A proposed seven-story hotel near Salt Lake City's Sugar House Park has received a key endorsement from the Salt Lake City Planning Commission. Despite significant public opposition, the commission voted 7-1 in favor of the project, moving it closer to a final decision by the City Council.
Key Takeaways
- Salt Lake City Planning Commission endorsed a seven-story hotel near Sugar House Park.
- The vote was 7-1, despite substantial public opposition regarding traffic and environmental concerns.
- The City Council will make the ultimate decision, with a public hearing to be held.
- The proposed hotel includes 145 rooms, ground-level retail, a rooftop restaurant, and underground parking.
New Hotel Proposal Faces Community Debate
The plan, spearheaded by John Potter, CEO of Magnus Hotel Management, envisions a 145-room boutique hotel. It would stand at the corner of 2100 South and 1300 East, adjacent to Sugar House Park. The design includes ground-level retail spaces, event facilities, and a rooftop restaurant offering views of the park. An underground parking garage will accommodate 180 vehicles.
Potter presented his vision to the neighborhood in March, formally requesting a rezone of the 0.83-acre parcel in July. He stated the hotel would be a significant feature for both the neighborhood and the city, comparable to downtown properties but under a Hilton brand.
Project Snapshot
- Location: Corner of 2100 South and 1300 East, Salt Lake City
- Height: Seven stories (approximately 89 feet)
- Rooms: 145 boutique hotel rooms
- Features: Ground-level retail, meeting space, rooftop restaurant, 180-stall underground parking
Rezoning Crucial for Project Height
The approval hinges on a rezoning request to change the property's designation from form-based mixed-use 3 (MU-3) to form-based mixed-use 8 (MU-8). The existing MU-3 zoning limits building heights to 40 feet. The proposed MU-8 zoning would permit heights up to 90 feet, aligning it more closely with other buildings in the Sugar House business district to the east, which are zoned for up to 125 feet.
City planners view this as a logical extension of the business district across 1300 East. They recommended the Planning Commission approve the rezone, citing community benefits, enhanced ground-floor uses, and specific signage regulations included in a development agreement.
Past Development Attempts on the Site
This hotel proposal is the third attempt to redevelop the site since an old Sizzler restaurant closed in 2020. A previous plan for high-density housing in the same year was abandoned due to a lack of community support. In 2023, the Planning Commission rejected a proposal for a gas station.
Site History
The vacant lot previously housed a Sizzler restaurant, which closed its doors in 2020. Subsequent development proposals included high-density housing and a gas station. The gas station plan was denied due to concerns about potential fuel tank leaks impacting Sugar House Park's pond, leading to new city codes prohibiting gas stations near "sensitive lands."
Community Voices Strong Opposition
The hotel plan has generated strong reactions from residents. While some support revitalizing the currently vacant lot, the majority of feedback has been negative. Judi Short, first vice chair of the Sugar House Community Council, reported that over 80% of 129 poll comments last month were negative, leading to a negative recommendation from the council.
Concerns raised by the community include potential environmental issues, flooding risks from the underground garage, and increased traffic congestion. The intersection at 2100 South and 1300 East is already busy, serving as an access point to I-80 and the local business district.
"We're not against development. It's been going on all around us for years. If this project were proposed in the business district, we'd all be for it," Judi Short stated, emphasizing that the issue is the location and the rezoning.
Residents also questioned the city's support for an MU-8 zone so soon after the adoption of the existing MU-3 zone earlier this year. Many worry about the impact on Sugar House Park, a central element of the neighborhood's character.
Commissioners Weigh Pros and Cons
The Planning Commission itself showed some division during deliberations. Commissioner Brian Scott supported the rezone, arguing that similar zoning on both sides of a street benefits community building. Commissioners Michael Vela and Aimee Burrows acknowledged the site's potential and the need for new development.
"I think if you're thinking about Sugar House Park, you can either have a short multifamily building there or you can have a taller hotel, but you can't have a Sizzler there anymore. That's over," Commissioner Aimee Burrows remarked, highlighting the evolution of the site.
However, Commissioner Amy Barry criticized the project's traffic study as "abysmal" and "unconvincing." She echoed concerns about the expansion of the business district beyond its established boundaries. Commissioner Lilah Rosenfield, while noting many pros and cons, ultimately joined the majority in endorsing the plan.
Next Steps: City Council Review
The Planning Commission's endorsement is influential, but the Salt Lake City Council holds the final authority on the rezone. City Councilwoman Sarah Young, who represents Sugar House, attended the meeting and took notes, engaging with residents afterward.
Young anticipates the City Council will address several key concerns. These include the implications of rezoning an area recently re-designated, potential irreversible impacts on the local water table, applying density conversions to hotels, and increased parking demands on Sugar House Park. She also recognized the challenges of leaving the site vacant, noting difficulties in enforcing park regulations on private property.
The City Council will schedule a public hearing before making its decision. The timing for this discussion remains undetermined.
