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MURRAY -- Murray leaders are planning a major facelift for the city's downtown. They want to revitalize the historic district and are looking for ideas from the public on how to get the job done.
But there's a lot of competition for financing and tenants.
Murray City wants to build on the momentum it gained when Intermountain Medical Center opened its doors. The city will hold a meeting next week to share its early vision and gather more ideas.
City leaders see great opportunity to come up with a new blueprint.
- 6 p.m. Tuesday
- Murray High School cafeteria
5440 South State Street - Hosted by Murray City
- City leaders will introduce proposed master plan
"Our goal is really to outline a vision that we have for our downtown area," says Tim Tingey, Murray's director of community and economic development.
Tingey says the city envisions a high-density, pedestrian-friendly area that attracts people for shopping, business and living.
"It might take time, but what we really want to do is be proactive now and get all of the tools in place to facilitate that growth when it comes," he says.
Officials want to incorporate old and new construction while integrating TRAX and the Intermountain Medical Center.
"It's really our downtown, our historic downtown, and we feel the time is right for us to really look at reinvesting in this area," Tingey says.
A Portland developer has worked with the city on ideas, but does not have cash on hand for a specific project.
Our goal is really to outline a vision that we have for our downtown area.
–Tim Tingey
Susan Wright owns half a dozen Murray businesses and sits on the Historic Arts Preservation Board.
"Take some of these old buildings out that are just really old and revitalize this whole area," she says. "It's a very big anchor. A lot of people come to Murray now and downtown is due to do something big."
But not everyone agrees.
"They've tried it before and it didn't work," says Craig Baxter, an insurance business owner.
Baxter says past efforts fixed up the sidewalks, but did little to fill storefronts. But he knows a mixed-use development would improve city tax revenue.
"I suppose that would help," he says. "A little businessman like myself, I don't think it would. You know, it would just raise the rent."
But mixed-use redevelopment projects hit the skids with the economy.
"You're at the mercy of the market," says economist James Wood with the University of Utah Bureau of Economic and Business Research.
The new Cottonwood Mall in Holladay remains on hold while the developer tries to emerge from bankruptcy.
Ambitious plans for the heart of Sugar House also stalled. That property owner seeks a developer.
Wood says Utah retail still suffers, but Murray can work to land a solid developer and financial partner.
"They have to be able to attract commercial and retail establishments, and that's not easy in this market because it's extremely competitive," he says. While the economy stumbles along, Murray wants to prepare.
"Rather than just sit and wait for the economy to change, we think it's time to plan," says Tingey.
Murray wants to get its vision, financing and ordinances in place.
The city will hold a public meeting next Tuesday night from 6:00 to 8:00 at the Murray High School cafeteria.
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E-mail: jboal@ksl.com
