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HOLLADAY — There was excitement surrounding the Village Center project in Holladay Tuesday evening, as contractors and city leaders participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for the shopping center. They say it's a first step in the right direction after years of waiting.
The event was almost unbelievable for Mayor Dennis Webb. "I can't believe we're really here," he said.
It's been a labor of love for Holladay, going through contractors, ideas and an incredibly difficult economic climate — people still have no idea what's going on with the old Cottonwood Mall. But after five years of broken promises and empty lots, there are finally signs of progress.
Holladay City Councilwoman Sabrina Petersen said it's about more than just the five years since Cottonwood Mall closed down, it's been more than a decade of crossing T's and dotting I's to get Village Center going.
It's just one property on the list of places nearby where people want to know what's happening next — places like Holladay Pizza and Creamery. Restaurant manager Tyler Caldwell is on the fence about a litany of restaurants moving across the street.
"We could lose business to it, and it could bring business to us," Caldwell said.
He said the added foot traffic on 2300 East is good. But he also worries if the traffic will keep driving, and what type of business it will bring anyway.
"Yeah, it's gonna be restaurants, but how many of htem are going to be kid-friendly?" he said.
KSL News spoke with one business owner Tuesday who was much more adamant about his disapproval of the new Village Center project, but he didn't want to go on camera.
As for the future of the Cottonwood Mall, city leaders say there are discussions happening but nothing will be formal until tenants can be secured on a long-term basis.
