The need to envision downtown's future

In 1963, Utah's civic, business and religious leaders created a remarkable "Second Century" plan that described the vision of how they wanted downtown Salt Lake City to look by 1985. Some of it included plans already under way. For example, the city and county had formed a committee in 1961 to study the feasibility of a "civic auditorium complex," which ended up becoming the Salt Palace convention center and arena.

But much of it included grand ideas that were more visionary than practical at the time. Yet the remarkable thing is, much of that vision is now reality, even though few people in leadership today are even aware the document exists. It took a little longer than 1985 to build TRAX, construct a Main Street Plaza and raise parts of City Creek in a park, but all that was included in the plan. So were Abravanel Hall, a farmers market, a courts complex and crosswalks in the middle of downtown blocks.

Without a driving vision, and the will to carry it out, downtown might look much differently, and much less inviting, today.

Now many of the area's current leaders, led by the Salt Lake Chamber, believe it's time for a new document outlining the vision for the next several years. That is a challenging prospect, considering the metro area is much larger, not to mention more diverse and complex, than it was in 1963, with many strong suburbs approaching Salt Lake City in population and in desire to lure business and retail. But it is a necessary one.

And frankly, the timing couldn't be better. More than at any time in recent memory, downtown Salt Lake City is at a crossroads. Casual observers would say the area is drying up, with stores closing and foot traffic diminishing. But a number of large concerns, including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (which owns this newspaper), are preparing to invest a combined total of about $1.5 billion in a 10-block area over the next five years. This will include housing, retail and offices, including new high-rise developments.

While those developments will proceed on their own according to plans that are largely already under way, the people of the region need to set out a plan for how they want everything to mesh. What are the guiding principles? Where should open spaces be? What types of cultural, transportation and design amenities should characterize the area?

The challenge will be to make this process as inclusive as possible. Chamber officials are wisely talking about including Hispanic leaders, as well as making it a regional exercise, not one that is confined to the city and its leaders. In today's environment, that could raise delicate issues, considering many Utah cities see themselves as competing with Salt Lake City for tax revenues.

But all people of the state have a stake in the appearance of downtown Salt Lake City. It is, for many visitors, the face of the state. Its church headquarters and entertainment venues are a source of pride for people who live in all other Utah cities as well. Its future really does matter, as leaders in 1963 understood so well.