Salt Lake theater plans get Sandy mayor's support

SANDY — Officials in two city halls suggest "Much Ado About Nothing" would be a more fitting description of the saga portraying Sandy as being in a fierce contest with Salt Lake City over the location of a Broadway-style theater.

In April 2008, a trio of developers in Sandy proposed building The Proscenium, a $500 million commercial development that would have included office, retail and residential space — as well as a 2,400-seat theater. Months later, Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker announced plans for a 2,500-seat theater downtown, just south of the $1.5 billion City Creek development.

Since then, the economy tanked and the Sandy developers stopped promoting their idea, all while the downtown project grinds toward reality. The Salt Lake City Council approved $18 million in bonds one month ago to fund the design of the proposed downtown Utah Performing Arts Center.

Becker's office received a letter from Sandy Mayor Tom Dolan two days after Christmas, commending the city for its "bold vision" and throwing his support behind the downtown project.

"I congratulate you, and the Salt Lake City Council," the letter reads, "and extend my full support of the Utah Performing Arts Center."

"When Sandy City was investigating the potential for a Broadway-style theater, it was our assessment that there is a need for such a theater, and in the long term its impact would increase the patronage of all arts organizations," the letter reads.

Was the letter an about-face? Neither mayor was in town Friday to talk about it, but officials in their respective administrations suggest both mayors supported the idea of having a Broadway-class theater, diligently pursued the options on the table and are happy with the way things are turning out.

"In the context of what is happening now, the mayor is just confirming what we saw and felt — that there was a wonderful potential for a project like this," Sandy Deputy Mayor John Hiskey said. "Having the location included in the City Creek project, that just adds to the value and charm that something like that would bring downtown."

Helen Langan, senior adviser to Becker, said the city was happy to receive Sandy's support. The letter will be added to others used to show the support base for the $110 million theater, which still needs additional financial backing.

Salt Lake City will next be courting Salt Lake County, which manages the other major downtown arts venues.

"In the next couple of months, the County Council will be thinking about their level of support for UPAC. For them, it will be helpful to know project support extends well beyond Salt Lake City," Langan said.

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