SALT LAKE CITY — Developers behind a proposal to create a new zone for their property that would nearly triple the maximum height allowed in the Sugar House neighborhood's business district contend their project won't be quite as high as the possible 305-foot maximum.

However, what they presented Wednesday drew audible gasps and groans from some residents and business owners as renderings were projected onto a screen inside a packed community council meeting. The current design, proposed by Harbor Bay Ventures, calls for a 21-story high-rise that would be about 240 feet tall — more than double the current maximum in the district.

It's not the final version of what the Illinois-based development firm may build at 1095 E. 2100 South. Dan Whalen, Harbor Bay's vice president of design and development, reiterated that the project is a work in progress and could be scaled down during the planning process.

Yet it was the first time the public saw possible designs after months of discussions and last month's rezoning proposal. By the time the meeting ended, many who attended had voiced their concerns and displeasure about it.

"It's not Sugar House. It would take away all the charm from Sugar House," said Emily Potts, owner of Sugar House Coffee, a business located across the street from the proposed building, after the presentation.

The proposed building

Harbor Bay Ventures acquired the property from Wells Fargo earlier this year with the intent of turning the property into a residential building. It filed paperwork last month seeking to rezone the property to something it calls the Sugar House Business District – Sustainability District.

The proposal seeks to raise the maximum of the district from 105 feet to as much as 305 feet as long as certain conditions are met, such as using sustainable materials. Whalen assured that some of the concept drawings in the document, including a "30-plus"-story skyscraper, are not what is planned for the area.

What is planned — at least for now — is about 400 units within the high-rise. The 240-foot structure would also feature a "walkable" ground floor experience with shops and retail spaces open to the general public, while an outdoor terrace or units could cover the parking structure.

"We chopped about a third of the building off by just talking through, listening, hearing and knowing where we have to get to have a feasible project," he said.

Height and density, Whalen added, are key factors in offering the "highest-quality building" that benefits the community, including better rent caps for tenants. The company is still determining if any of the units will be set aside for affordable housing.

Residents voice their opinion

There had already been some meetings before Wednesday where residents had spoken out, and it appeared the current design didn't change many of their minds.

One by one, several Sugar House residents and business owners took turns to express their opposition to the plan. They took shots at the building's height and voiced concerns over traffic, its possible impact on infrastructure and if it will open the door for equally tall buildings within the narrow business corridor, among other things.

Related:

A Sugar House skyscraper? Developer seeks rezone to pave way for 305-foot buildings

A developer has filed an "eye-opening proposal" that could drastically change Salt Lake City's Sugar House neighborhood.

Chris Longhurst, a Sugar House resident, took exception to some of the complaints residents brought up, such as claims the district is not walkable. However, he couldn't shake off the building's height, walking away from the meeting hopeful that the city will deny the rezoning petition.

"If they capped the building at 105 (feet), at the heights of some of the other buildings going up, like Sugarmont, people would be more accepting of it," he told KSL.com.

Potts left with a similar opinion. She said she hopes the city denies the rezoning effort so that the project is capped at six or seven stories, adding that the project may be better suited downtown in an area zoned for greater heights.

Not everyone in the room felt the same way. Those who support the plan point out that there's a drastic need for more housing throughout the fast-growing city to curb rising housing costs. They say it could also align with efforts to boost public transit, given its proximity to a busy bus line and streetcar.

"I think it's a good idea to allow this project to proceed," said resident Devin Zander, adding that it may also add foot traffic for the local businesses in the district.

The project moving forward

Habor Bay planners will sift through the feedback to see what can be adjusted, Whalen told KSL.com after the meeting. He said he's hopeful to reach some sort of compromise that benefits everyone and adds housing stock.

The company is seeking up to 305 feet in its proposal to create a range to help planners make adjustments as they design the building; however, he said the project has been "adjusting downward" in terms of height — even if it may still be above 105 feet.

It's ultimately up to the Salt Lake City Council to approve or deny the request, after it goes through a fairly strenuous review process. That will include multiple meetings and more public comment periods in the coming months.

"We'll massage the design and hopefully get to a point where the council feels that it's appropriate enough to vote on it — and vote positively," Whalen said.

If a deal is reached on time, it's possible the project could begin by the end of 2024.

It's too early to know how the council will vote, but Salt Lake City Councilwoman Sarah Young said it was clear that residents have "significant concerns" with what's on the table. It's a possible sign of future hurdles.

Young said she would also like to see the project include affordable housing, especially after the council voted this week to offer new incentives in an attempt to draw more affordable housing. She also hopes the developers will offer clearer details about the community benefits before the city weighs the pros and cons of elevating the business district height.

"There was plenty of feedback given and so I hope to see, as this project moves forward in the planning process, a demonstration that they listened," she said. "We'll be able to see that in terms of if future plans represent and respond to some of the criticisms."

Related topics