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This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.
An icon to Salt Lake City, Trolley Square has been both a cultural and retail anchor for decades. Just as legendary architect Wally Wright worked to transform the Trolley barns into a community gathering center in the early days, Khosrow Semnani has a vision to restore Trolley Square to the thriving retail marketplace it once was. And right now is a great time to check out its unique shops and restaurants, during the holiday retail season.
Since Khosrow took ownership, Trolley Square has already begun extensive renovations to maximize the center's retail and historic potentials. The revitalization has been a huge project, updating the original structural features and creating beautiful new landscaping. He's also in the process of restoring the historic water tower with new LED lighting and making it OSHA approved so people can actually climb to the top for a fabulous view.
Additionally, a new Visitor's Center is under construction — a space for visitors to learn about the history of Trolley Square and its economic impact on Salt Lake City. At one point, it was one of the state's top tourist destinations, and Khosrow's goal is to return it to a premier destination for shopping and dining.
Trolley Square first entered the Salt Lake economic scene in 1908, when it was chosen as the site for a state-of-the-art trolley car system. By 1914, more than 144 trolleys rolled over 146 miles of track, serving the valley from Salt Lake City to Holladay, Sugar House, Bountiful and Centerville. It was the state's top transportation systems and didn't change until the 50s when busses replaced trolleys. The property eventually fell into disrepair and was saved from demolition in the 70s when a local family purchased it and turned it into Utah's first festival marketplace.
Khosrow came upon Trolley Square almost two years ago. He decided to buy the loans and what followed was Khosrow's decision to keep the property and restore it as the gem it used to be and as the gem he remembers from his youth.
For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
Trolley Square 600 S. 700 East Salt Lake City, UT 801-521-9877 www.trolleysquare.com
