Developer to share 'Station Park' vision

After nine months without a public update, Farmington developer Rich Haws plans to detail changes Thursday to plans for a 100-acre commercial project west of I-15.

The project, Station Park, has been called a future "showcase" for transit-oriented development in Utah and the western United States. It will be centered around a planned commuter-rail station in Farmington and the interchange where I-15, Highway 89 and the Legacy Parkway will all converge. Preliminary construction work on the parkway began in April.

Station Park is one of the largest developments to be announced in Davis County in recent years. Haws plans to present the changes during an open house at the Farmington Community Center. Representatives from the Utah Transit Authority and the Utah Department of Transportation will also be available to talk about commuter rail and plans for the Legacy Parkway near Farmington.

"I think it's important for citizens to be aware of how the city is developing," said Farmington City Manager Max Forbush. "We'd ask people to come and ask questions and not be afraid to question those presenting the proposals there."

If built, Station Park would more than double the retail space in Farmington. Last August, the governor's economic-development team reviewed site plans for the project and said it had potential to become a major employment center outside of Salt Lake County.

Plans for the project call for a mix of retail, housing, entertainment and high-end office buildings — all within a pedestrian-friendly environment, Haws said. "We want to hold on to something that is upscale, more of a gathering place rather than a sea of asphalt and parking spots."

The developer hopes to have lease agreements from retailers signed this fall. He said he wants to start construction next spring.

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E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com