"The primary purpose of creating community and neighborhood lends itself to homey, comfortable architecture," Nicholas said, adding the buildings will have diversity in massing and volumes, such as the 27-story condo complex. "I think one of the keys to that is when you get that far in the air, you really reveal the Wasatch Valley. You see the downtown skyline, the Great Salt Lake."

That tower will make South Salt Lake stand out, Council Chairman Casey Fitts said.

"People will be able to see portions of South Salt Lake throughout the whole valley. ... It's typically been people just driving through South Salt Lake. Now they'll see South Salt Lake," he said. "With that being the northern gateway into the city, it certainly gives the city a new face."

Demolition for Market Station will begin this winter and construction will start in the spring. Aste estimates a three- to five-year completion date. Los Angeles-based West Millennium Homes and IBI Group are also partnering on the project. All have banded together under the name UTOPIA Station Development.

South Salt Lake's City Council, acting as the Redevelopment Agency Board, will soon discuss using redevelopment agency (or RDA) funds. If that is approved, property tax dollars could be diverted for infrastructure costs, such as redoing the sewer system and adding street lighting.

Wednesday, the council approved a development agreement between the city and developer. That is one of the first steps in creating a RDA.

More info on Market Station can be found at: www.marketstationliving.com.

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E-MAIL: astowell@desnews.com