Minor League teams.
By July 2025, the Megaplex entertainment center will further elevate community experiences, offering luxury cinema seating, interactive bowling, and more attractions for the region’s families.
Dining and shopping options in Downtown Daybreak are being thoughtfully curated, focusing on local businesses such as Hires Big H, Moena Café, Nomad Eatery, and Rockwella Ice Cream Company, among others. Local boutique Jolley’s Corner will add to the shopping diversity, bringing personal touches and a unique shopping experience to the community.
The Rio Tinto Kennecott Stage will serve as a focal point for community gatherings, offering musical performances and various festivities that will bring neighbors together.
In a landmark collaboration, the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation recently pledged $25 million to establish the Miller Arts Center, aiming to create a space where creativity and connection can flourish.
Gail Miller, the foundation’s chair, expressed her belief in the power of the arts to enrich lives and strengthen communities: “This donation is an investment in the future of our community, providing a space where creativity can thrive and where people of all backgrounds can experience the transformative power of the arts.”
The arts center is slated to break ground in early 2026.
Multimodal transportation will be a cornerstone of Downtown Daybreak, designed to provide seamless connections regardless of the preferred transport method. With over 50 miles of connected trails and the recent launch of the South Jordan Downtown TRAX stop in March 2025, accessibility to this dynamic development will be greatly enhanced.
With family-friendly events planned year-round, Downtown Daybreak is positioning itself as a prime destination for both residents and visitors eager to engage in community activities.
Given the recent trends in population growth in Utah, exemplified by predictions from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute estimating the state’s population could reach 3.8 million by 2030, continued developments like Downtown Daybreak are becoming increasingly vital.
Utah has consistently ranked among the best states in the nation for economic performance, and as of June 2025, it held the second spot for the best overall economy. Maintaining a positive economic outlook for over 18 consecutive years, Utah’s growth potential continues to draw residents and businesses alike, affirming its status as an appealing state to move to or establish a business.
Steve Starks, CEO of the Larry H. Miller Company, emphasized that the company’s mission centers around enriching lives through community spaces where families and friends can make cherished memories.
The collaborative spirit inherent within Utah, described as “the Utah way,” helps support the intricate partnerships that form the backbone of projects like Downtown Daybreak. Such successful public-private partnerships illustrate the ability to tackle challenges collectively for the benefit of the community.
The successful integration of various stakeholders, from state leaders and city planners to local businesses, showcases the effective efforts in turning visionary concepts into practical realities, paving the way for continued growth and prosperity in the region.
image source from：utahbusiness
