Market Station, however, is a welcome project in the city of 22,000, where 62 percent of residents are renters.

"Because of that location, it obviously has potential for development," Anderson said. "We're thrilled that somebody is willing to take the risk. That is not a cheap gamble to be taking."

Unlike other retail-driven projects, Market Station will be its own small community, with a grocery store and dry cleaner.

"It's going to be different from what (Salt Lake) is doing at City Creek or the Gateway, because those are destination malls. This is centered around community first," he said. "I don't view it as competition, I view it as an alternative."

In the coming month, South Salt Lake's Redevelopment Agency Board will discuss making the 12-acre site a redevelopment project. If that is approved, property-tax dollars could be diverted to it for infrastructure costs, such as redoing the old sewer system, putting power lines below ground and building a public parking lot.

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E-mail: astowell@desnews.com