Family, mountains inspire Sandy complex architect

SANDY — Architect Russell Platt's designs for the Proscenium theater complex were inspired by his art-loving family and his daily runs in the mountains of the Wasatch Front.

The undulating curves of the proposed three glass towers are a tribute to the majesty of water-carved granite found in Utah's peaks, he said. And "green" elements such as walkability, high density, a garden atop one roof and wind-powered turbines disguised as sculptural elements will help ensure those mountains can be enjoyed for years to come.

The modernistic structures will achieve a timeless look with the curves, and use of space and materials, Platt said. The first building is expected to house a 2,400-seat Broadway roadhouse theater, a performing-arts high school, offices, a spa and hotel and high-end condominiums. A ritzy private club providing panoramas of the valley from 40 stories up could top off the project.

But the towers will be drastically different from anything else in downtown Sandy. In fact, the development as planned violates several clauses of current building restrictions, though it falls in line with some elements of a downtown Sandy master plan written in 2002.

Platt has suggested changing the city building rules for the zone around Sandy's civic center, which includes the proposed Proscenium project. The suggested changes would give the planning commission discretion on building heights in the zone and would do away with a requirement that all buildings follow a theme and use only earth tones for exteriors.

The ordinance has been approved by the Planning Commission but is stalled by the City Council, which has final say. It is unclear how the planning commission would enforce its decisions if the lax ordinance were passed.

"Our thought is that the Planning Commission could take a look at each project on a case-by-case basis," said city zoning administrator Brian McCuistion.

If built as planned, the Proscenium towers would be about four times as high as Sandy's current highest structures at Jordan Commons. The development is far enough away from the mountains that it won't obstruct views, Platt said, adding that he wouldn't have considered building this project farther east.

Platt said he also wouldn't want this project built in downtown Salt Lake City, where high-rise buildings compete for sunlight. Luckily, the Proscenium will be connected to the capital city's art centers via TRAX lines, he said.