What is the new project at the University of Utah?

UPDATE: NOVEMBER 25, 2009; The Universe Project is on hold because of the economy, lack of retail interest and money. See here for more details.

For those that attend or live in and around the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, a new project is being planed for the south west part of campus that encompasses the 8 acres Rice-Eccles stadium parking lot. The Universe Project is a mixed use, transit-oriented development (TOD) proposal that will include university offices, housing, retail shops, restaurants and additional parking.

What is the purpose of this project?

According to the projects planners, the goals for project Universe are:

• Provide amenities that will attract outstanding students, exceptional faculty, neighbors, and visitors from the Salt Lake area and beyond
• Create an exciting and vibrant experience for patrons coming to the university, both for scheduled events and general visits
• Take advantage of the mass transit opportunities made available through the TRAX rail system
• Establish a compatible and stronger connection between the university campus and neighborhood communities
• Stimulate high quality development of the western edge of campus as an entry portal onto the University of Utah campus and a gateway to Salt Lake City
• Engage the community and weave the interests of the university into the fabric of the local community
• Enhance the appearance and functional use of the proposed site without detracting from or reducing the current functional aspects of the area, namely parking.

To learn more about the project and participate in comments for the community see this power point presentation.