Park City is seeking a developer to reimagine 5 acres of prime, underutilized real estate in the heart of town.
The site is situated between Kearns Boulevard, Bonanza Drive, Munchkin Road and Woodbine Way and is currently only zoned for commercial businesses, with some conditional allowances for residential use. Right now, the area’s ongoing construction, piles of dirt and gravel and concrete lots can give the impression of an industrial zone.
Instead, the city envisions a “vibrant, mixed-use destination” in the future that blends “residential, commercial, and community arts elements” — including a new home for the Kimball Arts Center, according to the request for proposal document.
Officials have been planning for such a proposal since they approved the Bonanza Park Small Area Plan in July. They had received feedback from residents who said there was a lot to like in the area: local businesses, gathering places and access to the rail trail.
But the city acknowledged the area is not without challenges. The proposal asks for housing options to fit a range of price points, including some deeply affordable units. It also calls for a mix of local businesses, maker/art spaces and some market-rate retail — “only be included to the extent necessary to support or benefit the Site’s financial feasibility and to maximize community benefits.”
In between those businesses and homes, the city wants at least 25,000 square feet dedicated to small parks and a larger central gathering place to host concerts and other events.
As for how to get there, the city wants to prioritize public transportation and pedestrian and bike paths. For cars, officials said they “strongly preferred” underground car parking. Officials are also open to exploring other options, like incorporating multi-use public parking and using other existing nearby parking areas for overflow.
A recent environmental analysis of the site found that its soil contained higher-than-EPA standards for concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury. The proposal documents indicates that city officials plan to complete (and pay for) a voluntary cleanup program through the Utah Department of Environmental Quality.
“Much thought, community input, and volunteer hours have been put into ensuring our goals are in place,” said Mayor Nann Worel in a statement. “And when those goals are realized, it will result in a landmark community gathering space, an affordable place to call home, and a local-centric destination we can all be proud of.”
Developers with questions must submit questions in writing by 11 a.m. on Oct. 9. Proposals are due by 11 a.m. on Nov. 6.
