Many were surprised that the church and Nordstrom were able to keep it such a secret. Even Nordstrom employees didn't know until Friday morning when they were called into a special meeting.

At first there was sort of a gasp when the meeting was called, and then when the announcement came "there was a big cheer," Nordstrom employee Dani Tarverna said. "Nobody had any idea. They kept it a secret."

Maureen Andrews, a manager of two women's apparel departments at the downtown store, said she never gave up hope that the store would stay.

"I'm an eternal optimist," Andrews said. "I had faith. I knew the Nordstroms were working very hard on this, and I knew that the church was also. It was hard not to get down sometimes, but deep down I felt like somehow things were going to come together."

"This move will prove to be a provident one for Nordstrom. It establishes a firm standard of quality for the development," Lane Beattie, president of the Salt Lake Chamber, said in a statement. "It is also just a hint of what I trust will be many more exciting announcements to come."

Competitors and former suitors also seemed relieved to know that Nordstrom will continue to have a presence downtown. Even if it is with the other guy.

"I think it's good that they're staying downtown," said Jake Boyer, managing partner of The Gateway. "It's a little surprising, since they had taken the stance that they were going to leave the city. That being said, I think it's a win for downtown.

"We've always said that the worst of all worlds would be for them to leave downtown Salt Lake City completely, because that would not be beneficial for a synergistic downtown. Our feeling is that it's a net benefit if we're successful and their project is successful. It's a win for all of us."

Contributing: Brady Snyder; E-mail: jnii@desnews.com