Developers are advancing plans for a new hotel on private land adjacent to Sugar House Park, seeking to rezone the property to allow for a taller structure than current regulations permit.
The proposal entails a seven-story hotel reaching 95 feet in height, with developers asserting that this building will include significant public benefits and harmoniously integrate with surrounding parkland and neighborhoods.
A recent submission to the city outlines the developers’ requests, including waiving the step-back requirement and adjusting city signage rules, as they claim the hotel will effectively serve as a gateway to the city off the I-80 and 1300 East interchange.
This site, once occupied by a Sizzler restaurant, has long been a focal point of community debate, especially regarding what type of development will be acceptable to a neighborhood already weary of rapid growth.
Previous attempts to establish multifamily housing on the smaller 0.82-acre site have faced strong opposition from local residents.
The proposed hotel arises after earlier plans for a Kum & Go fueling station were met with similar resistance, leading to a revision of city ordinances to inhibit such developments.
In light of past community pushback, the latest hotel plans aim to strike a balance by blending public amenities with private business ventures to finance the costly parcel.
Developers are optimistic that this approach will foster a symbiotic relationship with Sugar House Park, suggesting that both hotel patrons and park visitors will enjoy the facilities available at each location.
Included in the hotel amenities is a bike rental service situated in the lobby, which aligns with current trends favoring eco-friendly transport.
The developers assert that commercial spaces will constitute 30 percent of the ground floor, providing active retail options for guests and park-goers alike.
Additionally, they plan to minimize disruption by reducing the number of curb cuts from three to two, ensuring that all car parking takes place underground to preserve the park’s aesthetic.
The proposal features a cafe emphasizing local products, catering to the needs of guests seeking an authentic local experience during their stay.
Collaboration with the Sugar House Park Authority is ongoing to ensure the hotel’s design complements the park.
According to submitted site plans, access for vehicle drop-offs would be integrated between the hotel and the park, further enhancing visitor convenience.
Flexible use spaces, including restaurants, a banquet hall, and equipment rentals for outdoor activities, will be easily accessible, promoting walkability within the project.
The development team, Magnus Hotel Management of Millcreek, is poised to lease the site from its long-time owner, Paula Romney Farr.
To bring the project to fruition, Magnus is requesting an extensive rezoning initiative from the city.
Currently, the two parcels in question are classified under Commercial Business (CB) zoning, which restricts structures to a maximum height of 30 feet.
Salt Lake City is in the midst of revising its mixed-use zoning codes, which will modify the CB designation, transitioning it to a mixed-use zoning category (MU3) that retains similar height limitations.
Magnus argues that developing the site under current CB zoning parameters will not yield sufficient returns to justify the steep costs associated with acquiring the property.
Initially, the development team sought to elevate the zoning to MU8, highlighting that adjacent structures exceed the height restrictions imposed under CB zoning.
In their updated request, the developers now propose transitioning the property to the MU11 zone, which allows for buildings ranging from 45 to 150 feet tall, signifying a significant shift in permitted height limits for the area.
This new MU11 designation is expected to absorb elements of the existing, more intense zoning regulations for Sugar House’s core to the west.
Should the city approve this request, Magnus would be obligated to undergo a design review process, permitting community insights and critiques to be considered.
Local residents previously expressed a preference for a cafe, bar, or restaurant that would align with park activities, aiming for developments that distinguish themselves from the influx of new apartment complexes dominating the surrounding vicinity.
As the proposal unfolds, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether Magnus can garner the neighborhood’s support for the hotel initiative.
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