OREM — A towering landmark planned for 1600 North is being touted by developers as a one-of-a-kind addition to Orem.

"We decided, let's do something that's really nice, that has not been done in Orem or Utah County," said Bruce Dickerson, owner and developer of Skyline Development, which is creating the North Point Plaza. "I think everybody's been satisfied with building these standard four-story buildings. I think this is going to raise the mark."

If built to plans, the two eight-story buildings will hold offices, a ground-level restaurant and a full glass enclosure joining the two towers, with stairs and elevators.

The Orem City Council recently approved the building's design, and Mayor Jerry Washburn called the project "a beautiful gateway" to the community.

The towers, just east of I-15 at 1600 N. and 1275 West on a bit more than five acres, will have a covered three-story parking terrace, Dickerson said.

The 120,000-square-foot project will have space to rent for $23 a square foot — full service — said real estate broker Jason Dodge.

"It'll be the front door of Orem city, basically," Dodge said. "When you're coming down the freeway you'll know you've hit Orem when you see this property."

But North Point won't be the only high-rise development in Orem.

Midtown Village is rising above State Street with its seven stories and center tower. Frequently compared to Salt Lake City's The Gateway, Midtown Village is a combination of commercial, offices and residential units.

North Point Plaza will be more focused on offices and can claim the title of highest building in Orem with its eighth floor, developers say.

"It's definitely unique to Orem," said Curtis Miner, principal architect with the project. "First off, because of its position, as you come into Orem on I-15, you climb a hill. Looking south, you'll be able to see this."

The project managers need to go before the Orem City Planning Commission again to get approval for building permits and other technicalities before the project can hopefully be started in three months, Dickerson said.

"It's a good way for Orem to show off what they've got," Dodge said. "It'll definitely help the image of Orem."

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