Worries, cheers over Capitol-area development plan

Residents of the Capitol Hills neighborhood expressed excitement and a few concerns over a proposed development on 300 West between 500 and 600 North during the Capitol Hills Community Council meeting Jan. 18.

The proposed development called Marmalade, which is being built by Howa, will include a grocery store, 87 residential housing units and possibly a library. A subterranean parking garage will provide parking for the housing units with some street parking.

Dru Damico, director of development for Howa, said the company has four objectives in building the development: first, it meets the demand for services for Marmalade residents, the neighborhood where it's being built; second, it removes the perceived crime factor of the area; third, it's a project that's grounded in environmental excellence; and it takes into consideration the history of the neighborhood and brings it together in a modern way.

"We want to create a corridor (to give the area) a sense of place," Damico said.

Damico said this project has been unique from others in that Howa has partnered with the Capitol Hills Community Council from the moment it was awarded the project. It has delivered progress reports and asked for advice outside of city process. The CHCC members have been very supportive of the project for the most part, especially as they feel it will help an area that's in need.

John Webster, who first moved to the Marmalade neighborhood 20 years ago, was concerned about the five-story height of the housing units, especially as most of the neighboring structures are only one or two stories tall.

"(My biggest concern is) the imposing feature of the building. Sixty to 70 feet is very imposing," he said. "(A building of this height) doesn't say 'neighborhood,' it says 'high building.' "

Webster worried that a building out of scale with existing buildings would change the neighborhood.

"I understand how this will help the community and that's fantastic," he said, pointing out that he's not opposed to the development itself, just the height. "I feel there is an acceptable medium, and this is not it."

On the other hand, Nephi Kemmethmueller, who also lives in the neighborhood, is very much in favor of the development.

"Economic value, residential value will increase in the area. You'll have a useful area that hasn't been used for many, many years," he said, pointing out that the majority of retail that has come to the area in the past has lasted for only two years. A development such as this would be a permanent boost and would improve the landscape.

"(I feel) that the area is in desperate need of something like this," Kemmethmueller said. "This is the greatest thing that could happen in that area."

Damico said Howa will being accepting reservations for their housing units starting this spring with construction beginning in early summer. He estimates it will take a few years to complete all phases of construction.

He also emphasized the overwhelming support the project has received from Capitol Hills residents.

"It's great to hear and think we're taking an important step towards changing this community and creating change in neighborhood," he said. "We're turning Utah's oldest neighborhood into its newest."

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E-mail: twalquist@desnews.com