From Deseret News archives:
LDS project to retain Woolen Mills
Utah Woolen Mills Clothiers' owner Bart Stringham confirmed Thursday that the retailer had reached an agreement with its landlord, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to remain at its current location, 59 W. South Temple. There are about 62 years left on Utah Woolen Mills' lease.
"We are just happy to be there and to be able to be there and finish out our 60-plus-year lease," Stringham said. "I just didn't think it would be in Utah Woolen Mills' best interest to leave, and we withstood it all. And I think the fact that they want us there, and in the same location, says a lot for us, and it says a lot for them to want to have a business like ours one that does kind of stand up for what we believe."
The church, which announced its plans three years ago for a massive mixed-use development center, declined to comment Thursday on the Utah Woolen Mills negotiation or the redevelopment project. Detailed plans for the project have not been released, but speculation has stepped up in recent weeks that an announcement/unveiling is imminent.
Now, Nordstrom spokeswoman Brooke White said the retailer is "anxious to see new plans." As of Thursday afternoon no such plans had been presented for Nordstrom's consideration, White said, though she added that talks with the church "have been ongoing through all this time and will continue." She did note, however, that Nordstrom was not informed by the church about the Utah Woolen Mills deal and learned of it through media reports.
Stringham said he wasn't privy to discussions regarding Nordstrom.
But, he said, "We hope that Nordstrom stays. They really are great neighbors."
Even though he's only seen snippets of the church's plan, Stringham said he's confident that the end result will be worth the wait.
"We have no doubt that the church will do it right," he said. "No doubt."
And as for the months and years in between, Stringham said there are concerns. But, he said, the 101-year old business has weathered the development of downtown, the building of Crossroads Plaza and construction on light rail and Main Street.
"We believe we can stay open" seamlessly throughout the construction process, he said. "We've done it in the past, and we believe we can do it again. We still have a few hard hats from the last time around.
"Our customers have sought us out, regardless of the obstacles. It has amazed us, and we are appreciative, and we really do recognize them in this."
E-mail: jnii@desnews.com
Comments
- Sloan remembers Abe Pollin 9:29 p.m.
- Pujols 'humbled' by MVP award 9:27 p.m.
- Utes need Wide to run wild 9:24 p.m.
- Beadles an Academic All-American 9:22 p.m.
- BYU ties give Utes an edge 9:20 p.m.
- Y. focused on 10-win season 9:11 p.m.
- Cougars cruise past Southern 9:10 p.m.
- Photos: Thanksgiving fun 9:00 p.m.
- Bountiful gym will hold 5K 8:57 p.m.
- S.L. will light up for the holidays 8:56 p.m.
- Utah, BYU are top choices for bowls
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
- Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
- Best prep football games of 2009
- KSL: Prostitution in Utah County
- Man trapped in own body for 23 yrs
- Kirilenko climbing blocks list
- Woman describes stabbing, killing
- Boys basketball rankings
- 'Dancing' will fill out finale
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
229 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
223 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
202 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
181 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
179 - Bronco, Kyle rubber match
137 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
136 - BYU records with win
133 - Letters: Rushing to judge Palin
119 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
104
I have to admit, BYU has the edge in this one: senior winning QB Hall, proven...
Anybody can hit a pk ??? Calling Landon Donovon....
I think the rankings are right on the money for now, Rich has many returning...
So Real Salt Lake has only been in existence for 5 years? How is it that...
Great! looks like we get sorry bowl or more sorry bowl. Either way we get a...
Her handlers/the GOP would only let her be interviewed by Hannity which IMO...
hooray for piute!! I pretty much love watching girls basketball it's so...
I have to agree with those of you on both sides of the isle, that the rivalry...
The ironic thing is we are letting 538 people who are pretty much set for...
@Scare D. Katt 2:43 p.m.: "We [on the left] are not "scared" of former...



You can be the first to comment on this story.