A new affordable housing project for seniors over 62 years old has been proposed in Sugar House, directly across from Fairmont Park. The development, named Fairmont Heights, aims to provide 110 affordable housing units at 2257 S. 1100 E. This site, situated at the corner of Simpson Avenue and 1100 East, spans .81 acres and was purchased by the Housing Authority of Salt Lake City (HASLC) earlier this year.
Last September, the HASLC presented plans for a senior living facility at the same location. However, the latest proposal, submitted on Thursday, includes updated renderings and a revised layout. Currently, an office building occupies the site, which will be demolished to make way for a seven-story residential complex.
The proposed plan features 58 enclosed parking stalls spanning the first two floors, with five stories dedicated to housing units above. Out of the 110 units, 90 will be one-bedroom apartments while the remaining 20 are planned as two-bedroom units. The design includes two towers, north and south, each housing 55 units, along with five live-work units on the ground floor.
Each apartment boasts an open floor plan that includes a kitchen island and separate laundry equipment. Additionally, project plans include trash and recycling facilities on each level and a mini compactor in the trash termination area.
Amenities for residents are expected to enhance the quality of life, with features such as clubhouse rooms, a fitness center, a dog wash area, and a computer room. An elevated outdoor plaza is also planned, along with a public courtyard that faces Fairmont Park, creating a communal space for residents and the neighborhood.
Significantly, the entire project is designated as affordable housing. The project has been awarded Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) through the Utah Housing Corporation, with developers securing $20 million in tax credits as reported previously by Building Salt Lake.
Housing options will cater to a range of income levels, with all units priced at 20%-80% of the area median income (AMI). However, the majority of the units will be made available to individuals earning between 40%-50% AMI.
Here is the breakdown of units by AMI:
– 8 units at 80% AMI — 6 one-bedroom units and 2 two-bedroom units
– 6 units at 70% AMI — 4 one-bedroom units and 2 two-bedroom units
– 8 units at 60% AMI — 6 one-bedroom units and 2 two-bedroom units
– 32 units at 50% AMI — 28 one-bedroom units and 4 two-bedroom units
– 34 units at 40% AMI — 28 one-bedroom units and 6 two-bedroom units
– 10 units at 30% AMI — 8 one-bedroom units and 2 two-bedroom units
– 12 units at 20% AMI — 10 one-bedroom units and 2 two-bedroom units
For context, an individual supporting a four-person household at 30% AMI can earn up to $36,000 annually and should spend no more than $920 monthly on housing-related expenses, including rent, mortgage, utilities, and mandatory fees.
Presently, the project site is zoned under Sugar House Business District (CSHBD1), which permits building heights of up to 75 feet for residential buildings, and up to 105 feet if specific requirements are satisfied. However, in the upcoming months, the zoning code is set to change. The Salt Lake City Council recently passed an ordinance to streamline its mixed-use zoning from 26 categories into six. This area will be reclassified as MU-11 under the new zoning codes set to take effect in November, allowing for building heights of up to 85 feet by right and as much as 150 feet following the design review process.
In April, the council members voted in favor of allowing taller structures in the Sugar House core area, categorizing much of it under MU-11 — the tallest mixed-use category available. The only other area with MU-11 zoning is the Granary District.
Once developers complete their proposal, it will undergo a design review process by the Salt Lake City Planning Commission. It remains unclear when the commission will review the project, but the community is eager to see how this development will benefit senior residents in Sugar House.
image source from：buildingsaltlake
