FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 16, 2012
Contact: Art Raymond
c. 801-547-2659

Mayor and U to Co-Host Granary District Symposium

Work session brings local and national experts together to explore future of unique neighborhood 

SALT LAKE CITY – Mayor Ralph Becker and the University of Utah’s College of Architecture + Planning are pleased to present a symposium focused on exploring the transformative possibilities in the City’s Granary District.

The event runs from 1-5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 17, 2012, at Frida Bistro, 545 w. 700 South in Salt Lake City.

The Granary District is an area roughly bounded by 600 South and 900 South, and 300 West and Interstate-15. Historically, it has been an industrial and railroad corridor. Now, the area is mainly comprised of low-density warehouses, commercial buildings and many vacant lots. Much is possible say planners, residents and others.

Mayor Becker said the area is poised for a renaissance.

“This unique neighborhood already has attracted a small, but growing group of entrepreneurs, artists and small businesses that are changing the area’s dynamics in a positive way,” Mayor Becker said. “This symposium will bring a group of great thinkers, planning experts and residents together to continue to explore ways to enhance and expand this forward momentum for the Granary District.”

Mayor Becker, City planning officials and others believe encouraging new uses and attracting investment could more fully energize a mixed-use neighborhood that is well positioned between downtown and other urban neighborhoods.

“Opportunities abound in an area that is in close proximity to downtown and transit, has been attracting numerous artists and  musicians with affordable studio space, and is home to unique local businesses and a number of historically significant buildings,” said Nan Ellin, chair of the University of Utah’s Department of City & Metropolitan Planning. "We find that bringing together stakeholders and experts from the district itself, the city, and around the country can help us build on these assets in the best possible way.”  

Speakers include Jess Zimbabwe, executive director of the Rose Center, Urban Land Institute in Washington D.C.; Dana Bourland of Enterprise Community Partners in Maryland; and Jessica Norie, President of Artspace in downtown Salt Lake City.

The event is free and open to the public. More information about the event is available at http://www.arch.utah.edu/news/?p=1520.