Developer named for ‘most significant development project in Utah history’
Jul 12, 2022, 5:10 PM | Updated: Jul 13, 2022, 6:10 am
DRAPER, Utah — It’s being called the most significant development project in Utah’s history. Tuesday we learned more about the next steps, and who will help build “The Point.”
The Point is 600 acres of state land that sits at the site of the Utah State Prison in Draper. The state planned to start moving prisoners this summer to a new facility west of the Salt Lake City International Airport.
The Point of the Mountain State Land Authority announced that it selected national developer Lincoln Property Company along with local partners Colmena Group and Wadsworth Development to complete the first phase called The Hub.
The Land Authority said Lincoln-Colmena-Wadsworth has decades of experience in building sustainable, large-scale communities.
Tuesday’s news conference focused on the unique aspects of being able to build a walkable city from scratch.
“Through a rigorous, months-long competitive process that engaged qualified firms from across the country, Lincoln-Colmena-Wadsworth rose to the top as a partner who will build Utahns’ vision for the site,” said a prepared statement from Alan Matheson, The Point executive director. “Their extensive experience, technical expertise, and passion for The Point uniquely positions them to support development that will directly improve Utahns’ quality of life for decades to come.”
“The Point represents the single largest development site in the country in recent years. Lincoln and our partners are honored that the Land Authority has chosen our team to deliver an innovative, community-centric development that leverages sustainable, transit-oriented solutions and celebrates the area’s natural beauty and wealth of outdoor opportunities,” Lincoln Property Company vice president Abbey Ehman said in a press release. “We are committed to Utah for the long-term and look forward to strengthening our relationships in the community.”
“It is our goal that this will be a place where the car is not king,” said Draper Mayor Troy Walker. This will be a place where transit can be the king.”
Walker said he’s been working nearly 15 years on this project and that he is especially excited about the connection from the Jordan River to the Wasatch Range, what’s called the River-to-Range Greenway and Trail.
“You’ll be able to work in the point and hop on an e-bike or regular bike and ride across and be up in our canyon for lunch and be back to work after lunch,” he said. “It’s truly an opportunity for people to enjoy the quality of life.”
The Land Authority wanted developers to consider how to create high-paying jobs and develop a highly trained workforce. Other considerations were making sure there was a plan for residential and commercial growth, high quality of life for residents and companies, and making a vibrant urban center with parks, trails, and other amenities.
Also announced Tuesday was a new survey to gather ideas for a defining, iconic feature for the site called “The Focal Point.”
The survey will help create a design contest for the feature that could be anything from a sculpture, landscape art, water feature, or something else.
