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SALT LAKE CITY — Major changes are already on the horizon at Rocky Mountain Power's nearly 100-acre campus on Salt Lake City's west side, as the land is set to be redeveloped in the coming years.
The massive project is now getting major funding.
Larry H. Miller Company officials announced on Thursday that they plan to invest at least $3.5 billion toward the project, which they view as an "economic and cultural catalyst" for the city's west side. The project would bring mixed-use development to the land between the Jordan River and Redwood Road, from North Temple to about I-80.
That includes space for a potential Major League Baseball stadium, which hinges on whether Utah is successful in its efforts to nab an expansion team. Improvements to the Utah State Fairpark and Jordan River are on the docket, as well.
New green space and improvements to the existing trails in the area would also be included, according to the Miller Company. New conceptual renderings show a stadium could be located along the western bank of the Jordan River, with a plaza built south of it and an improved "riverwalk" park to its east. It would also be located by existing transit service.
"We are passionate about this once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in our capital city," Steve Starks, CEO of the Miller Company, said in a statement.
"This project will serve as a vibrant extension of and gateway to downtown Salt Lake, complements the mission of the State Fairpark and brings the Jordan River to life," he added. "The Power District will be a gathering place for Utah's families to live, work, play and enjoy the best views in Major League Baseball."
A possible MLB stadium?
Rocky Mountain Power officials broke ground on the Power District plan last year, which will start with a new headquarters for Rocky Mountain Power. The development of that project is expected to pick up later this year.
But the project was quickly overshadowed when Miller Company executives announced their intent to bring an MLB team to Utah. There have been only a few updates since then, but MLB commissioner Rob Manfred reiterated last week that he hopes to kickstart an expansion process within the next five years.
Gov. Spencer Cox said Thursday that he believes Utah has a "very good chance" at landing an MLB franchise, as well as a National Hockey League team. He added that he still would support allowing tax increment financing toward stadium construction instead of applying direct state funds to it, mirroring something he said last year.
He added that Utah may also increase transient room taxes, a tax primarily paid by people visiting the state, as he talked about package options that could benefit a stadium.
Thursday's announcement comes as the competition between cities interested in MLB heats up. Portland Diamond Project, the group leading a similar effort in Portland, Oregon, announced last month that it was in negotiations to acquire 164 acres for what it said would be the "largest sports and entertainment district" in MLB history.
Building beyond baseball
In the meantime, Miller Company officials said they have been working "closely" with Salt Lake City and state leaders, as well as the Jordan River Commission and Utah State Fairpark board, as they have crafted their plans for the land beyond the ballpark. The company's real estate wing has also worked with Sasaki, a Boston-based architect firm, in the process.
Starks said last month he believes the Power District would be a "supplement" to downtown Salt Lake City. The project aims to be an "investment in human capital" that would bring economic and educational development opportunities, Steve Miller, chairman of the Miller Company board, said on Thursday.
Larry Mullenax, executive director of the Utah State Fairpark, added he believes investments made to Fairpark infrastructure can spur economic benefits to the part of the city.
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall also appears to be enthusiastic about the site's future. In a video posted by the company Thursday, she said Salt Lake City's west side has been "hungry and ready for decades" to see economic development. She supports efforts to improve the river experience, as well.
"I appreciate the focus that the Millers and the Power District have on facing the Jordan River, not turning their backs on it," she said. "Bringing the Jordan River into the Power District experience will be an incredible, fascinating (and) beautiful asset for Salt Lake City and beyond."
