Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Samantha Hayes reporting In just a few weeks, the State's most popular tourist attraction will draw even bigger crowds, when the lights at Temple Square are turned on.
But this holiday season, decoration comes at the same time as demolition.
Already there are changes: Temporary sidewalks, opening and closing of roads and barricades. City planners say they are making every effort to preserve the look and feel of Christmas in downtown Salt Lake City.
But already, miscommunication caused a problem last night.
Barbara Mackey: "I think it's going to be very hard to have it just before Christmas."
There will be construction for Christmas this year - and several years to come - as the major redevelopment project gets started in Salt Lake City.
Haleisha Power: "Yeah, I think they should have waited until after the holidays to start their construction."
They have already started; temporary sidewalks will line South Temple. Planners hope the inconvenience will be minimal.
Bill Knowles / Downtown Rising Ombudsman: "This project will be self contained. It's going to be with in the block that being torn down and building back up."
There has already been some miscommunication. A segment of West Temple was temporarily closed by construction crews last night, preventing entrance to the Marriott and Democratic Headquarters.
Marriott Hotel Worker: "A few minutes ago we had people coming into the hotel and pretty much a traffic jam, but they've cleared it up and things are well now."
Bill Knowles / Downtown Rising Ombudsman: "The important thing to remember is it was responded to very quickly."
Sister Sandra Baird: "We'll come for the Carol of the Bells, we'll come for the fireside, we'll come to hear the choir and everyone will come to see the lights."
Bill Knowles / Downtown Rising Ombudsman: "We expect to see very little, and I can't emphasize the *very* enough, very little impact on the holiday."
The Inn at Temple Square will be the first to go. They received the demolition permits Monday.
