Lake may make a big splash

LEHI — When developers say the new Frank Gehry-designed megaproject at the Point of the Mountain is centered around a wakeboarding lake, they mean it literally.

The lake is the kingpin reason Lehi bought the property and then turned right around and sold it to developer Brandt Andersen one year ago. As a secondary irrigation reservoir for the city, it's expected to be a free, financial boon.

"It just looked like a very good win-win situation for (Andersen) and the city," City Council- man Johnny Barnes said of the council's decision to work with Andersen in purchasing and selling the land.

"It's always nice when you have someone stepping forward and saying, 'Here's a development, and it won't cost you anything.'"

Several years ago, Andersen heard from a friend — who happens to be a professional wakeboarder— that Lehi was looking to increase their water storage. As an avid water sportsman himself, the 29-year-old entrepreneur then approached the city with the idea that an irrigation reservoir could also make for some prime wakeboarding territory.

Andersen said he chose the land by the Point of the Mountain, which for decades had been owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as the location for the reservoir and a future development.

In an unusual move, Lehi bought the chosen 85-acre parcel, then sold it immediately to Andersen for about $4 million. As part of the deal, Lehi added a caveat that, put simply, would allow the city to buy back the land if they don't like Andersen's final product.

"The whole point behind (the project) is to create a gateway to the city, to create something beautiful for the city," Andersen said. "If they didn't like it, then down the road, they can buy it back."

With the world-famous "starchitect" Gehry at his side, designing his precedent-breaking project, Andersen says he doesn't foresee the possibility of failing. More details about the project will be given to city officials today, but the development is slated to have a five-star hotel, a conference center/arena, outdoor shopping, housing — and of course the lake.

"Hypothetically, you could ski on it, yes, but it won't be called a ski lake," Andersen said, laughing about the water surface's potential use. "It will be called a wakeboarding lake."

Andersen said he is especially proud of the reservoir because, according to Gehry's designs, the facility will hold more water than was initially expected. He also says combining functions of the water with the development is an environmentally sensitive move.

Though the city stands to benefit from the deal, city officials say that doesn't mean Andersen will get any special treatment or be excused from following city codes.

In fact, some in the city are a little wary of what Gehry's typically unusual design will ultimately look like.

"I think everybody's taking a 'wait-and-see' approach right now," City Councilman Mark Johnson said. "I think some people are excited to see what the proposals are. Other people are just concerned, so we've got a mix."

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