Salt Lake City is currently seeking innovative proposals for the future of the Fleet Block, a 10-acre area that has sat vacant for years and been transformed into a memorial for those killed by police.
The city initiated a request for qualifications earlier this month for two northern parcels of the block, measuring 1.6 and 2.3 acres respectively, as it looks to attract developers who can create a mixed-use property that contributes to the Granary District.
Logan Hunt, real estate services director for Salt Lake City’s Department of Community and Neighborhoods, emphasized the city’s desire for developers to engage with the community to craft a cohesive vision for the block, while also being open to more audacious proposals.
“There’s a wide variety that we’re expecting, that we are anticipating coming out of those discussions and then working with the developers and the community to negotiate exactly what those public benefits are,” Hunt stated.
Additionally, Hunt noted the city is particularly focused on finding bold ideas that could lead to a mixed-use and mixed-income neighborhood reflective of the community.
A crucial aspect of the Fleet Block plan includes a dedicated 3-acre section located in the southeast corner of the area. This space will be an essential part of public engagement efforts as the city seeks input from residents on its future use.
The section is strategically positioned adjacent to 900 South and the 9-Line Trail and is anticipated to pay homage to the murals that emerged along the Fleet Block in 2020 following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Over the years, these murals depicted individuals who lost their lives due to police violence, creating a powerful narrative that will likely influence the future design and purpose of the space, even as demolition of the area commenced last month.
In prior years, city officials struggled to determine the best course of action for the long-vacant block, oscillating between various development strategies. More recently, discussions included whether one company should solely oversee the block’s development.
Council Member Darin Mano expressed opposition to that notion, maintaining an optimistic outlook on the potential for a more diverse and collaborative approach to development.
“I’m supportive of them splitting the block up and believe it will result in a better final outcome and provide opportunities for more ideas and organizations to be involved in the project,” he stated in a text message to Building Salt Lake.
While the two northern parcels are set for development, the southwest corner of the Fleet Block has advanced further along in the planning process. This area is divided into two parcels, with a 1.3-acre parcel already owned by Sentry Financial, a local developer known for its focus on affordable housing options.
Peter Corroon, a real estate manager for Sentry Financial, indicated that they are currently negotiating the purchase of the adjacent 1-acre east parcel from Salt Lake City.
Although development specifications such as building height and the number of units remain undetermined, Corroon confirmed that the project will include affordable units along with ground-floor retail space.
Hunt noted that once the deal is finalized on Sentry’s second parcel, proceeds from the sale would be reinvested into the overall project, specifically to help fund the planned mid-block streets.
Plans disclosed by Salt Lake City illustrate accessibility via streets on the north, west, and east sides of the block, while a non-motorized connection is proposed for the south side.
The city envisions not only housing in the southwest corner but has also laid out its terms, which request an active usage facing the public square.
Furthermore, with zoning changes, developers will be expected to provide active uses along 900 South and 400 West.
Hunt conveyed optimism that the purchase sale agreement would be finalized soon, allowing construction to potentially begin within the next two years.
Currently, the Fleet Block is zoned as Form-Based Mixed Use 11 (FB-MU11), with plans for it to transition to Mixed Use 11 (MU-11) as part of ongoing efforts to streamline the city’s mixed-use zoning code.
In this new zoning framework, buildings can rise up to 125 feet, though structures exceeding 85 feet would require a design review, ensuring that new developments align with the community’s vision and standards.
image source from：https://buildingsaltlake.com/salt-lake-city-looking-for-bold-ideas-for-fleet-block-mixed-use-development/
